3 Best Hotels in Philippines

This Austrian/Filipino-owned hostel is at the north end of bustling White Beach, a two-minute walk from the water's edge and also within easy reach of numerous restaurants. The comfortable rooms are inside individual rustic wood-and-bamboo chalets, each with their own balconies and set amid tropical gardens—getting you closer to nature without depriving you of the large comfortable bed and en-suite bathroom. Rooms have no a/c, but are fan-cooled. Two six-bed, single-sex dorms are also available, offering a budget option for solo travelers. A nightly happy hour encourages guests to socialize in the lobby bar before heading out to eat.

The Bayleaf is an oasis of calm in the heart of old Manila. It may be nestled among the Spanish colonial buildings of the historic Intramuros district, but this property is anything but old fashioned. Service in this medium-sized establishment is friendly, efficient, and very 21st-century, while the spacious rooms are contemporary, stylishly decorated, and spotlessly clean, with all modern conveniences. Don't miss the view over the city from the rooftop Skydeck bar.

Dave's is a popular, inexpensive and friendly budget option at the south end of White Beach, near Station 3. Guest rooms are fairly simple but clean and well-maintained, with a/c, cable TV, and refrigerators. Cheaper and more basic fan-cooled rooms are also available. The hotel itself, a mixture of Spanish and Filipino designs, has a small library and an outdoor barbecue area where guests can gather to socialize.