Known and very proud for its moniker the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ the Philippines is a hotspot for travel in Southeast Asia. Major port cities are big players in maritime trade, with many its hotels booked by business travelers looking for opportunities. Its rural coastal areas, with plentiful beach resorts, are considered dream getaways by locals and foreigners alike. Folks out there looking for unusual vacations can also find plenty of offbeat activities and attractions. If that is your goal, then don’t forget check out this list as well. Read on to see our picks for the most unique places to stay in the Philippines.
Unique attractions to visit
- The fortress island of Corregidor, despite its eventual fall in World War 2, is commemorated to this day as a symbol of defiance against insurmountable odds. I've been there and I saw and walked through many of the ruined buildings and bunkers, and felt with my own hands the damage caused by bullets, explosions, and incendiaries during the fierce fighting.
- Built near the final years of Spain's colonial rule of the Philippines, El Deposito is a giant underground reservoir meant to service Manila's growing needs for water at the time. It is open to the public and group tours can be booked ahead of visiting.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
Your options at a glance
| Property | Unique Feature | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nay Palad Hideaway | Waterfront resort surrounded by mangrove | from USD 3500 |
| Hotel H2O | Sea-themed hotel within Manila Ocean Park property | from USD 86 |
| Isla - The Island Experience | Secluded island getaway accessible only by boat | from USD 78 |
| The Manila Hotel | Iconic hotel now with an art gallery and heritage museum | from USD 156 |
| Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Resort | Seaside resort with restored heritage houses | from USD 140 |
| Canvas Boutique Hotel | Art hotel with individually styled rooms to match | from USD 68 |
| Camp Netanya Resort and Spa | Santorini-inspired architecture and design | from USD 109 |
| Hotel Luna | Museum hotel situated in a UNESCO Heritage City | from USD 113 |
| Cintai - Coritos Garden Hotel | Villa resort inspired by Balinese aesthetics | from USD 110 |
Why you should stay in a unique accommodation
Cultural immersion: Some accommodations are designed to provide a deep dive into local culture, offering authentic experiences like traditional meals, cultural performances, and local tours.
Connection to nature: Many unique accommodations provide a more secluded and peaceful environment than large hotels, perfect for relaxation. Options such as treehouses, cabins, and glamping sites bring you closer to nature, letting you fully appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.
Thematic experiences: From pirate-themed ships to medieval castles, unique accommodations can transport you to a different time or place, providing a fun and memorable experience.
Instagram-worthy moments: Many unique accommodations offer picturesque backdrops, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, staying somewhere distinctive enhances your travel story and makes your trip stand out.
How we choose the best unique accommodations
When selecting the best unique accommodations, we consider various factors to ensure that each recommendation aligns with the preferences and expectations of discerning travelers. Our criteria include:
Regional uniqueness: We prioritize accommodations that are rare or uncommon, offering something distinct that sets them apart from the typical hotel experience.
Architecture and design: We look for properties with unique structures, themed rooms, custom-made decor, artistic elements, or integration of local cultural influences that differentiate the property from typical buildings in the region.
Special experiences: We evaluate the unique experiences offered by the property, including bespoke services, exclusive dining options, as well as extraordinary amenities like underwater spas or private art galleries.
Exclusive location: We seek accommodations situated in unusual or extraordinary settings, such as remote, scenic, or culturally significant areas, providing guests with immersive cultural experiences and extraordinary views.
Overall value: We also evaluate each property’s accessibility, guest experiences, service quality, comfort, and overall quality relative to its price.
By considering these factors, we aim to recommend accommodations that offer an unforgettable stay.
1. Nay Palad Hideaway; General Luna, Surigao
What makes it unique?
- Exotic escape: Secluded resort hidden amongst the forests and mangroves of Surigao
- Exclusive abodes: Each accommodation is a luxurious villa with a private garden and deck
- Incredible activities: Paddle through the lush mangrove forest, or unwind at the outdoor cinema after a day of fun
Potential trade-offs
- The price of a stay may be too high for casual or budget-oriented travelers
- Secluded location with no nearby shops or services
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a family photo with the ocean as your backdrop
- Be sure to share with us your pictures of the mangroves and their native wildlife while exploring the island
Nay Palad Hideaway - All Inclusive Stay
Address: 8419 Malinao Road
2. Hotel H2O; Manila (from USD 100)
What makes it unique?
- Seaside spot: Part of Manila Ocean Park, with some rooms equipped with aquariums instead of windows
- Great vistas: Guests can enjoy views of Manila Bay from their room's windows
- Refreshing amenities: Relax and recuperate with a dip in the outdoor pool, or by availing a treatment at the spa
Potential trade-offs
- Guests have noted the parking area is a fair bit of distance from the hotel
- A few guests have also noted the thin walls and sounds coming through
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a selfie with the fishes if you've booked an aquarium theme room
- Alternatively, use the famous Manila Bay sunset as your backdrop if you have a glass panel window instead
Hotel H2O
Address: Luneta (Behind Quirino Grand Stand), Manila Bay, Manila, Philippines, 1000
3. Isla - The Island Experience; El Nido, Palawan (from USD 133)
What makes it unique?
