The tropical gardens at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel make for a serene setting in the bustling city of Puerto Princesa. This small two-pearl hotel offers travelers on a budget inexpensive rooms, plus nicely landscaped grounds with ample carved wooden benches and wicker hammocks placed throughout. Inside the lobby are traditional, somewhat quirky decorations that include colorful paintings of a toucan and fishes, bright lanterns strung from a thatched ceiling, and an array of objects for sale. Overall, the hotel's peaceful “Secret Garden” vibe and well-reviewed on-site restaurant make it an excellent value. 

This hotel is located on a quiet street with a few passing tricycles, just south of the Puerto Princesa International Airport -- a three-minute ride via the hotel’s free shuttle. There aren’t any beaches nearby, but the front desk can arrange trips to Honda Bay and the Underground River. Ugong Rock, known for cave hiking, is a two-minute drive away. The city center, where there are tons of bars and restaurants, is a 10-minute car or tricycle ride away. Getting to the Palawan Special Battalion WWII Memorial Museum takes about the same amount of time. The restaurants and nightlife on the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park are a 15-minute drive away, while Kalayaan Beach takes 20 minutes. 

The hotel's garden theme continues in the 14 comfortable rooms. They feature woven-mat ceiling designs, harsh yellow and orange walls, terra-cotta tile floors, and hammocks in public corridors. Some rooms have gorgeous private gardens with wicker hammocks, tables, and chairs. Rooms feature Filipino artisanal decor items, glass-topped bedside tables with colorful beads, wooden wardrobes, and tropical artwork. Hibiscus flowers are placed on folded bath towels as a welcoming touch. All rooms have air-conditioning units, minibars, and safes, plus 29-inch tube TVs that make them feel dated. King Rooms also offer modest sitting areas. Basic bathrooms are clean and have showers and packaged toiletries. All rooms are designed for two people, except for one Family King Room available for up to six people. 

The Hibiscus Garden Hotel’s restaurant is open for all three meals and offers traditional Filipino cuisine, plus well-reviewed wood-fire oven pizza. The space has casual rattan chairs and seashell curtains hanging from the windows, as well as a bar area. Hand-made souvenirs, jewelry, and other gifts are for sale in the lobby. The hotel provides free shuttle service to the airport and free Wi-Fi throughout, though it can be spotty. Massages and tour reservations to Honda Bay and the Underground River can be arranged through the front desk.