MANILA, Philippines - It took us 11 years to set foot in Palawan again. We have to admit: at a time when digital cameras and blogs were not yet in our radar, our recollection of the island was hazy. Sure, we remember the Crocodile Farm and the penal colony, but other than those, nothing else. Memory gap? That’s another story.
Home in Palawan was Microtel Inn & Suites Puerto Princesa. This stay would be easier to remember, as it is the only accommodation in Palawan that boasts of a beachfront.
Microtel Palawan resident manager Rene Suarez said, “Most Palawan visitors expect to see a beach when they arrive. Our hotel sits by the shores of the white-sand Emerald Beach. We want to fulfill their expectations with our beachfront property.”
It is indeed this uniqueness that gives the 50-room Microtel Palawan the edge. In a place where enjoying oneself by and in the water, this should not disappoint. At the time of our arrival, the water had receded further out into the Puerto Princesa Bay.
“This area of Puerto Princesa facing the sea is very safe, even for kids and families,” Suarez noted. “This part is very shallow and has no turbulent waters. Even if you reach 800 meters into the bay, it is still not that deep. There are no drops, and the slope is very gentle.”
He shared how a lot of people (him included) would find it relaxing to just walk by the beach and take in the fresh air and the natural surroundings. He said, “We are fast becoming known as the hotel with a beachfront.”
A good 15 to 20 minutes from the airport, Suarez said the hotel’s location has so far worked for their guests. “We are far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city but close enough to night spots, restaurants, and other attractions. It is a good mix, the best of both worlds.”
At the time of our visit, Microtel Palawan has bundled its rooms with city and Honda Bay tours. Those who want to explore Palawan more can approach any Microtel staff for further information and booking.
For visitors who mix business with leisure, Microtel has a conference room that can accommodate 20 to 30 participants. Its restaurant, which serves delicious Filipino cuisine, can seat 80 guests. For bigger groups of 100 to 150, Microtel has prepared a pavilion to house them.
This being a Microtel hotel, guests can look forward to the hotel chain’s trademark conveniences. One standout feature is their chiropractor-approved beds. We have slept in many hotels, but theirs are actually friendly to our back. We did have a very good night’s rest after a day’s worth of island hopping and city-tripping. Amenities include a cable television, private bath, phone, outdoor pool, Internet connectivity, hammocks, and many more.
If one wants to go on a real vacation, might as well have everything on hand and worth remembering. Microtel Palawan makes it all happen.
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Microtel Palawan is located at Emerald Playa Beach & Nature Park, San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City. For more information, call (63.48) 7230977 or e-mail at puertoprincesa@microtel.ph. Visit its website at http://www.microtel-palawan.com.