- Island getaway: Seaside resort situated on an island accessible only via ferry boat
- Exotic accommodations: I'm feeling nostalgic because rooms are bamboo stilt houses looking out to the sea
- Exciting experiences: Book some of the tours and experiences including snorkeling at a shipwreck
Potential trade-offs
- No access to shops or services without taking a ferry boat
- Bring some bug repellent as the huts are open and the mosquito net may not be sufficient
Insta-worthy corners
- You can't go wrong with using your lovely hut as backdrop for your selfie
- Couples can take a sweet twofie while enjoying the beach bonfire
Isla - The Island Experience
Address: Darocotan Island El Nido
4. The Manila Hotel; Manila (from USD 143)
Delicious breakfast buffet with extensive choices, superb Filipino dishes, and healthy options
Reasonably priced with discounts at breakfast buffet
Excellent location for visiting Intramuros and nearby attractions, walking distance to Rizal Park
Historical and cultural vibe, spacious rooms, beautiful lobby, pool, and gym
What makes it unique?
- Historic icon: Opened back in 1912 and has remained a fixture in many of Manila's historic moments
- Heritage kept: Has a quaint museum filled with photographs and items from many of Manila's important moments
- Art appreciation: The art gallery boasts a collection of works from various Filipino masters from various genres
Potential trade-offs
- As a large and busy hotel, it may get quite crowded during peak season
- Service may also be slowed down when there is a large amount of guests
Insta-worthy corners
- Marvel at the works of Filipino artists at the art gallery
- The lobby has a ritzy atmosphere reminiscent of fellow iconic hotels featured in Hollywood movies
The Manila Hotel
Address: One Rizal Park
5. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Resort; Bataan (from USD 118)
What makes it unique?
- Immersive stay: Book one of the many restored historic houses to serve as your accommodation, some of which include a private pool
- Experience history: Let me sincerely encourage you to rent a period costume and walk the simulated streets of Colonial Philippines as you make your way around the resort grounds
- Amazing activities: Fun and educational activities await, including kalesa rides and historic reenactments
Potential trade-offs
- Apart from on-site options, the nearest shops and services are 10 minutes away by car
- Some guests have raised issue with service and cleanliness, likely due to the size of the property
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a family photo while in full costume and with the historic architecture as backdrop
- Go for a romantic twofie at the bridge, under the lamplight
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Resort
Address: Brgy Ibaba, Bagac, Bataan, Philippines, 2107
6. Canvas Boutique Hotel; Puerto Princesa, Palawan (from USD 73)
What makes it unique?
- Embodying art: Each room and floor of the hotel has its own art mural with decor meant to match it. The design is meant to represent the rich culture and mythology of Palawan
- Pet-friendly stay: Pets are welcome with no extra charges, which I think is a really nice plus
Potential trade-offs
- Noise from the nearby airport may be an issue for some guests
- Some vegan guests have noted the lack of dining options at the on-site restaurant
Insta-worthy corners
- Chill at the pool while sipping a delicious smoothie or cocktail
- Show off the Instagrammable food from the on-site restaurant on your socials
Canvas Boutique Hotel
Address: Palawan North Road cor R San Juan Barangay San Miguel
7. Camp Netanya Resort and Spa; Mabini, Batangas (from USD 94)
What makes it unique?
- Seaside getaway: The warm weather and Santorini-style architecture evoke a feeling of vacationing in the Mediterranean
- Great amenities: Sing your heart out at the music lounge, like I would, or let your children make new friends at the kid's club
- Fun under the sun: Sign up for activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, or take a peaceful glass bottom boat ride
Potential trade-offs
- The nearest town, with its shops and services, is a 15-minute drive away
- Stairs access might give the elderly some difficulty
Insta-worthy corners
- The striking architecture makes for an eye-catching selfie background
- Greet the day and night with a sunrise and sunset selfie from your balcony
Camp Netanya Resort and Spa
Address: Brgy. Ligaya, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines, 4202
8. Hotel Luna; Vigan, Ilocos Sur (from USD 113)
What makes it unique?
- Heritage shared: Proud to be the Philippines' first museum hotel with artworks from various Philippine National Artists integrated with the decor
- Stylish accommodations: Rooms are dressed in a blend of classical furnishings with modern accouterments
- Charming amenities: I adore the historical angle with the courtyard pool and on-site restaurant evoking ostentatious Spanish era architecture
Potential trade-offs
- No on-site parking available
- Due to the historic layout of the neighborhood, noise disturbances may be encountered
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a snapshot of the courtyard pool, either from the water or from the terrace hallway
- Admire the beautiful Ilocos Sur skyline from the rooftop terrace
Hotel Luna
Address: V. Delos Reyes corner Gen. Luna Street
9. Cintai - Coritos Garden Hotel; Lipa City, Batangas (from USD 109)
What makes it unique?
- Unique aesthetic: Inspired by Bali Indonesian architecture and aesthetics
- Refreshing retreat: The setting provides a relaxing and refreshing getaway from city life
- Stylish accommodations: Each villa is equipped with modern comforts
Potential trade-offs
- It's 20-30 minutes from the nearest city depending on the traffic
- The location may attract insects so bring a bug repellent
Insta-worthy corners
- Take a selfie with the various Balinese sculptures as your backdrop
- Record a reel as you do some morning exercises in the garden
Cintai - Coritos Garden Hotel
Address: Sitio Pandayan, Malabanan, Balete, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, 4219
Visit and revisit the Pearl of the Orient
From diverse and interesting cultures to incredible cuisine, there are many reasons to make repeated trips to the Philippines. For your next one, why not book one of these unique places to stay to spice it up?
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