Escape to Paradise: Lagun Hotel, El Nido's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Lagun Hotel – El Nido’s Hidden Gem…or Just a Pretty Face? (A Really Long Dive-In)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Lagun Hotel in El Nido and… well, let's just say it was an experience. I'm not gonna lie, the pictures promised paradise, and, well, sometimes the reality lived up to the hype. Sometimes it…didn't. This isn't your polished travel brochure review; this is me, unfiltered, spilling the tea (or maybe the lukewarm coffee, more on that later) about this "hidden gem."
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- Keywords: El Nido Hotels, Lagun Hotel Review, Palawan Resorts, Accessible Hotels Philippines, Luxury El Nido, El Nido Spa, El Nido Restaurants, Family-Friendly Hotels, El Nido Activities, Wi-Fi El Nido, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels
- Meta Description: A comprehensive and brutally honest review of Lagun Hotel in El Nido, Palawan. Discover if this "hidden gem" truly lives up to the hype, covering accessibility, dining, amenities, service, and more. Includes hilarious anecdotes and real-world insights.
First Impressions: The Arrival and the…Elevator (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, so the airport transfer (available, thankfully!) was smooth. The driver, bless his cotton socks, battled some truly gnarly El Nido traffic and got me to the hotel with a smile. But then… the elevator. Or, should I say, the lack of one. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm getting on a bit, and hauling luggage up multiple flights of stairs after a long flight? Not my idea of paradise. (Accessibility – We’ll get to that in a sec.) This set the tone, a subtle hint that paradise might require a little…effort.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Ability to Pack Light)
Let’s be real, folks. The promise of "Facilities for disabled guests" felt a little misleading. While I didn’t need them, the lack of an elevator is a major issue for anyone with mobility issues. The brochures touted "accessible rooms," which, I hope, actually exist, because navigating the main areas felt…challenging. I saw a few ramps, which was a plus, but I didn't see any actual accessibility measures in action so I cannot vouch for the true "accessible" rooms. Accessibility score: 5/10 – Great views, not so great on the actual access.
Rooms: My Humble Abode (and the Battle with the Blackout Curtains)
Okay, so the rooms were pretty. They had that "tropical chic" vibe down pat. (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) My room was lovely, overlooking… well, something. The view wasn't quite postcard-worthy. (Maybe it was the angle?) That said, the bed was comfy, the air conditioning actually worked (a vital win!), and the free Wi-Fi, thank the heavens, held up. (Wi-Fi [free] is available, and, yes, it was free!)
But the blackout curtains? Oh, dear lord the blackout curtains. I'm convinced they were designed by a sadist. They were heavy, unwieldy, and stubbornly resistant to any attempt to actually black out the room. Every morning, I'd grapple with them, feeling like I was wrestling a grumpy octopus. Eventually, I gave up and just embraced the morning sunshine. (Minor imperfection: The blackout curtains were a battle.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, but… (A Little Too Much?)
((Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, are provided, and that's appreciated.) The hotel was spotless. And I mean, very spotless. Maybe a little too spotless. I swear, I saw staff members sanitizing the hand sanitizers themselves. The emphasis on cleanliness was reassuring, but it sometimes felt…sterile. (Safety score: 9/10 – Very clean, maybe a touch overzealous with the sanitizing.) The staff were masked up, the tables were spaced far apart, and hand sanitizer was literally everywhere. The measures they had were good in response to situations like COVID or other diseases.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food… Mostly!
Okay, let's talk food. Breakfast? (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant is available.) The (Breakfast [buffet]) was a solid affair. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon, fruit, pastries. Nothing groundbreaking, but it filled the hole. (The coffee, on the other hand, was…weak. Like, really weak. Reminded me of dishwater.) Lunch and dinner at their (Restaurants) tried to elevate things, with varying degrees of success. The (A la carte in restaurant) options were pricey, and the quality sometimes didn’t match the cost. The international cuisine was okay, but the (Asian cuisine in restaurant) dishes were where it was at and were good! Happy hour at the (Poolside bar) was a must. The sunset views, and the cocktails, were to die for.
