Balinsasayaw Road, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
#8 of 153 hotels in El Nido
Guests' ChoiceBased on 649 hotel reviews
9.3Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.5
Location
9.4
Facilities
9.4
Staff
9.8
Value for money
9.0
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 7 March 2024
Victor
SwedenThere is nothing we didn't like.
The Funny Lion is an amazing hotel with great facilities, good food and probably the best staff in El Nido. We cannot recommend this place enough if you are staying in El Nido. It is impossible not to feel like at home with the service you get at this accommodation.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 7 March 2024
Dianne
CanadaWe really enjoyed our stay and the exclusive access to Papaya Beach!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 7 March 2024
Ilan
United StatesNo elevator , WiFi was between bad internet to none at all (I believe it’s an island issue and not the hotel issue but it’s important to know)
What a great experience at The Funny Lion. We had a 10 day stay there - and we loved it. Great location, modern and clean, stunning views from the 4th floor. Big big plus is their private beach Papaya playa. What a paradise. Then the Staff - super attentive, professional , super friendly and with big smiles. They really personalize everyone’s stay at the hotel. Joel and Val are super stars - helping all the guests in all their needs. Then Cjay, Kem and many other staff members are simply outstanding. Breakfast was excellent and the restaurant was great. No doubt it will be our place to stay when we return to El Nido.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 5 March 2024
Vosti
AustraliaStaff super friendly and helpful. In a great location.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 5 March 2024
Lukasz
PolandHotel building has four levels and there is no elevator.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 2 March 2024
Deidre
NetherlandsNothing
Amazing hotel! Best I have visited in a long time. Excellent service, nice/clean rooms with an awesome pool and view. Location is absolutely great as well. You can also visit their private beach. The staff was so friendly as well!! Couldn’t recommend it more :)
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 1 March 2024
Maher
KuwaitThe rooms are a bit small, and no shelves or closets to organize and settle better in the room. We kept all our things in the suitcases, which was a bit uncomfortable at times. All in all a very comfortable stay.
Very good hotel, good location and close to town. The staff in the hotel is superb. Val, CJay and all the team did everything possible to make our stay comfortable. They organized our tours and our ride to Puerto Princesa, and suggested very good restaurant for dinner. The breakfast is varied, there is always something for every taste.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 29 February 2024
Jane
ItalyEvery staff was very professional and friendly. We loved the place and our room of course. Smooth check in, the pool was great, the bar as well, breakfast was nice, room service was impeccable, water pressure is great and the complimentary access to the private beach was a big bonus. Worth the price. Highly recommended. Will probably be back if we are visiting El Nido again. Just a little reminder for those who would like to go the private beach: you have to reserve for the time slot and make sure to bring dry bags 😄
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 29 February 2024
Khristina
United StatesFirst of all, the hotel design is beautiful. It really looks like a resort inside. Second, the staff were always friendly and greeted us whenever we passed by them. The front desk staff were very helpful when we had questions about things in the town or activities we wanted to do. Christian, who was our tour guide to the private beach was easy to talk to, very helpful, and an overall great guide. Third, the facilities and rooms are clean, very well designed, and felt luxurious. Fourth, the food at the breakfast buffet every morning and the dinner buffet ($20 per person) on Fridays are so delicious. I could've just eaten all my meals at the hotel, that's how good it was. Kudos to the amazing chefs and kitchen staff here. Fifth, the pool is very well maintained, clean, and beautiful. From the hotel itself, to the staff, and to the food, everything was perfect. We hope to continue to come back here for vacation. Absolutely loved this place.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 29 February 2024
Renee
United StatesThe only downside I can identify is that there is no elevator, so if you get placed on a floor above the first floor, you do have to walk the stairs to get to your room.
First and foremost, the staff was exceptional, and Val at the front desk knew all of our 14 names by the end of the first day. She greeted us by name each time we walked in and out. Joel and his staff at the bar were exceptionally friendly, attentive, and had great recommendations for local restaurants and entertainment. The breakfast was excellent, and the meals that we had there were very good. The swimming pool was very clean, and the entire bar area was set up very well for a large group as well as smaller intimate groups. The staff immediately attended to any needs and moved us to a first floor room upon our request. The tours to papaya Beach were excellent and the staff accommodated with special meals that we ordered and they set up at the beach. The massages at the beach were outstanding, and the amenities were kept very clean. Snorkeling at the beach was the best we saw our whole trip. Once again, the staff was exceptional, bringing us to, and from the beach and the island hopping tours.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 28 February 2024
Valerie
GermanyThe loud noise from the street.
