With the Philippines slowly but surely opening up again to local and foreign tourists, it is officially “revenge travel” season. People are either heading to the mountains for some solace or sailing for the beach to get some much needed time under the sun after staying home for years. If you’re planning to make the most out of your first trip in years, you’ll never go wrong with Palawan.
With its lush forests and marine life, bustling nightlife and food scene, and of course its award-winning beaches, Palawan has all the makings of an unforgettable vacation. And this is exactly why the people behind Luana Lifestyle & Leisure Hotel, Inc. decided to make one of the best islands in the world the home to the sister property of Hue Boracay: Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa.
“We see Puerto Princesa as the Last Frontier and we feel that it still lacks a different kind of hotel, like what we are offering here. Before, we saw Puerto Princesa as the jump-off point to Coron or El Nido. We want the hotel to be the destination instead of the city,” shares Mr. Chris Guballa, Group General Manager of Hue Hotels & Resorts.
Celebrating the vibrancy and richness of Filipino culture and the wonders of nature, Puerto Princesa is the perfect canvas for creating new memories whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, a group of friends, or for business. The hotel is just about six minutes away from the Puerto Princesa Airport and located right in the heart of the city, making it ideal for MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) travelers.
INFUSING ‘GLOCAL’ INSPIRATIONS
“The design of the hotel is called ‘Glocal’. [It’s] a mixture of local materials, local inspirations, while catering to the global market,” Mr. Guballa explains. “From the design concept alone, we really wanted something different. We don’t want a hotel that’s cookie-cutter or just a box.”
Upon arriving at the spacious yet welcoming lobby of Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa, guests are greeted by the wood carvings of the endemic balinsasayaw and the mangrove-inspired floors leading them to the reception counter decorated with colorful locally made banig. The property uses local materials and inspirations to bring culture from the entrance to the rooms to the public areas, like the rooftop pool designed with colorful tiles and patterns resembling the ubiquitous banderitas as seen in Filipino fiestas. The adjacent sundeck is the best place to lounge after a day of exploring the city, soaking up the sunset while enjoying a bird’s eye view of Puerto Princesa City with a drink or cocktail in hand.
Managed by Hospitality Innovators, Inc. (HII), Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa also practices eco-friendliness by putting reusable glass bottles of purified water in each room. Water conservation is also an important aspect of the bathroom’s design within the property.
RELAXATION IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Guests have three options for their accommodation in the heart of Puerto Princesa. Each room is tastefully designed with modern aesthetics infused with local influences. The floor-to-ceiling windows let natural light in while showcasing the various views of the city. And guests can enjoy the laid back comforts of the island while staying connected with high-speed internet.
Best for solo and business travelers, the Deluxe Room is 25 square meters of comfort and relaxation with either a king-sized bed or two twin beds. A work desk lends ample work space within the room for some peace and quiet.
The 50-square-meter Family Room comfortably fits up to four guests, so families or groups of friends can enjoy the room together. To address the increase in capacity, each Family Room comes with two en suite bathrooms and two separate work desks. Guests can choose from one king bed or two bunk beds for accommodations.
For maximum relaxation and comfort, guests can spring for the Suite (Room), which includes a small coffee or dining area to enjoy room service. The 25-square-meter Suite also comes with a bathtub where guests can unwind and rest their tired bodies after a day of island fun. This room is best for couples or travelers looking for extra space and can choose between a king-sized bed or two twin beds.
Got aching legs and back after walking around the city? Hue Puerto Princesa is home to Aminah Spa, a respite where guests can savor different shades of comfort right within the confines of the property. Specially trained professionals provide traditional massages and spa services. If you don’t feel like going to the spa, they also offer in-room massage services that are just a call away.
MIXING BUSINESS WITH TROPICAL PLEASURE
Hue Puerto Princesa is also the best place to gather for MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Exhibitions) and large gatherings, like family reunions and milestones like weddings. Within the property, there are two ballrooms which can hold up to 100 people each, and two meeting rooms which can hold up to 40 participants each. Function rooms can also be combined to handle larger events.
Bringing color to leisure, Hue Puerto Princesa hotel didn’t just splash color across the entire property but on its menu as well. In their in-house restaurant LA-UD, only the freshest local ingredients and the boldest of flavors arrive at each table. La-ud showcases classic Filipino dishes as well as comfort food that will surely make any guest feel welcome. Must-tries at La-ud include their signature Octopus Salpicao, Gambas, Smoked Pork Ribs, Crispy Pork Binagoongan, and the iconic Halo-Halo to beat the island heat.
For guests’ convenience, Hue Puerto Princesa also offers tour packages to some of the famous spots in the island, including a tour of the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the breathtaking Honda Bay. Special tours like the Firefly Watching Tour along Iwahig River and the City Tour are also available. From the city, guests can also travel to must-see destinations like San Vicente Beach (the second longest stretch of beach in Southeast Asia), El Nido, and Nacpan Beach.
Guests visiting during the month of June can avail of special promos in celebration of Hue Puerto Princesa’s 5th anniversary. For only P5,555, guests can choose between two promo packages: a two-night stay in one deluxe room for two persons; or an overnight stay in two deluxe rooms for two. Both packages come with complimentary breakfast and P1,000 worth of dining credits at La-ud Restaurant. MICE travelers can also rent a meeting room for P5,555, which comes with two hours of use and food and beverage good for 10 persons. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit puertoprincesa.thehuehotel.com for more information on the latest promos.
Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa is located at Km. 3 Puerto Princesa North Road, Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. For booking and inquiries, call +63 917 773 4427, +63 917 824 4284, +63 947 428 9025 during office hours, or email [email protected] or [email protected].