House of Aice El Nido: Palawan's Paradise Awaits!
House of Aice El Nido: Palawan's Paradise Awaits! – A Messy, Honest, and Completely Unfiltered Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters and potentially questionable Wi-Fi of House of Aice El Nido! This isn't your slick, corporate brochure review. This is the real deal. I’m talkin’ sun-kissed skin, sand in places you really don't want it, and a whole lotta opinions served with a side of… well, let's just get started, shall we?
First, the Practical Stuff (Because, You Know, Gotta):
Accessibility: Okay, this is a big one for some folks. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice the hotel. Based on some research, they claim to offer facilities for disabled guests. I just wish there was more info! They need to specify what they actually provide. It's a crucial point.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because, 2024, Hello!) They seem to take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere you look? Double-check! And they have Hygiene certification. I'm talking all the sanitizing bells and whistles! They had individually wrapped food options and a safe dining setup. They let you opt out of room sanitization which is a nice touch. But honestly, I still brought my own wipes. (Don’t judge me, it’s a habit!)
Rooms & Amenities (Let's Get Cozy… Or Not):
Okay, the rooms. Air conditioning? Yes, thank the heavens! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! (Though, let’s be real, island Wi-Fi can be a fickle beast, more on that later). The rooms had all the usual suspects: mini-bar, in-room safe box (essential for hiding your emergency chocolate stash), coffee/tea maker, hair dryer. I'm a sucker for a bathtub and a separate shower and they delivered. They provide bathrobes & slippers! I’m not gonna lie, I wore those slippers everywhere… including the beach (oops!). They have soundproof rooms and smoke detectors. They had blackout curtains, which are a necessity to avoid waking up at 5AM with the sun beating the life out of you (or at least, trying to). There was an alarm clock and complimentary tea… bliss.
Internet Access: The Eternal Struggle
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! Internet [LAN] - yes. Internet services? They have them. But… and it's a big but… the internet on El Nido is… well, let's just say "rustic." You're not going to be streaming HD movies. You're going to be lucky to upload an Instagram story without wanting to hurl your phone into the ocean. My tip? Lower your expectations. Enjoy the unplugged bliss! Actually, I was glad! And Wi-Fi in public areas was, surprisingly, better than in my room. Go figure.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: (Fueling the Fun… And Possibly a Food Coma)
Okay, food. And it was… good. They had restaurants with International cuisine, Asian cuisine & Western cuisines. A breakfast buffet, and it was pretty solid with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast and a la carte in restaurant! Coffee/tea? Yes, plenty. They had a poolside bar (essential for a tropical vacation, obviously), a snack bar (because you WILL get peckish after all that sunbathing), and a bar with a happy hour (hallelujah!). Room service [24-hour] - perfect for those late-night cravings. Bottle of water always provided in the room, essential if you don’t want to dehydrate in the sun. They had a desserts in restaurant and salad in restaurant. And some soup in restaurant. Vegetarian restaurant available also!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spoiler Alert: You WILL Relax)
Swimming pool? Obviously. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Even better! Pool with view? HECK YES. I spent approximately 90% of my time in and around that pool. Spa? Absolutely. They had a massage (ahhh, pure bliss), Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna. I doubled down on the Body wraps. Gym/fitness? Yup, if you feel the need to work off all those desserts. Which brings me to a personal anecdote…
My Spa Debacle (Or, How I Almost Missed Paradise):
Okay, so I booked a deep tissue massage. I was sold. My aching muscles and I trundled off, ready for… well, pure relaxation. But then… the therapist started. I’m not kidding. She was fierce. Like, I'm pretty sure my back might've been used as kindling for a bonfire! I almost cried. Not from pain, but from the sheer intensity . I was about to tap out and run for the hills, but something told me to stick it out. By the end? I felt like I'd been run over by a truck… in the best possible way. Sore for days! But the next day, I felt AMAZING. So, a word of warning: be prepared for a vigorous spa experience. And tip your therapist! They deserve it for that.
Services and Conveniences: (Because, Let's Be Honest, You Need Them)
Concierge? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Always a plus. Currency exchange? Essential. Laundry service? Thank goodness! Cash withdrawal? Very important. They had luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. Dry cleaning was an added bonus! Doorman and facilities for Facilities for disabled guests.