The staffs.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 27 February 2024
Elizabeth
United KingdomOnly two tiny things detracted from a 10/10 rating. The rooms were a little dark as no overhead lights in main part of room. Some of the breakfast items were hit and miss, the waffles were a little stale and bacon overly crispy (for our taste).
The staff were all so friendly and helpful. They learnt your name from arrival which was such a special touch. Papaya beach which the hotel has free trips to twice a day was amazing! Such a nice location to visit, relax and snorkel in - for free!! The hotel is very close to the main strip for bar hopping or restaurants which was also great, although we ate at the hotel twice and food was great both times, burgers delicious. The rooms were nicely equipped, you got welcome drinks and fruit which was nice and the beds were comfy. They provide added extras such a canvas bag and bandana.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 26 February 2024
Donnie
United StatesNothing
Very clean and the staff were very nice and helpful with anything we needed
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 25 February 2024
Melisa
United StatesIn terms of drawbacks, the limited clothing storage space (just one drawer and a small rack) might be inconvenient for longer stays or guests with larger wardrobes. Additionally, the absence of an elevator could be challenging for those with mobility issues, although ground floor suites are available, and staff assistance with luggage is provided. Furthermore, the unheated hot tub during my visit and the somewhat dimly lit rooms were minor disappointments.
Title: A Cozy Gem in El Nido: Funny Lion Review Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of El Nido, the Funny Lion stands out as a charming retreat that marries comfort with natural beauty. During my recent stay, I discovered a blend of cleanliness, warmth, and aesthetic appeal that made for an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that the Funny Lion prioritizes guest satisfaction. The cleanliness of the hotel was impeccable, reflecting a commitment to hygiene that was reassuring, especially in current times. The aesthetic touches throughout the property added a whimsical charm, enhancing the overall ambiance. Convenience is key, and the Funny Lion excels in this aspect. Its proximity to the town makes it an ideal base for exploring local attractions, dining, and shopping. Despite its central location, the resort manages to offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. What truly sets the Funny Lion apart is its exceptional staff. From the friendly greetings at the front desk to the genuine warmth extended by every member of the team, the hospitality exceeded my expectations. It was a delightful surprise to be greeted by name, adding a personal touch to the service. One highlight of my stay was the diverse breakfast offerings, catering to every palate. Whether craving traditional Filipino flavors or opting for international fare, there was something to satisfy every taste bud. The breakfast experience was a delightful start to each day, setting the tone for memorable adventures ahead. Not to be overlooked, the bed was exceptionally comfortable, providing a restful night's sleep after a day of exploration.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 22 February 2024
Michael
AustraliaNothing
Excellent
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 22 February 2024
Luiza
BrazilNo complaints
Amazing spacious room, brand new facilities. Bathroom was spacious, has a great shower and towels. Breakfast was delicious. WiFi worked very well. It had a great location, close to the city center and port. Staff were polite and thoughtful. Great stay.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 20 February 2024
Anna
DenmarkThe hotel is simply amazing. One of the best we have been to. Really modern and spacious. With great water pressure, what we really appreciated after Tao Experience. We loved the complementary juice, coffe, coke and sprite that we got in the fridge in our room on the first day and then fresh water refill everyday. We even got a free totem bag with hotel logo. The only downside is that the pool area is a bit to the small side and in a shadow because of being placed between two tall buildings. But some people like my boyfriend like the shadow :) The staff of the hotel is really outstanding, they remembered our names and would great us everyday using our names. They would order us transport to the airport and other beaches and so on and once they even drove to get me a plaster because I had a pretty bad wound on my finger from snorkeling. And let’s not forget their private beach which is AMAZING. Just a true little heaven on earth. Just on the side of the terrible horrific Seven Commandos Beach, which is a part of tour A, where there is like 100 and 100 of tourists. Meanwhile on the Papaya Beach, hotel’s private beach, we were mostly alone. It was heavenly, felt like a paradise on earth and we were drove there and then we took 5-10 minutes boat ride. The breakfast was very good as well, we mainly ate Filipino style breakfast, fruit and cakes, but there was also European/American style breakfast options. And coffee was good as well. And I usually don’t eat breakfasts in the hotels, because they aren’t too good usually. When we left we got some bracelets with Happy Lion logo on it for free and the entire hotel crew was waving us good bye when we were sitting in the taxi. It was very relaxing. Not to mention that it is really in the center of El Nido town and close to meeting points for boat tours, like 5-10 minutes walking. Pro tip if you are in the area I recommend eating at the Food Truck Philippines- very good Asian food and good prices.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 20 February 2024
Tatiana
United StatesNothing!
