Nestled in the heart of Puerto Princesa, The Best Western Plus The Ivywall Hotel stands as a sanctuary where tropical warmth meets refined comfort. Its story is one of transformation, evolving from a local boutique vision into an international standard of hospitality that defines Puerto Princesas skyline. For many, this hotel marks the start of an adventure—a place where the chaos of the city fades into the serene elegance of a modern escape, serving as the perfect launchpad for explorations into the deep blue of the Subterranean River or the golden sands of Honda Bay.
Holiday Getaways
This hotel is best for travelers who refuse to compromise on quality. It is the premier choice for business professionals requiring seamless connectivity, families looking for a safe and clean hub during their island-hopping holiday, and couples seeking a sophisticated, worry-free base in the city.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional service quality that sets the benchmark in the city
Modern, consistently clean rooms with high-standard amenities
Prime central location with easy access to the airport and local eateries
Complimentary airport shuttle adds significant convenience
Cons:
Lacks the expansive sprawl of a remote beach resort
Can be a popular venue for events which might create temporary activity
Not a beachfront property
In-Depth Spotlights: Pricing and Value
When compared to luxury boutique hotels in the area, The Ivywall offers a superior value proposition by balancing international brand reliability with competitive mid-range pricing. While budget inns in Palawan might save you a few pesos, they often lack the 24-hour security, fitness facilities, and professional concierge services that make a stress-free holiday possible. You are paying for peace of mind, consistency, and a central location that saves you time and transport costs.
Customer Reviews
Overall Rating: Excellent
Service: 9.0/10 – Noted for personal touches and professional, welcoming staff.
Facilities: 8.7/10 – Praised for the fitness center and outdoor pool.
Value for money: 8.8/10 – Consistent praise for the quality relative to price.
Cleanliness: 9.2/10 – Consistently rated as sparkling and well-maintained.
Location: 9.1/10 – Ideally situated near the airport and city attractions.
Solving the Travelers Problem
The primary challenge in Puerto Princesa is coordinating island-hopping logistics and finding a reliable home base. The Ivywall solves this by offering a 24-hour front desk that coordinates reputable tour operators, ensuring you never end up with substandard, unsafe, or overpriced activities. Their location reduces transit time, giving you more hours to spend on the beach rather than in traffic.
Travel Guides, Safety and Packing
Safety and Scams: Puerto Princesa is generally safe. Stick to licensed tour operators for island-hopping to ensure safety standards. Beware of overpriced tricycle drivers near the airport; always agree on the price before boarding.
Packing Guide: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a dry bag for boat trips, lightweight breathable clothing, a reusable water bottle, and a light rain jacket if visiting during the rainy season.
Transportation Tips: For city navigation, hire a tricycle or use hotel-arranged vans. For long-distance trips to the Underground River, pre-booked air-conditioned vans are the standard.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, check-in, and a sunset stroll at the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk.
Day 2: Full-day Subterranean River National Park tour.
Day 3: Honda Bay island-hopping tour followed by a dinner feast at Kalui or Kinabuchs.
Day 4: Morning visit to Bakers Hill and Mitra Ranch, followed by an afternoon flight out.
Local Food and Attractions
Local Food: You must try Tamilok (woodworm) served at Kinabuchs and the fresh seafood platters at Kalui.
Local Attractions: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Honda Bay, Bakers Hill, and the Firefly Watching cruise in the mangroves.
Events and Festivals
Balayong Festival (March 4): Celebrates the citys founding with vibrant parades and blooming flowers.
Baragatan Festival (June): A colorful cultural showcase of Palawans heritage.
Seafood Festival (April): A culinary highlight perfect for foodies.
Things to Know and Trivia
The hotel is designed to be energy-efficient, reflecting the eco-friendly focus of Palawan.
Puerto Princesa is officially recognized as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines.
The city is home to the worlds longest navigable underground river.
Frequently Ask Questions
- Is there a safe in the room? Yes, all rooms are equipped with electronic safes.
- Are there vegetarian food options? Yes, the restaurants offer diverse menus including vegetarian dishes.
- Can I arrange tours at the front desk? Yes, the concierge specializes in coordinating all major local tours.
- Is tap water safe to drink? It is highly recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water provided.
- Is the hotel near the mall? Yes, NCCC Mall is a short distance away.
- Does the pool get crowded? It is generally well-managed, even during peak hours.
- Are there laundry services? Yes, same-day and express laundry services are available.
- Is there a dress code for the restaurant? Casual resort wear is perfectly acceptable.
- How early can I check in? Early check-in is subject to availability; contact the hotel 72 hours prior to arrival.
- Can I pay with cash? The property prefers electronic payments and credit cards for security.