Things for the Kids (Or, How to Keep the Little Humans Happy):
House of Aice is Family/child friendly! They have a Babysitting service! Kids facilities - who knows? Kids meal! They also have Access, CCTV in common areas, and Front desk [24-hour]
Getting Around: (Navigating the Jungle… and the Road)
Airport transfer? Yes. Taxi service? Available. Car park [free of charge]? Yay! Bicycle parking? Possible.
Things I Didn't Get Around To:
I totally missed the Fitness center and the Gym/fitness and the Steamroom. Blame it on too much sun and too many cocktails!
Overall Vibe:
House of Aice El Nido is not flawless, but it's charming. The staff is friendly but I noticed that the staff is still training. It's got that laid-back island vibe, with enough amenities to keep you comfortable, but not so much that it feels stuffy or pretentious. It's a place where you can truly unwind.
The Potential Downsides (Because I’m Honest):
- The internet… prepare for a digital detox (or some serious frustration).
- The cost. El Nido isn't cheap, and House of Aice reflects that. However, the quality of the services and the amazing view compensate.
- The spa experience (see above – brace yourself!).
What's Truly Remarkable:
The location. The views. The sunsets. This is where House of Aice truly shines.
The Offer: Grab Paradise with Both Hands!
Tired of the grind? Ditch the stress and escape to breathtaking El Nido!
Book your stay at House of Aice El Nido NOW and receive:
- 15% off your entire stay!
- Complimentary airport transfer to whisk you away to paradise the minute you arrive.
- A free welcome cocktail to kickstart your island escape. And this is not just any ordinary cocktail – it’s a special local concoction that will blow your mind.
- Upgrade to a room with a balcony overlooking the ocean, (Subject to availability, but if you email me, I’ll personally pester the hotel to make it happen!)
This offer is for a limited time only! Don't miss out on the chance to experience the magic of El Nido at an unbeatable price.
Click here to book your unforgettable escape: [Insert Booking Link Here]
(Or, if the Wi-Fi breaks down, just shout at the ocean. It will probably be just as effective.)
Uncover Hidden Nagano: Nozawa Onsen's Yasuragi Inn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a messy, glorious, sun-kissed, and probably slightly sunburned adventure in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. This isn't going to be your typical perfectly-planned itinerary. This is… me. (And House of Aice, obviously, but mostly me.)
The El Nido Expedition: A Highly Unprofessional Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and "OMG, I'm in Paradise?!" Overload
- Morning: Land in El Nido. Ugh, the flight from wherever you're coming from (for me, let's say Manila, because that's the most logical) is always an adventure. Tiny planes! Tiny seats! Praying my luggage makes it. But the second that plane door opens and that salty air hits your face? Instant chill.
- An anecdote: Last time I flew into El Nido, the pilot mentioned "challenging winds." Translation: We were bumping and grinding like a bad date. I gripped my armrests so hard I think I left indentations. But the view? Unforgettable.
- Afternoon: Transfer to House of Aice. Find it. Hopefully. (My sense of direction is… a work in progress.) Check-in. Gawk at the view. Seriously. Gawk. Did I actually book this? I'm not worthy! Settle into the room, unpack (or toss my clothes everywhere, no judgment). Then, immediately, find a hammock. Hammock time is non-negotiable.
- Quirky observation: The sheer greenness of everything. The mountains! The trees! The water! It's like someone turned up the saturation on real life. My brain is struggling to process it.
- Evening: Sunset drinks at a beach bar. Preferably somewhere with a ridiculously good cocktail menu and enough space to sprawl. I'm thinking maybe the one with the swings? Or the one with the live music? Decisions, decisions…
- Emotional reaction: That first sunset. The colors! The feeling of sand between your toes! The utter, blissful, "I-don't-have-to-do-anything-but-breathe" feeling. Pure, unadulterated joy. I might cry. In a good way. Probably.
Day 2: Island Hopping Extravaganza (and Possible Seasickness Woes)
- Morning: Rise and shine (or drag myself out of bed after staying up way too late). Island hopping tour. This is what everyone raves about, right? Secret lagoons, hidden beaches, snorkeling with turtles (fingers crossed!).
