We Stayed at Two Hotels Near NAIA — Here’s Why Grand Westside Was the Better Choice for Balikbayans

ABBEY: When we returned to Manila, we split our stay between Grand Westside Hotel and Holiday Inn Express.

We first checked in at Grand Westside Hotel, known as the largest hotel in the Philippines by room count, with a total of 1,530 rooms. One big plus is its location, as Ayala Malls Manila Bay is just a short walk away. We booked two rooms and were assigned connecting rooms, which was very convenient. However, it took about six hours before the connecting doors were opened, possibly due to the holiday rush.

The rooms themselves were spacious enough for us to unpack our luggage comfortably. The bed and linens felt clean, and we had a restful night’s sleep before flying to Palawan.

After our Palawan escapade, we stayed at Holiday Inn Express. Aside from the Christmas season, the hotel was also busy hosting delegates for the 2025 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Despite this, check-in was quick and only took a few minutes.

Once we reached our floor, we noticed an unpleasant smell, something like urine or a hospice-like scent, which was stronger because the hallway felt warm. We dropped our bags and headed out for dinner. Later that night, we realized our room was directly facing the highway. We ended up sleeping to the constant sound of revving vehicles. By morning, we requested a quieter room at the reception before heading to the breakfast buffet.

The new room still faced the highway, but the noise level was more manageable. For breakfast, I enjoyed the tapa and salabat, which was a nice start to the day. One thing worth noting is the hotel’s convenient location, as it is close to NAIA Terminal 3, making it a practical choice for travelers with early flights.

Grand Westside vs Holiday Inn Express Newport World:
Our Honest Balikbayan Hotel Review Near NAIA

WILL: We are always on the lookout for a good hotel whenever we fly back to Manila. As balikbayans, location and price are always our top priorities—especially when our itinerary revolves around the airport.

For this trip, we narrowed our options down to:
     1. Holiday Inn Express Newport World Resorts, which is literally across NAIA Terminal 3

     2. Grand Westside Hotel Manila in Entertainment City, only 8 minutes from NAIA Terminal 1

We compared both hotels based on:
•Distance to NAIA
•Price per night
•Room quality after long flights
•Family-friendly features
•Suitability for business travelers

These are the things that actually matter to balikbayans coming home.
So here’s my review.
And yes—expect this to be a more blunt review than Abbey’s 😂

Price Per Night (As of Our Stay)
1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila:
₱4,900.00 per night

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World:
₱4,902.95 per night (with breakfast)
Pricing is almost identical—so value really comes down to room quality and overall comfort.

Room Quality & Comfort (After Long Flights)

1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila — 4/5
The room layout is impressive. It’s well-lit, modern, and spacious enough to open three large suitcases comfortably—a huge plus after an international flight.
 •Bed: Fluffy and comfortable
 •Lighting: Bright and relaxing
 •Space: Excellent for long stays
The only awkward part?
The shower curtain instead of a glass partition. It felt unusual at first, but honestly, it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

We were given a connecting room, and here’s the surprising part—even with the connecting door slightly ajar, we couldn’t hear the TV from the next room at all.
That’s what you call excellent soundproofing. Big win.

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World — 2/5
Let me be honest—this property is clearly aging.
Our first room was on the 3rd floor, and the moment you walk down the hallway, a strong stench hits you. It smelled like carpet that had been soaked and never properly dried.
At first, we thought: Maybe the room itself will be better?
Wrong.
 •Room cleanliness: Yes, it was clean
 •Noise: Unacceptable
It sounded like the windows were open—revving cars, road noise, nonstop.
 •Bathroom:
There was a strong drainage smell coming from the bathroom that eventually filled the room.
The rubber lining on the glass partition was falling off.

We were staying for three nights, and honestly, that wasn’t acceptable at this price point.
The next day, Abbey was already ready to move hotels if they didn’t relocate us. Thankfully, they moved us to another room. Cleaner, No drainage smell, Better overall condition

However, the road noise was still there.
This hotel seriously needs better soundproofing and renovation.

Family-Friendly Features (Great for Reunions)

1. Grand Westside Hotel Manila
• Interconnected rooms
• Kiddie pool and lap pool
• Sauna
• PWD-accessible rooms
These features make it ideal for balikbayan family reunions, especially when traveling with kids or elderly parents.

2. Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World
• Free breakfast buffet
• Convenient if you have meetings around Newport
• Works best if you’re mostly outside the hotel
It’s functional, but not suggested for family stays.

