Earl De Princesa Hotel

The room had drain flies coming from the bathroom sink and even the air-conditioning unit, and they landed on our bed and pillows. We also found a cockroach under the bed. The sheets and pillows smelled musty, the bathroom seemed outdated, and while the air conditioner cooled the room, it was very noisy. I can’t say whether other rooms are the same. There were dead fish in the small outdoor pond, too, which was sad. The tour arrangements were frustrating. We were once dropped at the wrong travel and tour company, and more than once we had to call repeatedly to confirm who was picking us up. That should have been handled ahead of time. Some stops on the city tour were skipped without explanation, and at one point the coordinator went home before we’d been dropped off. The location is a bit out of the way, and the hotel only serves breakfast, with no lunch or dinner on-site. There was just one nearby restaurant within walking distance, so we didn’t have much choice for dinner. The room rate was affordable, breakfast was decent and on time, and we appreciated that they served it at 2am when we had to leave very early. The shower water heater worked well. Guards, front desk staff, tour drivers, and most coordinators were friendly and hospitable, and we appreciate that. I wouldn’t expect a five-star stay at this price, but the place has potential and I wish it were better maintained. They accommodated us, and we’re grateful for what they did to make the stay memorable, but based on our experience, I’m sorry to say I wouldn’t recommend it.

The daytime front desk staff, night guard, and helper were kind, welcoming, and professional, and I want to recognize them. My experience with management was different. I try to treat staff respectfully wherever I go, but that same professionalism wasn’t consistent here. I’d avoid the auxiliary services. When I politely asked the front desk to clarify the car rental terms, I later assumed she was the owner’s daughter. The owner called her, then raised his voice at me instead of handling the question professionally. He said, “Sir! Ganito kasi ’yan, natataranta kasi yung mga tao diyan eh.” I’d asked calmly and with a smile. To be fair, I’d overheard that the front desk person was doing homework and seemed stressed, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I checked with someone experienced in hospitality locally and internationally to see whether I’d done anything wrong. After looking into it, she found several reviews describing similar issues with the owner’s attitude. I let the incident go, but the next day I had booked a 5:00 AM van transfer. The owner had told me to be ready an hour before and after the scheduled time. Even so, I didn’t get on the van until around 9:00 AM because they thought the booking was for the following day. I honestly don’t know whether that was an honest mistake or connected to the previous night.

The area is quiet, and there’s a nice seating spot in front of the hotel. We stayed two nights, and the staff were friendly and tried to help with our requests. The rooms aren’t very roomy, but they’re adequate for the price.

It’s our last day in Palawan, and as first-time travelers we never felt mistreated. The free breakfast made this affordable stay even better, and the service was convenient and great. The tour packages were worth it and hassle-free, especially if it’s your first visit. We’ll definitely come back. Thank you so much! P.S. My husband arranged a surprise for our first wedding anniversary and asked the staff to help. The setup was so beautiful that both of us were shocked. Ms. Pearl and the staff made our anniversary memorable. Love you all, hahahaha! 🥹💕💕