Staff at this hotel was extremely politely and friendly. Everyone remembers your name and made the entire experience/stay as personable as possible. One evening we needed change to pay our tuk tuk and the front desk staff personally lent us 100PHP, while we found a nearby store to get some change. They really go out of their way when it comes to hospitality and they are very well trained - it shows! I don't recall seeing anything about their private beach, but that was a huge plus! They can take you to their private beach (Papaya Beach) for the day with transfers, towels, kayaks, paddle board, everything included! We didn't do it, but you can even coordinate to get lunch delivered from the hotel's restaurant. No complaints! Thank you team for an unforgettable trip!
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 20 February 2024
Deborah
United KingdomA little overpriced for what it is. Swimming pool in shade
The staff were exceptional. Too many to name but Val, Ember,Julie on reception were so efficient and professional. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The bar staff, security staff, breakfast staff were also exceptional
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 19 February 2024
Ginnine
United KingdomNothing
The staff were absolutely delightful, very attentive, friendly and helpful, very professional. They have been well trained and the best service we experienced during our entire trip. The location was good, away from the busy area, but still close to everything. Try your best to get a room away from the road if you can. Rooms are really well equipped , you get a little bag to take your pool items with you, a cafetière and 2 large bottles of drinking water, lovely shower gel. Lovely big comfortable beds and quality cotton linens, if I had one negative it was the pillows, there were lovely and soft but so plump, I personally struggled to sleep with them. The bar area was great and a good list of well made cocktails and food menu was varied. Breakfast was varied and met both Western and Eastern dietary preferences. There is a small gym with some equipment and the pool is adequate but the area gets limited sun as it is between the 2 buildings that make up the hotel but it’s so hot, shade is a blessing. Finally, you can visit their beach, it’s a short car and boat ride away and you can take a packed lunch. It rustic, so no sun beds but areas of shade and places to sit and a little place serving beer and soft drinks. We would definitely return.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 17 February 2024
Scott
AustraliaThe pool was disgusting and not clean the correct way
The staff was really good
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 15 February 2024
Christopher
United KingdomBreakfast didn’t have many options - omelette every day. They tended to serve ‘meals’ for breakfast - sweet and sour chicken etc. Sink and bathroom area are not separate from main room. Room very dark.
The bed was comfortable and the hotel is nice and clean. Great location in centre of town.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 14 February 2024
Pei
TaiwanGreat food, great service, great staff, great facilities, and, the greatest private beach. All the best in El Nido, definitely number one 👍🏻.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 12 February 2024
Griechelle
United KingdomThe room is too dark .
We recently had the opportunity to stay at the Funny Lion Hotel, and I can say that it is more than just a place to stay - it is a destination in and of itself. We were very impressed by the front desk staff's exceptional service. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality made us feel right at home the moment we walked in. It was clear that they were proud of their work and committed to providing a memorable experience for all guests. The front office staff's attention to detail was truly impressive, as they efficiently and professionally handled check-in procedures, room assignments, and any special requests. Thank you to Val, Cjay, Julie, and Kem. Hats off to Joel and Jay's leadership, as well as the team of Vince, Christian, Menchie, and Anne, for providing courteous and exceptional service that made our dining experience memorable and enjoyable. Kudos to the housekeeping team, led by Jeff, for keeping our room meticulously cleaned and fresh, thus providing a comfortable and inviting retreat after a day of exploration. A fresh set of towels and clean crispy sheets are highly appreciated. Overall, what we appreciated the most is that almost all the staff addressed us by our first names, instead of the generalised ma’am or sir. Proving that they tried to be familiarised with their guests. The smiles didn't stop there- we needed to leave early to catch a very early flight (5 AM), but to our surprise, the entire team was there, including the Hotel Manager, Nilo, who went the extra mile to prepare the coffee for us to take to the airport. Finally, we were given a bracelet with the Funny Lion logo, which we still wear today. In retrospect, we missed the whole experience we had at El Nido and the way Funny Lion spoiled us. Although we are currently billeted at the Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan, my wife and I can’t help ourselves by comparing their service with Funny Lion and wished that we had ditched Mactan and just spent it with Funny Lion.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 11 February 2024
Blake
AustraliaNothing
Everything
Stayed in January 2024
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