Final Verdict
If you’re looking for space, comfort, better soundproofing, family-friendly amenities, and overall value near NAIA, Grand Westside Hotel Manila is the better choice for most balikbayans.

Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport World works for quick business trips, but for actually coming home and resting properly?

Grand Westside Hotel wins—no contest.

***

Grand Westside Hotel Manila

(W) https://www.grandwestsidemanila.com/en

(A) Westside City, Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines 1701

Holiday Inn Express Newport World Resorts

(W) https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/pasay/mnlrm/hoteldetail

(A) 1 Jasmine Drive Pasay, 1309 Philippines

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El Nido Tour C: Hidden Beaches, Secret Lagoons & Island Hopping Guide

ABBEY: I highly recommend Spider Travel and Tours for island hopping in El Nido. Despite a reservation mishap between them and our hotel, they did not disappoint. Our hotel booking did not go through, but Spider Travel quickly arranged a spot for us on Tour C. From the start, they assured us that we would still be exploring the islands that day, and they delivered.

For Php 1,800, the package included towels, lunch, and a dedicated captain with his jolly crew. Tour C covers some of El Nido’s most beautiful spots: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Talisay Beach, Secret Beach, and Matinloc Shrine. Aqua shoes and snorkelling gear are not included, so it’s best to bring your own or rent. The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop.
We had lunch at Talisay Beach, where the spread included chicken and pork adobo, pansit, prawns, tofu, and fresh fruits. It was simple, filling, and perfect after a morning in the water.

The most challenging part of the tour was entering Secret Beach. You have to pass through a small opening in the rocks and push through the waves, but once you get through, the view on the other side makes the effort completely worth it.

There is a separate Php 200 entrance fee for Matinloc Shrine. From there, we were able to take photos on top of the jagged limestone cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea, easily one of the highlights of the day.

After the tour, Austria’s Guesthouse offers showers where you can freshen up for Php 50, which is a welcome option after hours of island hopping.

Island hopping is truly a must-do in El Nido. Great views, good food, and relaxed island vibes make it an experience worth remembering.

El Nido Tour C island hopping with hidden beaches and limestone cliffs in Bacuit Bay

WILL: El Nido’s dramatic limestone cliffs aren’t just scenic — they are around 250 million years old.

Tour C allows you to experience these ancient formations while island hopping through hidden beaches and secret lagoons in Bacuit Bay.

If you’re looking for fewer crowds, more adventure, and breathtaking scenery, El Nido Tour C is one of the best island-hopping experiences you can choose.

Tour C at a Glance

- Duration: ~7 hours (7:30 AM–4:00 PM)

- Best for: Hidden beaches, swimming, snorkeling

- Highlights: Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island

- Crowd level: Less busy than Tour A

- Price: ₱1,800 (eco-fee included)

What to Bring -- These items make a big difference, especially when swimming through rocky entrances and sharp limestone areas.

•Sunscreen

•Dry bag

•Aqua shoes (available for rent at ₱100 per pair)

•Towel (provided by the tour guide) and a change of clothes

•Waterproof phone pouch or camera (available for ₱100)

Is Tour C for You?

•Non-swimmers: Possible with life jackets (some swimming required)

•Families: Recommended for older children

•Mobility concerns: Ask operators about physical demands before booking

Why Choose Spider Travel and Tours

As I shared in our hotel/resort blog, our booking from Charlie’s El Nido was unfortunately not relayed to Spider Travel and Tours. Despite this, Spider still helped our group of seven find another tour operator that could accommodate us.

They guided us on:

-Where to rent aqua shoes/snorkelling gears

-Where to wait for our assigned tour guide

-Even lent us towels for the entire tour

Spider  connected us with a top-notch tour guide, Gerald, who didn’t just guide us — he swam with us through the entrances of Hidden Beach and Secret Beach, ensuring everyone’s safety. He’s also an excellent photographer, helping us capture amazing memories throughout the tour.

That level of service truly stood out.

The Five Stops on El Nido Tour C

1. Helicopter Island

Named for its helicopter-like shape, this stop features: - Time spent: 45–60 minutes

-Steep limestone cliffs, a wide sandy beach and excellent snorkelling spot

2. Hidden Beach

Completely hidden by limestone walls and inaccessible by boat, this peaceful cove is reached by swimming through shallow water into a calm, sheltered beach.

