La Vida Hostel — Hotel in Puerto Princesa

Summary: La Vida Hostel was an incredible experience and I'd give this place more than five stars if I could. Will definitely be back someday.

Rooms: I stayed in a dorm and it was very comfortable and cool. AC and fan kept the room extremely comfortable. Bed was soft, place was clean. I felt very safe. There are black lock boxes underneath the beds but make sure you have a lock that's a bit on the thinner side. I never felt unsafe at this hostel though and was quite comfortable leaving my electronics on the bed. Showers and bathrooms are well cleaned and heated.

Safety: The property is well secured by cameras and alarms. The owner lives here and is always keeping an eye out all over the property. Big friendly dog on the way in lets everyone know when anybody comes into the property.

Staff: Extremely friendly, knowledgeable and supportive staff. Reed, the owner, is an veteran backpacker and built the hostel with his experiences in mind. He has great connections to local tour groups and buses to get you around the island for affordable and competitive rates.

Location: Quiet part of town. Lots of nature around. You can easily get to the downtown area for 20-40 PHP if you call a tricycle. Lots of little stores about a 5-10 minute walk away

Social: The upstairs rooftop restobar and deck is such a cozy place. I spent a lot of time taking naps in the hammocks, talking to the other hostel guests and using it as a hub to rest and relax throughout the day. The owner and staff prepare homecooked meals that are quite delicious and convenient, and there's a nicely stocked little bar too.

Can't recommend the place enough :) Thanks for a great...

I recently stayed at La Vida and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The staff, especially Reed and April, were exceptionally friendly and made me feel at home from the moment I arrived. Not only were they always available for any requests or questions I had, but Reed himself was incredibly engaged with the guests, offering expert knowledge on the best local spots and trips to embark on. Whether you want to explore hidden rivers, join fun island-hopping tours, or discover the most authentic local cuisine, their recommendations ensure you’ll get the most out of your stay.

The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and well-maintained, providing a peaceful night’s rest after a day full of adventures. I also appreciated the flexibility they offered for check-in times and their willingness to accommodate all of my needs. The entire hostel had a vibrant, friendly vibe, making it easy to meet fellow travelers, and their rooftop bar quickly became my favorite hangout spot—perfect for swapping stories, enjoying a cold drink, and watching the sunset over town.

Speaking of drinks and dining, La Vida serves some truly impressive food. You’ll find a variety of dishes that are both delicious and reasonably priced, making it a great value for your money. And trust me, you must try their burgers: One of the best burgers in town, or maybe all of Palawan, is served here!

All in all, the combination of top-notch service, comfortable rooms, fantastic food, and an inviting social atmosphere makes La Vida an excellent choice for any traveler. I can’t recommend it...

Wonderful stay with Reed and Regina. You immediately feel at home and they make sure you have a great time. I really loved the chill vibe and the roof top bar/restaurant with great food and drinks! Met many awesome people and when the bus company forgot to pick me up for my trip to Port Barton Reed and Regina contacted them and made sure I was picked up. Ask Regina to book your transport so they show up! I had warm water to shower in the room, depending on the rain/ water situation in Palawan there could be water shortage but you always have the option to shower @ the communal shower downstairs. Just let them know if you have any issues and they will do everything to help. I will definitely be back, especially when the surf school opens! Salamat Gina + Reed/ Sanja 5 of the 10 beds were occupied, so we had no issues using the bathroom. I had a lower bunk bed with a curtain. Top bunks are getting curtains soon. Outlets will be added to every bed, too. For now there is an extension cord for everyone to charge...