Bulul Garden Hotel

Breakfast at the café next door, Blackbird, was the best we had in El Nido. We also loved the pool and its view of the cliffs, and our room was spacious with a comfortable bed. We stayed two nights, and the staff’s hospitality made the place feel like a home away from home. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.

The breakfast was the one good part of our stay. The pool was really dirty and clearly not being maintained. So many things felt fragile, including the bathroom door and toilet lid, that we were careful with every move. The shower barely had any water. We had to leave at 6 am for our flight, but nobody was at reception to check us out, so we left the keys and deposit receipt on the table and messaged them to return the deposit through GCash. It’s been two days and we still haven’t received it. I guess you get what you pay for.

We had a great stay. The room was spotless, and the Wi-Fi was really strong. We had an early departure, but told them the evening before, so our deposit was ready to collect. A nice surprise right in the middle of the city.

I’ve stayed here a couple of times and have watched the place grow. El Nido is expanding too quickly for the infrastructure to keep up, especially the water supply. I’ve read the complaints about water, but it’s a city problem, not just this hotel’s. I stayed at Cuna and Funny lion around the same time and they had no water either. Some places get water brought in by truck, so I don’t think it’s really the hotel’s fault. I’ve stayed here when the supply was low and also when the pressure was good and the showers were normal. The dipping pool is great for a quick dip, a beer, and a rest. It’s right in the middle of everything, with nightlife and other places close by, yet it’s very quiet at night. Wi-Fi works perfectly. For cleaning, just let the staff know and leave your key. They’ll clean the room, as the welcome paper explains. Breakfast is served at Blackbird by the hotel entrance, or on your entrance balcony. It’s good, and the coffee is among the best in El Nido. They also make homemade yoghurt and muesli, which I recommend.