Dandal Bay View Inn

We left after one night even though our reservation was for six, and we weren’t refunded. After the long trip from Cebu to Puerto Princesa and then a six-hour van ride to El Nido, we just wanted somewhere comfortable and safe to rest. Instead, part of the ceiling came down in our room as we were about to shower. The bathroom smelled very bad, and the balcony railings were rusty. A staff member moved us to another room, but that one had an unpleasant smell at the sink too, and the water didn’t drain properly. Late at night I spent hours trying to reach the owner for help, but communication was difficult and I didn’t get a useful response. We booked another hotel and left. I’d urge travelers to be cautious before booking. The place felt poorly maintained, and the service was frustrating. I hope management improves the maintenance, cleanliness, and customer service, because the beachfront location has potential. To the property owner, tables turn one day and you’ll get the KARMA that you deserve by scamming people!

I had to leave two days early because staying there was unbearable, and they refused to refund those unused nights. I wasn’t given the room I’d paid for. They put me in a different one with a broken AC, and in the Philippines heat that was unacceptable. When I complained, the staff were rude and dismissive. Nobody tried to repair the AC, offered another room, or even gave a basic apology. The property doesn’t honor its bookings, takes no responsibility for what it sells, and showed no respect for me as a guest. I strongly advise avoiding this place if you value your money and peace of mind.

The power kept going out during our stay, and it felt like we had no electricity half the time. The AC worked only now and then. The room was often noisy and extremely bright, so sleeping was difficult. Breakfast was very, very, very minimal and disappointing. The reception woman was aggressive and rude, and staff in general couldn’t give proper information or help with problems. We arrived with a confirmed reservation, but there was no room for us. At first they said there was a problem with the room, then it became clear it had been given to someone else. They weren’t transparent about what had happened, and we felt misled. The replacement room was much worse and nothing like what we’d booked. It wasn’t right on the beach as reserved, didn’t even have a toilet seat, and was in very poor condition. There was no real understanding or proper apology. We had to spend the first night elsewhere, then stayed at the property for the remaining two nights. We strongly advise against booking here. Other guests we spoke with had similar frustrations. For the price and location, we expected much more professionalism and service, and we didn’t feel welcomed or cared for.

Carl at reception was especially friendly and helpful, and the location is a real plus. The rooms were disappointing, particularly the bathroom. Our experience with the owner was the main reason I wouldn't book here again. After our rented motorbike got a flat tire in El Nido, we told him right away and asked to leave it overnight because the repair shops had closed. He was rude and disrespectful, threatened us with high penalties, and insisted we fix it that day. We eventually found a workshop after asking many locals. I called and messaged him several times to keep him updated, but still haven't had a response. It's a shame, since the place had seemed like a nice family business.