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Where to Stay in Davao

Where to Stay in Davao

Davao Philippines Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options offer dorm beds or private rooms. Popular with backpackers and solo travelers looking for a communal atmosphere. Hostels often have shared facilities like kitchens and common areas.

  • Budget Accommodations and Guesthouses

    These possess simple, no-frills rooms. Frequently family-run, they present a clean, basic place to sleep. A good choice for travelers in search of affordability.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Comfortable rooms with more amenities. These often include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes an on-site restaurant. They suit travelers who value comfort without luxury pricing.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end service and far-reaching facilities. You will find amenities like swimming pools, spas, multiple restaurants, and concierge services. Many are part of international chains. They cater to travelers seeking premium experiences.

Unique and Alternative Stays

  • Resorts on Samal Island

    Just a short ferry ride from Davao City, Samal Island boasts numerous resorts. These range from rustic beach huts to luxurious private villas. A lot of them have direct beach access and a variety of water sports facilities. Ideal for a relaxed island getaway.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have a wide variety of apartments, condos, and houses. You find options for both short-term and long-term stays, especially in newer developments and residential areas. They have more space and often kitchen facilities, suiting families or groups.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Mount Apo: Designated campsites exist along the trekking routes up Mount Apo. They belong to the permit and guided tour system. Be prepared for low temperatures at higher altitudes. Samal Island: Some coastal resorts have tent pitching areas. Dedicated places to camp are also found on the island, a nature-focused lodging experience.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Formal, bookable homestay options are less prevalent within Davao City itself. These have cultural immersion. They usually require specific area contacts or tour operators specializing in such initiatives. Ask local tourism offices for possibilities.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area has a distinct character, with different pros and cons.

Poblacion District City Center

Pros
  • Central, with easy access to attractions, transportation, and food.
  • Many places are walkable.
Cons
  • Can be noisy and crowded.
  • Green places are limited.
  • Generally safe during the day. Exercise caution at night, especially in crowded market areas.

Lanang

Pros
  • Modern amenities, excellent shopping, and diverse dining choices.
  • Felt cleaner and less congested than Poblacion.
  • Very safe, especially around the malls and hotel areas.
Cons
  • Further from historical sites.
  • Can feel less "authentic" than the city center.

Ecoland/Matina

Pros
  • Quieter than the city center, a good choice for families.
  • Good access to some attractions.
  • Generally a safe residential area.
Cons
  • Can be a bit distributed, needing transport for most activities.

Proximity and Ambiance

Proximity to attractions and transportation hubs

Poblacion: Excellent proximity to People's Park, San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City Hall, Museo Dabawenyo, and jeepney and taxi hubs. Lanang: Close to SM Lanang Premier, Abreeza Mall, and relatively close to the airport. Taxis and Grab are widespread for transport. Ecoland/Matina: Near SM City Davao, Davao Crocodile Park, and Matina Town Square. Good access to public transport for city connections. Samal Island: Its attractions are island-based (Hagimit Falls, Monfort Bat Sanctuary, various beaches). The ferry terminal serves as the primary transport hub to Davao City.

The noise and feel of the place

Poblacion: High noise levels, with a bustling urban ambiance. Lanang/Ecoland: Moderate noise levels, with a more suburban or modern urban ambiance. Samal Island: Low noise levels, a peaceful beach and resort ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Adjust your travel dates if budget is a main concern.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (December to March) and Kadayawan Festival (August): Book accommodations 3-6 months in advance. Demand is high, and prices surge during these periods. Popular hotels and resorts fill up quickly.
  • Shoulder and Low Season: Booking 1-2 months in advance is typically enough. Famous places can still fill up, so booking ahead always a safer approach.
  • Seasonal price fluctuations: Prices reach their highest during peak holiday periods, like Christmas and New Year, and during the Kadayawan Festival in August. They tend to be lower in the wet season, from June to September.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Airbnb are widely used and have a broad selection of properties. These platforms have reviews, photos, and price comparisons.
  • Local Systems: Some local some hotels have their own websites for direct booking. Occasionally, these direct bookings have better rates or special packages. Compare prices across platforms and direct websites.
  • Negotiation customs for walk-in rates: For little inns or budget accommodations, especially during the low season, you might find a slight capacity for negotiation on walk-in rates. This is not a common practice for established hotels or larger chains. Online booking often secures the top deals and has greater price transparency.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies: These policies vary by accommodation and booking platform. Always check the specific terms before confirming your booking. Many platforms have free cancellation up to a certain date, which has flexibility if your plans change. Pay attention to non-refundable rates, which are often cheaper but have no flexibility.

