Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital city, just might be your ideal retreat city. For one, it is a coastal city, giving you easy access to beautiful beaches should you find yourself craving for a break—or just in need of inspiration. Secondly, it’s one of—if not the—cleanest and greenest cities in the Philippines, high up in the livability ranking. And lastly, it has all the essentials to afford an up-to-date lifestyle, while still allowing you to be close to the roughness of nature.
Among Puerto Princesa’s host of charming accommodations is Floral Villarosa—a Swiss-owned boutique hotel uniquely offering a spa-like experience. From its distinctive Filipino decors to its calming gardens, this hotel offers a tranquil escape while still providing the conveniences of home and the proximity to the city’s major attractions. With its intimate ambience and small, cozy guestrooms, Floral Villarosa is a perfect choice for couples—or hey, anyone, for that matter—visiting Palawan.
Within a short walk or drive, travelers will find a neighborhood studded with dining, nightlife, and cultural venues. In addition, the hotel conveniently sits in Bancao-Bancao, less than 10 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa Airport. Read on to find out more about Floral Villarosa.
The Hotel
Stepping into the hotel is like arriving in a garden oasis: the lush yard is filled with plants and flowers, along with rustic and native wooden elements. A narrow pathway leads to the small lobby, where friendly staff awaits and takes care of your check-in. After assisting you to your room, they will hand you some refreshing welcome drinks.
In the middle of the property is a lovely swimming pool complete with lounge chairs and a fountain. How I wish I had a photo of the pool during nighttime—the glow of tealights makes the area incredibly gorgeous! Just a few steps away is the outdoor spa area where guests can have a relaxing massage, a perfect ending to a long day of sightseeing around Puerto Princesa.
The Room
The native theme is replicated inside each of Floral Villarosa's 6 rooms via wooden furniture, complementing art pieces, and local fabrics. We stayed in a Deluxe King Room (check rates here), which is fitted with a King-sized bed, a wooden bedroom bench, a cabinet for storage, a 32-inch LCD cable TV, an energy-saving air-conditioning system, and a private bathroom. I absolutely love the calming vibes of the room—it instantly makes you want to stretch your legs and take a rest!
The native bathroom is compact but adorable. There’s a washbasin, accentuated by a countertop studded with pebbles and skirted by bamboo. There’s a toilet with a bidet, separated from the shower area by a curtain. Plants bring a pop of color to the otherwise neutral hues of the space. Fresh towels and toiletries are provided.
There were three of us, so they set up an extra mattress on the floor for us. We absolutely didn’t mind—the room was very cozy, and we had enough space for our stuff. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is also available.
Outside there are chairs and tables, perfect for morning coffee sessions of evening drinks—with a view of the pool, of course.
Dining
Floral Villarosa operates its own full-service restaurant, with a menu consisting of local and international cuisines. Boasting of giant semicircular entryways (which reminded me of hobbit houses), the restaurant has an airy and casual feel, perfectly matching the overall vibe of the hotel. Woven elements, paintings, and local sculptures complete the mood.
Breakfast is delicious. I chose the Villarosa's Best breakfast set consisting of hash browns, bacon, ham, cheese, and two eggs, with a cup of coffee. If you like local flavors, get the Filipino set, where you can choose between fried fish or beef tenderloin (tapa). Make sure you order a Fruit Platter to share for dessert. Since they had an alfresco area, we chose to dine there amidst the greens and the soft Palawan breeze.
Activities
Floral Villarosa offers a variety of affordable tours—perfect for those who are not so good at planning their trips or for first-timers who have no idea where to go in Palawan. For Puerto Princesa, they have the following: Underground River Tour, Honda Bay Tour, City Tour, Firefly Watching, Dolphin Watching, and Whaleshark Watching. Please see below for details or click here to learn more. (Photo credit: Floral Villarosa)
| Underground River Tour PhP2,000/head (whole day) |
Honda Bay Island Tour Php1,340/head (whole day) |
City Tour Php600/head (1:00PM - 5:00PM) |
Firefly Watching Php1,100/head (5:00PM - 10:00PM) |
Dolphin Watching Php1,100/head (6:00AM - 10:00AM) |
Whaleshark Watching* Php1,800/head (6:00AM - 2:00PM) |
*seasonal
- Inclusions: air-conditioned van, boat transportation, licensed tour guide, all Entrance Fees & terminal fees, buffet lunch
- Exclusions: Environmental Fee of PhP 150/person
They also offer 3D2N and 4D3N Puerto Princesa tour packages, as well as a combined Puerto Princesa and El Nido package (4D3N) via their partner website, ElNido.ph. Check them out here.
A Tropical Retreat within the Capital City
As if Puerto Princesa isn’t enough of a respite from the horrific stresses of Manila (and maybe even of Cebu City), Floral Villarosa is like a sanctuary within a sanctuary—offering travelers a quiet, intimate, and comfortable space in the capital of Palawan. Its native setting is downright charming and calming, providing the feel of an authentic getaway while still allowing travelers to be within proximity of everything that’s essential. The staff are incredibly warm and gracious, making our stay even more memorable. I can’t wait to go back to Puerto Princesa—I’m definitely booking this hotel when I do.
~*~
Floral Villarosa Palawan
Villarosa Road, Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
+6348.433.0223/+63917.512.1459
floralvillarosapool@gmail.com
Criteria
Facilities
Service
Dining
Ambience
Location
TOTAL | Rating
3/5
5/5
3.5/5
5/5
5/5
4.3
|
Comments
The rooms are relaxing, charming, and comfy.
Genuinely warm and friendly hotel staff.
Delicious breakfast choices, beautiful alfresco ambience.
The hotel is like a hidden tropical treasure within the city.
Near restaurants/bars and the airport.
A perfect hideaway within Palawan's capital. |
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Have you been to Puerto Princesa? Which is your favorite hotel? Have you stayed at Floral Villarosa?
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