Micasa Lodge Palawan

Noise made it hard to rest. Staff shouted to each other as early as 5-6 a.m., which I witnessed when I woke early for tours. The air conditioning was old, noisy, and ineffective against the heat. Online photos also make the property look much nicer than it is. The security was unsettling. There was a weak connecting door to the neighboring room that could easily be forced open, and the main door was flimsy too. When I tried to open it, the poor-quality plastic partially broke. Instead of an upgrade or a comparable room, I was moved to an even worse one. At check-in I had to sign a form acknowledging the hotel’s advice not to leave valuables in the room, which gave me the impression theft may have been a recurring issue. The cleanliness was unacceptable: there were bloodstains on the bedsheets. My stay was a nightmare, and I’m angry and deeply disappointed by the conditions and service. I’d never recommend this hotel. Avoid it at all costs.

The hotel is close to the centre, while most other hostels and hotels are quite far away and up a hill. The rooms were nice, with ample clothes storage and a decent bathroom. The air conditioning was so strong we had to turn it off by morning. There were a couple of small ants in the bathroom, maybe sugar ants, though that seems common in Palawan. Wifi was a little average, and it seemed only one of us in the room could connect at a time.

The location is handy, near the center so you can walk out for dinner, with a grocery right across the road. Since the lodge is on the main road, tricycles are easy to catch, but motorbikes and other vehicles roar past, so it’s not suited to anyone who needs total silence to sleep. I stayed four nights in Aug 2024 as part of a package tour. The room for 3 pax, with one double and one single bed, was not too small but not spacious either, and the AC was cold. It cost 3k php per night. I later moved to Sunz En Coron for 3.3k per night, and for that small price difference, I’d stay at Sunz En, where everything is better. Service gets 3/5. There aren’t enough staff, and room cleaning or refills of towels, toiletries, and water don’t happen automatically. You have to collect them from reception each time. The included breakfast was bland and unappealing, 2/5, though the rooftop dining area has a nice bay view. For scheduled tours from 8 to 5pm, it’s okay as a place to sleep. If you want a staycation and to enjoy your accommodation, it’s not the best. Location 4/5, room 3.5/5, value 3/5.

A central, affordable place with everything you need, and breakfast hit the spot every day. The staff were attentive and understanding. I’d happily return.