- Rambling thoughts: Okay, so the whole "secret lagoon" thing sounds amazing. But also…claustrophobic? And what if I accidentally kick a turtle? Or worse, a sea snake? (Shudders). Need to pack Dramamine. And maybe a life vest.
- Afternoon: Dive into the water, snorkel, and try not to embarrass myself. The pictures always look amazing, but I'm a terrible snorkeler. I'll be gasping and struggling while everyone else gracefully glides along with colorful fishes. I'll get over it!
- Stronger emotional reaction: The sheer lack of control when you're bobbing around in the ocean! It's exhilarating and absolutely terrifying all at once. The vastness! The unpredictable waves! This is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
- Late Afternoon: Nap time. Beach. Sunscreen. Repeat. Maybe locate myself at a specific bar.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery. Try the fresh seafood. Attempt to eat with chopsticks. Make a fool of myself, but enjoy the heck out of the delicious food anyway.
- Messy Structure: I'm going to be honest here. Island hopping days? Always feel a little chaotic. Boats, sun, water, food, more boats. It's a whirlwind. But a wonderful whirlwind.
Day 3: Beach Bumming and Maybe a Hike (If I'm Feeling Ambitious)
- Morning: Sleep in. Seriously. The first real luxury I need after a long day.
- Afternoon: Spend the day on a beach. Any beach. House of Aice is situated at a good beach so I might spend the day there. Read a book. Get some sun. Watch other people do stuff. That will get me some energy.
- Evening: Sunset drinks. Maybe somewhere different this time.
- Doubling down on a single experience: Okay, I have to admit it: I fall in love with the simple things. Like sitting on a beach, watching the waves, feeling the warm sun on my skin, listening to the birds - it's a perfect day. I'm a simple creature.
- Opinionated language: I'm going to say it - anyone who says a beach day is boring is wrong, wrong, wrong. It's restorative! It's necessary! It's the best thing ever!
Day 4: The "Adventure's End" Day
- Morning: One last sunrise. Maybe spend some time in the pool at House of Aice.
- Afternoon: Pack. Sigh. Reflect. Mentally prepare for the flight/trip/journey home.
- Emotional Reaction: I can already feel the sadness creeping in. Leaving paradise is hard. Really, really hard. I'm going to miss the water, the food, the people, everything.
- Imperfection: Okay, let's be honest, I'll probably leave something behind. A charger? A swimsuit? A piece of my heart? It's bound to happen. That's just the way it is.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Transfer back to the airport. Depart. But make a vow to come back. Because I absolutely will. And the cycle of longing and planning will begin again.
Things to Note (Because I'm a Terrible Organizer):
- Food: Eat everything. Try the local delicacies. Don't be afraid to try something new. You might hate it. You might love it. The key is to try!
- Sunscreen: Use it. Seriously.
- Mosquito Repellent: Bring it. Use it.
- Cash: ATMs can be unreliable. Have enough cash on hand.
- Internet: Be prepared for spotty Wi-Fi. Embrace the digital detox.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things will inevitably go wrong. Flights will be delayed. Weather will change. That's part of the adventure. Roll with it. Laugh about it. Make memories.
This itinerary is a suggestion, nothing more. Be spontaneous. Get lost. Talk to locals. Let the beauty of El Nido wash over you. And most importantly? Have fun! You deserve it.
Uncover Mendoza's Hidden Gem: Hotel Cervantes' Luxury Awaits!
So, House of Aice in El Nido... is it *actually* paradise? Like, Instagram-filter paradise?
The rooms! What are they *really* like? Cleanliness? Space? Beds? Tell me everything!
Food! What's the grub like? Give me the lowdown on breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks! I have to know about the ice cream I keep seeing!
The Staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they leave you alone when you want to be left alone? Is there any sense of professionalism?
What's the vibe? Romantic? Family-friendly? Party central? Something else entirely?
Activities! What can you *actually* do there? Besides stare at the ocean, of course. And do they organize things for you?
Any downsides? Tell me the REAL dirt! Any 'red flags' I should know about?
Is it worth the price? Honestly. The money is probably going to be an issue. And how is the transportation?
