Palawan, the country’s “last ecological frontier,” is one of the most sought after travel destinations of local and foreign tourists. Its natural wonders, culture, and people unquestionably make it a place worthy to experience.
Along with island hopping tours, aquatic activities, local cuisine tasting, and simply soaking up nature, having a good and restful stay in your chosen hotel is part and parcel of a memorable travel experience.
Newly opened Hue Hotel in the heart of Palawan’s green city capital, Puerto Princesa City promises a different kind of colorful experience for travelers who want to explore the equally vibrant scene of the city.
A maiden property of Hue Hotel and Resorts in partnership with Hospitality Innovators Inc. (HII), Hue Hotels and Resorts-Puerto Princesa offers amenities and a “glocal” design that makes it a destination as well.
Hue Hotels and Resorts-Puerto Princesa’s General Manager, Chris Guballa shares, “We are a hotel that is located in the city but the vibe is that you are in a resort setting. The way the rooms, the pool, and everything is built, it’s like you’re in a resort but you’re right in the middle of the city.”
“Some people say, ‘I don’t need a nice hotel because I will be out the whole day.’ But for us, we’ll provide you with all the comforts of a home here. If you have an island hopping then you cannot sleep in your room, and you did not have a good rest, then you’re not enjoying a full vacation. For us in Hue, from your arrival to the amenities of the hotel, I can say that you can actually stay here two to three days inside the hotel, and you can still have a nice vacation,” Guballa added.
‘Glocal’ philosophy
The hotel boasts of being “glocal” or “globally competitive but with a lot of locally-inspired elements” starting from the structure’s design to the staff that lets you feel the warm hospitality of the local community.
This is part of Hue Hotels and Resorts’ aim to let travelers soak up the area’s local culture and discover the warmth of its people.
In Hue Hotels and Resorts-Puerto Princesa in particular, guests will be greeted at the lobby by design elements local to Palawan: concierge inspired from the colorful hand weaving tradition of Palawan; the balinsasayaw (swiftlet) birds wall installation; floor patterns reminiscent of bakawan (mangroves); and a roof deck pool with a Filipino fiesta-inspired flooring.
“The designers researched Palawan; they’ve researched the local communities, the local culture, then they’ve put all the elements and inspiration in the design,” the general manager said.
This concept extends to each of the rooms of the hotel—from the colorful weaves adding a vibrant energy up to the complimentary snacks and refreshments. Guballa shared, “We want to highlight that all of those are Palawan-made. From the calamansi juice, the Palawan coffee, the cashew nuts, the tamarind candy, the pastillas—all of those were made here. That’s our one way of supporting the community.”
Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar, the hotel’s in-house restaurant headed by Chef Gabby Pratts is also worth the mention. Guballa said it is the only Spanish restaurant in the city, and has a menu that offers Filipino, Spanish, and Vietnamese dishes.
Among the must-try’s in the restaurant’s bill of fare are the paella, which is a three-generation recipe; ginataang santol; boneless crispy pata, thrice-cooked bagnet, and Vietnamese spring rolls.
Paired with these amenities, welcoming staff, design-forward interiors, and sumptuous dishes at their in-house restaurant Hue Hotels and Resorts-Puerto Princesa’s proximity and accessibility to the city’s tourist destinations make it is an ideal choice of accommodation for travelers.
The new Puerto Princesa International Airport is 15 minutes away from the hotel. Moreover, according to Guballa, among the destinations that are a few minutes away from the hotel include the Palaweno Brewery, the city;’s first craft beer brewery; and the Binuatan Creations, a go-to place to discover and buy Palawan’s weaving products.
Other must-visit places include the Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Iwahig River for a firefly watching tour; Pandan Island, Honda Bay, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Baker’s Hill, Mitra Farms, among many others.
For booking and more information: visit www.thehuehotel.com or send an e-mail to [email protected] or call (+632) 896-9999.
