This family hotel, ten minutes by tricycle from Puerto Princesa Airport in a quiet dead end is a good bargain.

Aptly named and translating to “beautiful house” in Spanish, the eponymous Casa Linda Inn started out in 1962 as a four-room affair. It doubled at the same time the family home of owners Linda and Buddy of the respected Mendoza clan of Palawan. The four rooms were on the second level of the Filipino-style house while the family occupied three rooms at the ground floor.

Inspired by traditional architecture in wood and bamboo, it is constructed on a level a little bit above the ground. All the structures built on 3 sides of the property encircle a pretty, small inner garden fill with plants and flowers. A kiosk lies in the middle of the garden where you can have a drink or simply read.

Upon arrival, you first enter a wooden building that houses a small reception hall, a lounge and a restaurant. This area opens to the garden and has a warm atmosphere, with its beautiful, polished wooden floors and bamboo sofas covered with comfortable throw pillows. This is where avid TV lovers watch their favorite shows in the evenings.

The bedrooms along the passageway overlooking the garden, are clustered around the reception area. These are rather dim and lighting at night is poor. The interiors are simple but very clean with bamboo-covered walls and small, tiled bathrooms. Only some of the rooms are air-conditioned.

The hospitable receptionist can help you organize your Palawan trip, especially car rentals or reservations for bancas or hotels within the province.

Casa Linda is more than a place to stay in Puerto Princesa. It is an intimate and serene inn in the middle of the city, an accessible and quiet place where one can relax and read. It is conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants, internet cafes and Puerto Princesa’s commercial district. The airport and wharf are only five minutes away by tricycle.

How to get there

By air, 75-minute daily flights on PAL, Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit or Air Philippines from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Ten minutes by tricycle from Puerto Princesa airport to the hotel.

More photos here