Review: A Relaxing Island life at Lime Hotel Palawan

 

El Nido, Palawan is one of the poster child of tropical escapes in the Philippines — known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and island-hopping adventures that leave you in awe. But while most travelers aim to visit during the dry months, there's something undeniably peaceful about coming during the off-season, when the pace is slower and the rain adds a little softness to the landscape.

This was my third trip to this piece of paradise, and my second time staying at Lime Resort El Nido. Unlike my first sunny visit, this trip fell right in the middle of Palawan’s wet season. Still, with its beachfront location, sky-high views, and familiar charm, Lime managed to turn even rainy days into moments worth savoring.

Here’s what my rainy-season stay looked like — and my review about Lime Hotel El Nido.

Located in Sitio Lugadia, just a 20-minute drive from Lio Airport, Lime Resort El Nido opened its doors in 2022 — and still carries that fresh, fun vibe. You won’t find it lined up with the busy roadside hotels in town; it’s tucked just a little farther in, right by the shore and a couple of meters away from Vanilla beach, giving you peaceful views of Bacuit Bay and easy access to Corong-Corong and Vanilla Beach.

The architecture resembles a cruise ship, with its curved balconies and white facade. Walking into the spacious lobby felt a bit like boarding a tropical liner — high ceilings, friendly staff, and a welcome breeze from the sea.

We arrived early at around 9 AM via van from Puerto Princesa, and check-in was smooth. They even allowed us to check in by 10 AM, which was a lifesaver after hours on the road.

Inside Our Upgraded Room: Spacious, Bright, and Beachy

Lime has several room types, namely: Superior, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Premiere Suite, Sky Suite, and Sky Villa. Each with its own beach-inspired layout. 

We originally booked a Deluxe Room with two beds, but thanks to their "Always Summer at Lime" promo at ₱4,200 per night package for 3 days, we got a free upgrade to a spacious suite with a king-sized bed and a balcony overlooking the sea.

While it didn’t have the bathtub that comes with Junior and Premiere Suites, it had everything else we could’ve asked for:

• big shower space with consistent hot water
• A mini coffee and tea nook
• Essentials like soap, towels, and slippers
• A clean, calming space with modern coastal aesthetics

The interiors pop with color, but it’s not overwhelming — just enough to remind you that you’re on a tropical break. On a rainy day, it felt like the perfect cocoon to chill in, balcony doors slightly open, and just the sound of the waves below. The interiors made up for the gloomy weather, making our stay feel vibrant despite the rain outside.

Amenities of Lime Hotel Palawan

At the top of the hotel is the Sky Lounge and Infinity Pool — where you get sweeping views of Bacuit Bay. The clouds rolled in during our visit, but the moodiness of the sky actually made for stunning photos and a nice, quiet cocktail hour. If you’re lucky and catch a break in the weather, the sunsets here are beautiful.

The Sky Deck is also where guests like to lounge with drinks or a book. Despite the drizzle, we managed to enjoy a slow morning here, enjoying the view of El Nido's island and seeing a couple of Palawan hornbills while taking photos. Just bring a waterproof bag and non-slip sandals — the deck can get slippery.

Downstairs, Pulp Café serves the daily breakfast buffet. Every day had a nice variety, like

• Eggs and tocino
• bacon
• Lamayo or daing na bangus,(a local favorite)
• Salads and oatmeal
• Breads, spreads, coffee, and more

The vibe was relaxed, the staff attentive, and the food always refilled and warm — all the basics done right.

We booked our island hopping tour through Lime Resort’s front desk, and it was so convenient and reasonably priced.

 They handled everything with Señorita Travels, one of their partner agencies, making the whole process quick and stress-free. We went with Tour A, which came with thoughtful freebies like snorkel goggles, kayaking, beach towels, and soft drinks — all included.The price was not too far off from what you would pay outside, as the environmental fees were also a part of what you pay for. It was a seamless way to explore El Nido without the usual hassle of arranging things yourself.

More things to do around Lime Hotel El Nido

There’s more to enjoy beyond the hotel, too. Both Vanilla Beach and Corong-Corong Beach are about a kilometer away from Lime Resort El Nido on either side, so you’ll need to hop on a quick tricycle ride to reach them — but the short trip is worth it. Corong-Corong offers a quieter, more laid-back shoreline, while Vanilla Beach is more developed, with cafes, souvenir shops, and a gateway to some island hopping tours.

Or Mcdonalds by Vanilla Beach, if you feel a bit hungry for some fast, fried chicken and fries, :D

Lime Resort El Nido is a strong contender if you're choosing where to stay. 

It offers better views than most hotels in its price range, with an elevated atmosphere that feels like a true escape, and plenty of space to unwind, whether you're staying in to relax or heading up to the rooftop for a scenic cocktail at sunset.

Their room upgrade promo also remains one of the best deals around. And from reviews around hotels in El Nido where hot water is apparently not always consstent, Lime El Nido delivered on us getting our hot showers consistently, and if you got the room with the bathtub, then you should take advantage of a relaxing hot bubble bath after a day out island hopping.

While it’s a short trike ride away from town, the trade-off is a quieter, more scenic experience — perfect if you’re after a bit of breathing room without compromising on comfort or style.

Wet Season Tips for Your El Nido, Palawan Stay

• Bring a dry bag, umbrella, and slip-proof footwear.
• Plan tours loosely as weather may shift daily. During our stay, we heard that one of the tours was cancelled, so get ready for adapting if things don't go as planned.
• Ask at check-in about upgrades or early check-in. If it's the low season or they have extra rooms, you might get lucky.
• Use the downtime — read, nap, or just watch the rain roll in with coffee on the balcony

Lime Resort El Nido is worth it in the rainy season, especially if you can take advantage of their promo rates. The off-season brought fewer crowds, softer light, and a calm I didn’t expect from a beach trip, and Lime delivered on every front.

From the comfortable, upgraded room to the scenic rooftop experience and consistently reliable service, even with unpredictable weather, it proved to be a solid and satisfying home base.

If you're visiting El Nido in the wet season and want serious views without the chaos of peak crowds, this hotel is definitely worth the re-book — and clearly worth the repeat.

Book your stay at Lime Hotel and Resort El Nido

You can book your stay for Lime Hotel and Resort El Nido direct via their website and socials on facebook or instagram, or various booking websites like Agoda or Klook. 

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Enjoy discounts of 5% (new user) or 3%(existing users) on any hotel or activity with KLOOK using the promo code: CHICMIXKLOOK

Lime Hotel and Resort El Nido

Philippines

+632 8854 8888 ext 7125

e-mail reservations.hhm@millenniumhotels.com