Roomer

Cuna Hotel

Palawan, Philippines
$60-90/ night

Book this if You want a modern, reliable base camp with a generator and rooftop pool in the heart of El Nido town.

Why People Love It

7.7⭐757 reviews
  • Rooftop infinity pool with killer sunset views over Bacuit Bay
  • Full-power generator (a lifesaver during El Nido's frequent blackouts)
  • Walking distance to the port for island hopping tours

Quick Take: A solid, modern hotel that struggles with wet bathroom floors and spotty room Wi-Fi, but makes up for it with AC that actually works.

Reviewed by @monmae: I stayed at Cuna Hotel and honestly, the rooftop pool view is everything. We hit the happy hour every single night (4-8pm!) and loved how easy it was to walk into town. It’s the perfect base for exploring El Nido without spending a fortune.

Guest Who Stayed Here Said

The hype

Travelers love the rooftop vibe and central location but consistently complain about humidity and noise.

Reality check

The 'infinity pool' is smaller than it looks in photos and gets crowded at sunset.

  • You prioritize a working generator and strong AC over luxury details
  • You plan to be out island hopping all day and just need a clean crash pad
  • You want to be steps away from the town's best bars and restaurants

Cleanliness & Maintenance

7
  • Housekeeping: Daily cleaning is generally good, but they often miss dusting high surfaces.
  • Bathroom hygiene: The major weak point. Grout can be discolored due to constant standing water.
  • Maintenance: Modern build, but showing wear. Peeling paint and loose fixtures are common.
  • Linens & towels: Towels can be a bit gray/worn, and beach towels run out quickly.
  • Odors & scents: Frequent complaints of a musty/damp smell in rooms due to high humidity and poor ventilation.

Sleepability™

6MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
  • Roosters (ubiquitous in El Nido)
  • Hallway noise from other guests
  • Street traffic and tricycles

Before you book

Good to know

  • Bring 3,000 PHP in cash for the deposit; they do not accept cards for this.
  • The tap water is not potable; use the refill stations or bottled water.
  • Power outages are common in El Nido, but the hotel's generator kicks in quickly.

What to pack

  • Earplugs (essential for roosters)
  • Dry bag (for island hopping)
  • Slip-on sandals (for the constantly wet bathroom floor)

Room Genie

Best picks

  • Main Building, 4th or 5th floor for better views and slightly less street noise
  • Deluxe Rooms for a bit more space to dry out wet gear

Rooms to avoid

  • Annex Building rooms (stairs only, often mustier)
  • Rooms near the elevator (noisy foot traffic)

Room Request Genie – copy & paste

“I am requesting a room in the Main Building on a high floor (4th or 5th), away from the elevator. Please ensure it is NOT in the Annex building as I require elevator access.”

FAQ & Hidden tips

Everything you actually want to know before you book.

Is the Wi-Fi good enough for Zoom calls?

Absolutely not in the rooms. You might get a stable signal in the lobby or rooftop restaurant, but don't count on it for critical work.

Is there an elevator?

Yes, in the main building only. It can be slow and occasionally out of order. The Annex building is stairs-only.

How far is the beach?

You are a 2-minute walk from the main beach, but it's for boats, not swimming. You'll take a tricycle to Lio or Nacpan for swimming.

Does the hotel arrange tours?

Yes, the concierge can book standard Island Hopping Tours A, B, C, and D, often with pickup from the lobby.

Is breakfast included?

Usually yes. It's a buffet on the rooftop. Reviews are mixed—stick to the egg station and fresh fruit.

Are there fridges in the rooms?

Most Budget and Standard rooms do NOT have a mini-fridge. Deluxe rooms might, but verify before booking if you need to store meds.

Insider Tips

  • ✨

    Happy Hour at the rooftop Scape Skydeck is 4-6 PM; buy-one-get-one cocktails make the sunset view even better.

  • ✨

    The 'Budget' rooms often have no window or a window facing a wall—spend the extra $10 for a Standard/Deluxe.

  • ✨

    If the main elevator is busy/broken, there's a service elevator the staff sometimes let guests use—ask nicely.

5 things to know before you go

  • 💡The bathroom floor is designed with almost no slope, so water pools there and stays for your entire trip.

  • 💡You have to wear a wristband for breakfast, which feels a bit like an all-inclusive resort.

  • 💡The 'mountain view' rooms often just look at the cliff face behind the hotel (which is actually kind of cool/Jurassic Park vibes).

  • 💡They charge for lost key cards, and you only get one, which is annoying for couples doing separate things.

  • 💡The rooftop bar music can thump through the ceiling of the top-floor rooms until 10-11 PM.

Local Playbook

Map

See where Cuna Hotel is located and what's nearby.

Key amenities & services