Floral Villarosa

With only six rooms, it’s not surprising that the mid-range Floral Villarosa Pool has an intimate vibe, and guests typically leave knowing the front desk staff by name. The hotel opened in 2013 and has a cruise ship design, complete with porthole windows that can be seen from the modest entrance. It's on a quiet street within close proximity to the airport, attracting lots of budget-minded travelers (primarily couples) en route to El Nido. Despite its central location, the hotel has a beachy vibe thanks to tropical designs and a lovely outdoor pool with a waterfall that can be heard in rooms. The only time the peacefulness is disturbed is when the neighboring roosters start crowing in the morning. At night, staff light candles by the pool, creating a romantic atmosphere. This tropically landscaped property has pebbled walkways, natural picnic tables, and a garden with bench seating that make it a serene retreat from the busy Puerto Princesa city.

This hotel is a convenient stopover location for travelers heading to El Nido, as it’s a two-minute drive to the Puerto Princesa International Airport and the hotel offers free shuttle service. The area is quiet and dominated by residences and hotels, although there are restaurants within walking distance. Golfers can access the Puerto Princesa Golf Club by car in two minutes, while getting to the city center requires a 10-minute drive. Kalayaan Beach is a 22-minute drive and the restaurants in the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park are 15 minutes away by car. 

The hotel's six rooms are simply designed and have white walls and large windows that create a bright setting. All air-conditioned rooms are decorated in Filipino fabrics, with rattan chairs, queen beds, and traditional wooden furniture. Towels folded into flower shapes are a cute decorative touch. The four Deluxe Rooms surround the pool and feature wooden floors, plus small furnished patios and pebble- and bamboo-accented bathrooms with walk-in showers. The two second-floor Superior Rooms have tile floors, minibars, and large furnished terraces; these bathrooms lack the pebble detailing but they have larger showers. All rooms have 26- or 32-inch flat-screen TVs, slippers, loaner umbrellas, basic toiletries, and safes. 

The property may be tiny, but the amenities present are solid. At the center of the hotel is a small, well-maintained pool with a rock waterfall in one corner and cushioned loungers lined along one side. This area also has a thatched-roof cabana and a rock-covered outdoor shower. A lovely wicker hammock draped with colorful scarves is in the hotel's lush garden under a tiki cabana. 

The low-key restaurant is a charming space with a woven-mat ceiling, colorful artwork on the walls, and a corner with small carved wooden objects. It serves Filipino food for all three meals -- serving items such as sweet and sour lapu-lapu to mai tais -- but the restaurant closes in the afternoon and reopens in the early evening. Outdoor dining tables are available in the garden. The front desk is open 24/7 and can arrange tours to the Underground River and Honda Bay, as well as candlelight dinners and romantic perks in rooms, including flowers and massages. Outdoor parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi are free.