The (Snack bar) was a lifesaver for the afternoon munchies. (Dining score: 7/10 – Good breakfast, hit or miss with other meals, amazing cocktails.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Paradise Found… Eventually.
((Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor])) Now this is where Lagun Hotel really shines. The (Swimming pool)? Gorgeous. Infinity edge, overlooking the ocean, perfect for a dip. The (Spa) was an absolute treat. I indulged in a massage, and let me tell you, it was the best thing that had happened to my aching muscles in years. Pure bliss. The (Fitness center) was small but functional, though I found myself too busy enjoying the sun to actually use it.
I didn't try the (Sauna) or (Steamroom) because, hello, tropical paradise! But they were available. The (Pool with view) actually had a view, unlike my room. (Relaxation score: 9/10 – Spa was incredible, pool was divine.)
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Odd
((Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center))
- Air Conditioning: This one was a must in El Nido, and it was good!
- Concierge: Helpful, but sometimes seemed a bit overwhelmed. I asked about booking a boat tour and got a response like, "Yeah, sure, we can do that. Probably."
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient and thorough (yay!)
- Food delivery: Available, handy for late-night cravings.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A bit overpriced, but useful for grabbing a last-minute postcard or
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to embark on a chaotic, glorious, and probably slightly sunburned journey through my absolutely unvarnished El Nido adventure at Lagun Hotel, Palawan. This ain't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the REAL DEAL.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Debacle (and a Whole Lot of Anxiety)
- 8:00 AM (ish) - Manila Airport Meltdown: Okay, let's be honest, the Manila airport is a special kind of hell. The pre-flight jitters kicked in HARD. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Did I remember my passport? Did I REALLY need those three pairs of shoes? (Spoiler alert: Yes, I did. You never know.)
- 9:00 AM - Flight to El Nido: The flight was actually, miraculously, on time! Window seat, score! Watching the islands of Palawan emerge from the clouds was breathtaking. I swear, for a second, I felt like I was staring at a screensaver. Then, the turbulence hit, and so did the anxiety. "We're all going to die! We're all going to die!" I muttered to myself, gripping the armrests like they were my life raft.
- 10:00 AM - Arrival at El Nido & The Transfer Fiasco: The tiny airport was cute, a charming rickety shack kind-of cute. But getting to my hotel? Oh, my sweet, naive summer child self was not prepared. Our luggage didn't make it. Cue the internally screaming. The driver offered the most serene apologies, which only amplified the panic. Apparently, our stuff would arrive "eventually," but no one could say when. Fantastic.
- 11:00 AM - Lagun Hotel - Initial Impressions & Room Revelation: Finally, freedom! The Lagun Hotel was…well, it was charmingly rustic. The lobby, open-air and full of mismatched furniture, was a little disheveled in a lovely way. Our room… okay, the air conditioning was a bit noisy, and I swear there was a tiny ant army that was perpetually at war over a crumb from the previous occupant. But the view – oh, the view! – was breathtaking. Turquoise water, towering limestone cliffs… it was a scene ripped straight from a postcard. I could almost, almost forget about my missing suitcase.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at Lagun Kitchen: Hangry level: Maximum. Ordered a grilled fish sandwich. The fish was a bit dry, but the fries were crispy, the beer was cold, and the ocean breeze was heavenly. My mood, miraculously, started to improve.
- 1:00 PM - The Swim That Changed Everything: Okay, I'm going to get a little dramatic here, but this swim was life-altering. Forget luggage! Forget ants! I plunged into the crystal-clear water, and for the first time all day, I felt…pure. The sun warmed my skin, the salty water invigorated me… it was sheer bliss. I could have stayed in there forever. Let’s just say I fell in love with a place on first swim.
- 2:00 PM - Exploring the Hotel & Settling in with a Beer (Still Missing My Stuff, Though): Wandered around the hotel grounds. Found a hidden hammock and spent a good hour staring at the scenery and sipping a local beer. The lack of luggage still loomed in the back of my brain, but I was determined not to let it ruin my trip.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Beachside Restaurant (and the Long Wait): The first night’s dinner was a disappointment, the food wasn’t good enough but the setting made up for it. The gentle ocean breeze, the soft glow of the lanterns… magical. The missing luggage was still a shadow, but the sunset was so spectacular that I forgot.
