SotoGrande Palawan has 147 well-appointed rooms complete with amenities.

Natural beauty and rich biodiversity make Puerto Princesa City a popular tourist destination. It is also a melting pot of people with diverse cultures.

One of the most popular destinations in the region is the famed Honda Bay, located roughly 30 minutes away from the city proper.

While many would assume that the bay was named after the Japanese automotive firm, local boaters clarified that the name was derived from the phrase “Hondo Bahia” or deep bay.

This is readily apparent when island hopping as the shallow waters quickly give way to deep coral cliffs. However, the multitude of islands in close vicinity with each other along with the crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life makes the bay a perennial favorite for tourists, especially those who love the sea.

Some of the most popular islands include Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

Starfish Island is known for its Chocolate Chip Starfish inhabitants which can be found in large numbers during their mating season in February and March. It is also a prime snorkeling location thanks to the numerous coral reefs.

For those who want to relax, the island offers several villas for rent as well as a live cooking area where locals offer freshly caught fish and seafood that can be eaten by visitors.

Luli Island is one of the more interesting locations in Honda Bay. Short for “lulubog at lilitaw”, the Luli Islands’ sandy top disappears completely during high tide only to appear again when the tides recede.

Villas built on stilts as well as hammocks dotting the island take advantage of this special occurrence, as guests can enjoy the slow rise or fall of the sea during their stay.

Cowrie Island serves as the final stop for most of the island tours. Located roughly 10 minutes away from the Honda Bay port, it is the biggest on the Honda Bay island hopping tour. This is where the majority of tourists will spend most of their time, with many guests opting to have their meals during their stay there.

The island has white sand and big palm trees running through the center. There is a bar in the middle of the island that serves fresh watermelon smoothies, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.

Along the edge of the beach are wooden cabanas that could be rented out during the stay. Beach lovers can spend the time snorkeling while more adventurous guests can try other activities such as a banana boat ride, kayaking, volleyball, or even just get a massage to unwind.

The popularity of Honda Bay has resulted in many accommodations being developed near the port which serves as the jump-off point.

One of the latest developments to open its doors to guests is SotoGrande Palawan which recently celebrated its grand launch.

Located inside Catalina Lake Residences which is only 25 minutes away from the airport, SotoGrande Hotel Palawan is close to Honda Bay.

“It is a significant advantage for our guests,” says Cluster Operations Manager Shiela Salcedo.  “Given that Sotogrande Hotel is located inside Catalina Lake Residences, shortly, our guests will also enjoy free access to the clubhouse, lake Catalina, and the lighthouse. Right now, aside from the Honda Bay tour and city tour, our guests who are seeking respite from the hustle and bustle can take a dip at the 2 outdoor swimming pools.”

The hotel has 147 well-appointed rooms complete with amenities. Each room, aside from having comfortable beds, is equipped with a flat-screen television, air-conditioning unit, safety deposit box, mini refrigerator, writing desk and chair, and coffee and tea-making appliances.

There are complete bathroom amenities including a bathtub and hot and cold shower in any of the three-room types namely, Standard Room, Deluxe Room and One Bedroom Suite with one Queen bed or two double beds and is suitable for up to four individuals. 

Visitors who are looking to do some workout routines can do so at the hotel’s Fitness Center which is equipped with weights and workout machines like treadmills.

Those who would like to shoot some hoops can do so any time of the day at the hotel’s basketball area.

The hotel also offers amenities for larger crowds, with a large banquet hall located on the second floor with a maximum capacity of 350 guests.

There is also an executive meeting room beside the hotel’s restaurant on the ground floor which can be rented out.

“SotoGrande Hotel Palawan is truly committed to serving guests with utmost excellence through our personalized service. Remembering guest’s name, their preferred room type and greeting them by name truly makes them feel extra special and that kind of gesture is truly heartwarming,” said Salcedo who also delights at the fact that travelers keep coming since the hotel’s soft opening last November.

“If you are searching for a place to stay in this part of the Philippines that will provide not only a comfortable and relaxing stay but also a ‘home away from home’ feel, SotoGrande Hotel Palawan aims to provide that for you. International and local guests can experience the comforts of home, not to mention the personalized service that equally displays Filipino warmth and hospitality through every staff member. Each day at the hotel will easily make for a blissfully quiet yet fun and memorable stay,” Salcedo said.