Additional Tips for Booking

Consider your travel style
  • For a social atmosphere, hostels are a good choice.
  • For privacy and amenities, hotels are preferred.
  • For long stays or families, vacation rentals can be cost-effective.
Read reviews carefully
  • Guest reviews give insight into cleanliness, service, and location.
  • Pay attention to recent reviews for the most current information.

House Sitting Options

TrustedHousesitters

TrustedHousesitters.com can be a way to find free accommodation in exchange for house and pet sitting.

Consider Local Listings

Some local online groups or bulletin boards might have short-term house sitting opportunities.

Flexibility

This option often needs flexibility with dates and a willingness to care for pets.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for various budgets and travel styles in Davao City and Samal Island.

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

Budget Picks

These are suitable for short stays.

  • Wacky Hostel: A popular choice for backpackers, centrally located. A social environment.
  • My Hotel: Has simple, clean, and affordable rooms.
Mid-Range Picks

Good for business or leisure.

  • Park Inn by Radisson Davao: A modern hotel next to SM Lanang Premier. Has excellent amenities and comfortable rooms.
  • Seda Abreeza: This contemporary hotel forms part of the Abreeza Mall complex. It has good service and modern facilities.
  • Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao: A classic Davao hotel with a resort feel, by the sea. It has spacious grounds and a chill atmosphere.

Luxury and Family Options

Luxury Picks

Premium experiences.

  • DusitD2 Davao: An upscale, modern hotel in Lanang. Known for its beautiful pool and refined dining options.
  • Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort (Samal Island): An exclusive, luxurious private island experience. It has high-end amenities and privacy.
Family-Friendly Options

Suitable for families.

  • Park Inn by Radisson Davao: Its location close to major malls, and its family room options make it suitable for families.
  • Eden Nature Park and Resort: Has various accommodations within a large nature park. It has many activities for all ages, from playgrounds to adventure rides.
  • Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao: Large grounds, a pool, and nearness to the Samal Island ferry.
  • Vacation rentals: Has more space and kitchen facilities, ideal for families traveling with children.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Wacky Hostel

    Good for social interaction and meeting other travelers while staying on a budget.

  • Mid-range hotels in Poblacion

    Has convenience and protection for solo travelers, with easy access to city attractions.

Long-Stay and Historic Accommodations

  • Vacation rentals (Airbnb/condo units)

    Often have better value and amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities for extended stays.

  • Serviced apartments

    Some hotels have serviced apartments for longer durations, combining hotel amenities with apartment living.

  • Properties with exceptional cultural or historical significance

    While Davao City's hotel scene is largely modern, hotels like Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao hold a long history. Its classic Filipino resort architecture has a glimpse into Davao's past.

Comparison Table: Accommodation Options

Types and Budgets PHP/night

  • Hostel/Guesthouse: Budget (400-1,200)
  • Budget Hotel: Budget (700-1,500)
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Mid-Range (1,500-4,000)
  • Luxury Hotel: Luxury (4,000-15,000+)
Features & Notes

  • Hostel/Guesthouse: Dorms or basic private rooms, shared facilities, social atmosphere, often central location.
  • Budget Hotel: Basic amenities, private bathroom, AC, suitable for short stays.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: More comfort, on-site restaurant, sometimes pool/gym, good for business or leisure.
  • Luxury Hotel: Full amenities, excellent service, multiple dining options, pools, spas, typically in Lanang/major areas.
  • Samal Island Resort: Beachfront access, water activities, varying levels of comfort, ideal for relaxation and nature.
  • Vacation Rental (Airbnb): Private space, kitchen facilities, good for families or longer stays. Locations vary.

Explore More Accommodation Options

IHG Hotels

Explore global hotel chains for consistent quality: IHG Hotels

Hostelworld

For budget-friendly hostel stays worldwide: Hostelworld

Vrbo

For vacation rentals, especially houses and villas: Vrbo