The Funny Lion El Nido

The Funny Lion El Nido, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of El Nido, Palawan, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional hospitality, stylish design, and convenient location. This boutique hotel, opened in December 2022, is part of a well-loved chain known for its unique destination experiences.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel boasting an impressive overall rating of 9.4 on Agoda and a "superb" rating of 9.0 on Booking.com. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's dedication to providing an unforgettable stay, characterized by exceptional service and a vibrant, fun atmosphere.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Funny Lion El Nido for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service and Staff: The hospitality is frequently described as "beyond anything we've ever encountered," with staff being incredibly warm, friendly, attentive, and even remembering guests by name.
• Prime Location: Situated right in the heart of El Nido town, it offers easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transport hubs.
• Stylish Design & Atmosphere: The hotel features a classy and casual design, envisioned by Eric Paras, incorporating locally sourced materials like bamboo and taking inspiration from the region's limestone cliffs.
• Fantastic Amenities: Guests love the amazing outdoor swimming pool, often with a view, and the complimentary daily access to the secluded and pristine Papaya Beach, which includes free boat transfers.
• Quality Dining: The on-site restaurant and breakfast offerings receive high marks for quality and variety.

Room Quality

The Funny Lion El Nido offers 50 smartly laid out and beautifully designed rooms, including King Rooms, Cub Rooms, and Deluxe Double or Twin Rooms, each spanning approximately 26 square meters. Guests find the rooms comfortable, clean, and modern, with a cozy and relaxing ambiance. Each air-conditioned accommodation is a sanctuary for relaxation, featuring:

• Private bathrooms.
• Breezy balconies or terraces, some overlooking the pool.
• A work desk, minibar, and in-room safe.
• Free WiFi and a television with satellite/cable TV.
• Hot coffee & tea making facilities and complimentary bottled water.
• Luxurious bathrobes, hair dryer, and organic shampoo.

Dining Experience

Dining at The Funny Lion El Nido is a delightful culinary journey. The on-site "Hunt Restaurant" offers an all-day dining experience, blending local Filipino flavors with international cuisine. The restaurant provides both air-conditioned indoor seating and al fresco dining by the pool.

• Breakfast: A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily, featuring American and buffet styles, with popular items like creamy yogurt, savory garlic rice, crispy bacon, fresh salad greens, and made-to-order omelets from an egg station.
• Lunch & Dinner: The diverse menu includes fresh salads, paninis, pastas (like baked Mac and cheese in a creamy seafood chowder sauce), burgers, fresh seafood specials, and Asian and Continental dishes. Noteworthy dishes include irresistibly spiced jerk chicken, refreshing chilled tomato ginger gazpacho, and Cointreau-cured mahi-mahi carpaccio.
• Special Events: A "Fire Grill Buffet" is a highlight on Friday nights.
• Beverages: The poolside bar is a social hub, offering a daily happy hour from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with buy-one-take-one cocktails. There's also Nikibaker Café for coffee breaks and light bites.

Service & Staff

The staff at The Funny Lion El Nido consistently receives glowing reviews, often cited as the hotel's strongest asset. Guests describe the team as exceptional, incredibly warm, friendly, attentive, helpful, and well-trained. Many guests are particularly impressed by the staff's personalized approach, with some front desk personnel, like "Val," being noted for remembering every guest's name. They are praised for going "out of their way to make sure all guests are having a pleasant stay" and for their proactive assistance with needs and wants.

Location & Accessibility

The Funny Lion El Nido is strategically located in Barangay Buena Suerte, right in the heart of El Nido town, making it an excellent base for exploring the area.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is within walking distance to El Nido Main Beach (a 5-minute walk) and less than 1 km from Caalan Beach. The hotel is also close to TownSquare Heritage District, numerous restaurants, bars, dive shops, and boat tour operators.
• Transport: The resort is approximately 12 km (a 15-minute drive) from Lio Airport, with airport transfer services available upon request (additional fees may apply). It also offers easy access to the El Nido Jeepney Terminal Bus Station.
• Exclusive Access: The complimentary boat transfer to Papaya Beach provides a secluded experience away from the busier tourist spots.

Value & Pricing

While The Funny Lion El Nido positions itself as a luxurious 4-star boutique hotel, guests generally consider it to be worth the cost, reflecting its commitment to exceptional hospitality. Average room prices typically range from $151 to $200, though deals can be found from around $136 to $463 depending on the season and room type. It has been globally recognized by Condé Nast Johansens for "Best Value Experience 2025."

Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Noise: One guest mentioned that the location, while central, "could be a bit noisy at night with street traffic but bearable."
• Michelin Guide Score: As a recently selected Michelin Key property, the Michelin Guide has not yet compiled enough verified guest reviews to provide a comprehensive quality score.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. thepost.ph
3. thefunnylion.com
4. thefunnylion.com
5. booking.com
6. hotels.com
7. klook.com
8. youtube.com
9. booking.com
10. michelin.com
11. travel-palawan.com
12. thehotelguru.com
13. myboutiquehotel.com
14. expedia.co.uk
15. kapampangantraveller.com
16. youtube.com
17. michelin.com
18. smarttravelasia.com
19. trip.com
20. momondo.com
21. tablethotels.com