Day 2: Island Hopping – Paradise Found (and a Touch of Sea Sickness)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel. Simple and free.
- 9:00 AM - Island Hopping Tour A - Oh. My. God. I'm not even going to try to describe the absolute, unadulterated beauty of the El Nido islands. It was like someone had painted a perfect paradise and then decided to make it real. Secret lagoons, hidden beaches, towering limestone cliffs… it was overwhelming.
- 10:00 AM - Snorkelling: I may have choked a little on the first attempt at snorkelling. The water was so clear that I could see all the fish.
- 11:00 AM - Lunch on a Secluded Beach: The BBQ was a little overcooked. The food aside, it was paradise.
- 1:00 PM - The Big Lagoon: I was not prepared for how surreal this was. It was like swimming in a giant, unbelievably vibrant turquoise pool surrounded by sheer rock faces.
- 2:00 PM - Small Lagoon: The Small Lagoon was like the same as The Big.
- 3:00 PM - Seven Commandos Beach: A little too busy, but still incredibly beautiful.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the hotel: Exhausted, sun-kissed, and completely in awe. This is why I travel.
- 5:00 PM - Luggage Update… Still MIA! I, for the love of all that is holy, can't believe my stuff isn't here yet. I was at the point of almost borrowing clothes from the hotel staff!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Eatery: Tried a new place, and while the food was delicious (finally!), I still felt the lack of my proper clothes.
Day 3: Recovery, Beach Vibes, and Unforeseen "Adventures"
- 8:00 AM - Sleep-In & Recovery: Sunburn recovery.
- 9:00 AM - Beach Day at Corong-Corong Beach: This beach was a short walk for the hotel. The view of the mountains was gorgeous.
- 12:00 PM - Food: I ate all day at the beach.
- 3:00 PM - The Great Internet Hunt: The internet at the hotel was, let’s just call it “selective.” I spent an hour wandering around the hotel, trying to find a decent signal.
- 4:00 PM - Sunset Watching: I watched the sunset, but it wasn’t as good as the first one.
- 7:00 PM - Finding Dinner: I decided to find a decent restaurant in town.
Day 4: Farewells (with a Side of Luggage?)
- 8:00 AM - Last Breakfast, Last Ocean Dip: Sigh.
- 9:00 AM - Packing (what little I had): The fact that I was still using the same few outfits.
- 10:00 AM - Farewell to El Nido: What a place, and for all its imperfections, I had enjoyed.
- 11:00 AM - The airport – the final act: The flight to the real world…
Alright, friend, there you have it – my chaotic, messy, and utterly unforgettable El Nido adventure. Did everything always go according to plan? Absolutely not. Did I lose my luggage? Yep! But did I have an experience that was totally worth it? Without a doubt. This trip was a reminder that travel isn't about perfection, it's about embracing the chaos, finding joy in the unexpected, and soaking up every single, glorious moment. Now go and have your own adventure. And for the love of all that is holy, pack your luggage!
Escape to Big Bear Lake: Home2 Suites Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea. Is Lagun Hotel *really* as dreamy as the pictures?
Alright, let's be honest. Yes. And no. The pictures? They’re gorgeous. Crystal clear water, perfect sunsets, smiling faces probably photoshopped to within an inch of their lives. The reality? Well, it's *mostly* gorgeous. That water *is* ridiculously clear, but sometimes there’s a rogue piece of seaweed that tickles your ankle as you wade in. And that sunset? Stunning. But one night, a cloud decided to throw a tantrum and blocked the whole shebang. (I might have cried a little. Don't judge.) The smiling faces are definitely there, but they're *exhausted* from the journey and probably mildly sunburnt on day one.
Getting there – easy breezy or hellish obstacle course?