3. Talisay Beach (Lunch Stop)

-Buffet-style Filipino lunch 

-Time for swimming and relaxation

4. Secret Beach

The highlight of Tour C. You enter through a narrow limestone opening into an enclosed natural pool surrounded by towering rock walls. The water is calm and incredibly scenic.

Aqua shoes are highly recommended here — the rocks beneath the water are sharp and uneven.

5. Matinloc Shrine

An abandoned hilltop shrine offering

•Panoramic views of Bacuit Bay

•A short staircase hike with amazing photo spots

•A mix of history, mystery, and scenery

Best Time to Do Tour C

•Best weather: January–April

•Fewer crowds: Early May or late November 

•Rainy season: June–October (weather dependent)

El Nido Tour C perfectly blends hidden beaches, adventure, and ancient limestone scenery into one unforgettable day. Swimming through narrow rock entrances and floating beneath towering cliffs makes this tour feel both exciting and timeless.

Explore 250 million years of natural wonder — one hidden beach at a time.

***

Spider Travel and Tours | El Nido

(F) https://www.facebook.com/SpiderTravelTour/

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Is AirSWIFT Worth It? Honest Review Flying to El Nido, Palawan

ABBEY:  We chose to book a direct flight to El Nido instead of spending five hours in a van from Puerto Princesa. It saved us a lot of time, and honestly, I’m not sure my body could still handle that long of a land trip.

For this route, AirSWIFT is the airline to look for. They use small turboprop aircraft; yes, the ones with propellers. And you’ll be brought from the airport gate to the plane by bus. Our El Nido-bound flight was a bit windy during landing, so the sway of the plane was noticeable. The flight back to Manila felt completely different. It was smooth, but it also signaled the end of our Palawan getaway.

The entire journey is short. Before you know it, the one-and-a-half-hour flight is over and you’re stepping onto what many call “paradise.”

AirSWIFT direct flight arriving at Lio Airport in El Nido, Palawan

 

WILL: Planning a trip to El Nido, Palawan? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to get there.

Should you:

1.Fly to Puerto Princesa and endure a 5–6 hour van ride, or

2.Take AirSWIFT’s direct flight from Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport)?

We chose the second option—and here’s why.

Should You Book AirSWIFT for El Nido?

✔ Yes, if you value time, comfort, and sanity

💰Cost: ₱6,000–₱8,000 one-way

⏱ Time saved: ~6 hours

✈ Best for: Short trips, peak season, motion-sickness-prone tourists

	Total Cost	Travel Time
Manila → El Nido (AirSWIFT)	₱6,000–₱8,000	~1 hr 15 min
Manila → Puerto Princesa + Van	₱3,500–₱4,000	6–7 hours

Saving around Php10,000 (2-way) means sacrificing 12+hours of your vacation. For us, the convenience alone made AirSWIFT worth every peso.

AirSWIFT operates out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic).

The staff were professional and efficient—check-in took only 10 minutes. Bilis!!

That said, we still recommend arriving at least 90 minutes early.

⚠️ Do not follow us—we arrived 3 hours early and there’s no lounge to stay in. Lesson learned 😅

AirSWIFT is now under Cebu Pacific, so yes… strict baggage rules apply (alam nyo naman si CebuPac haha!).

•Carry-on: 7kg (strictly enforced)

•Checked baggage: 20kg included

•Overweight fees: Check with Cebu Pacific customer service

The aircraft overhead bins are very small, so even standard rolling carry-ons may end up being checked in.

Legroom was surprisingly reasonable—Abbey is almost 6’ and was comfortable throughout the flight.

The plane was clean and well-maintained.

Do not assume that buying a check-in luggage will include a free meal. 😅

Our seats were on the left side of the aircraft, and we still witnessed incredible views of Palawan’s turquoise waters during descent into El Nido.

Arrival at Lio Airport, El Nido (The Best Part)

Lio Airport is tiny, and honestly—that’s a huge win.

•Baggage claim: 10–15 minutes

•No crowds or long lines

•Transportation waiting outside

•Tricycle to El Nido town: ₱300–₱500 (15 minutes)

•Vans available via hotel private transfersSuper smooth and stress-free.

The return process was just as easy:

•Minimal security lines

•Quick boarding

•Arrived 75 minutes before departure with no issues

Yes, AirSWIFT is worth it if your trip is short and your time matters.

If you’re on a tight budget, flying via Puerto Princesa is fine—just be ready for a long ride.

Have you flown AirSWIFT to El Nido? Share your experience in the comments — your tips might help other travelers decide!

***

AirSWIFT 

(W) https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

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Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!