Okay, the journey. Picture this: You've just endured a flight, maybe a bumpy van ride… then, a *boat*. Yes, a boat. That's the last leg, and it's what makes it "Escape to Paradise" in the truest sense. The trip is a beautiful pain. That boat ride is bumpy – I can personally vouch for the fact that I almost yeeted my breakfast out of the boat one morning. But the views? OMG. The towering limestone cliffs? The turquoise water? You forget about the nausea pretty darn quickly. Word to the wise: pack ginger candies. You'll thank me later.
The Rooms: Are they luxurious or just liveable? Give it to me straight.
Alright, the rooms. They’re… charming. Let’s go with charming. They're not the Ritz, okay? I mean, *I* didn’t expect the Ritz. They’re functional. They’re clean. The air conditioning *works* (major win). But the hot water situation? Hit or miss. One morning I’d take a shower that was hotter than the sun (felt amazing), the next day it was a lukewarm dribble that made me question all my life choices. Also, my balcony overlooked the most beautiful scenery of my life. Even with the questionable plumbing, I'd still rate the rooms an 8/10.
Food! Tell me about the grub. (Important.)
Okay, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. The restaurant is perched over the water, which is a major selling point. The menu is pretty decent – plenty of fresh seafood (duh), some local dishes, and the obligatory Western options for the less adventurous (or those missing a decent burger, which was me at one point). The best part? The *mangoes*. Oh, sweet, juicy, perfect mangoes. I probably ate my weight in those. The down side? The service can be a tad… slow. Don't go hungry and expect a rapid meal. Order a drink, relax, and enjoy the view. You'll learn to love island time real quick.
What's the vibe like? Is this a party spot, a romantic getaway, or a place to recover from a divorce?
Okay, the vibe. This is not a party spot. Think relaxed. Think chill. Think "leave your worries on the mainland and embrace the serenity." Perfect for a romantic getaway (loads of couples there holding hands and looking all starry-eyed, which, admittedly, made me feel single for a hot minute). Definitely a place to recover from *something*. I saw families, backpackers, honeymooners, and a guy who looked like he was trying to escape a mid-life crisis. The mix is nice. I have to say, it's a place that genuinely *feels* like an escape.
Activities! What's there to *do* besides, you know, breathe?
Okay, activities. The main event is, obviously, island hopping. There are tours you can book through the hotel (do it – they're good). You’ll get to snorkel in coral reefs, visit hidden lagoons, and feel like you’ve stepped onto a postcard. Then you can go kayaking through the water. And because you are on vacation, you can order a fruity cocktail, and drink away. There's also swimming, sunbathing, and generally just being in awe of the surroundings. I would suggest getting a book.
The Staff: Were they helpful, friendly, or just… there?
The staff? Honestly, they were absolute *gems*. Smiling faces, always willing to help, even when I probably asked the dumbest questions. "Where's the nearest shop for, uh, *emergency* supplies, like… chocolate?" They were patient, kind, and genuinely seemed to care about making everyone's stay enjoyable. Sometimes, service was a little slow (that island time, again), but their friendliness more than made up for it. I felt like I was staying with a group of friends by the end of the trip.
My Most Memorable Moments... The Rambling
Okay, get ready. Prepare for the dive into the stream of consciousness. I have a few, and the most intense emotion I felt was... freedom. The feeling of waking up in a place where time almost stood still. One of my favorite moments was a late night swim in the ocean. I have a memory of the water being as warm as a bathtub with absolutely no one else around. It reminded me of a quote I read about not believing in death, but not believing in life either. The world was a dream, and I was happy to be dreaming. That was one of the greatest nights of my life. Another moment that sticks out? Sitting on my balcony, watching the sunset paint the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors and reading. It was the kind of beauty that makes you pause, you know? Then, the feeling of getting back to my room and realizing I had no phone calls, or text, was one of the best feelings of my life. The whole concept that I could shut off the outside world was one I truly treasured.
Any major downsides? Be brutally honest.
Okay, the downsides. Here's the real raw stuff: The Wi-Fi is patchy. Like,Luxury Downtown Wilmington Getaway: Home2 Suites Review!
