Hardy & Banx

I highly recommend Hardy & Banx. The location is great - close to many cafés, restaurants, and the beach - and the hotel itself is very clean and lovely. It has been fully renovated, looks very cool, and the staff is awesome. They go above and beyond to accommodate your needs. They also own the dive shop (Tabanka Divers) where I did my scuba diving course, which is within walking distance and excellent as well.

Dec 2025

Nice, quiet accommodation with a small pool. Our windows didn’t have view. The staff offered us to get the ferry tickets but didn’t ask for the money so they weren’t not really booked. It was a messy situation as we had to wait the boarding of the ferry to get the tickets of someone who didn’t show up. To be honest they realise the issue and tried to bring alternatives. She spent from 10:00 to 14:00 in the ticket office with us trying to help so finally it worked. Just be sure that you give them the money few days in advance so they can book the ferry for real

Dec 2025

First of all, El Nido has many places that are “okay to sleep in,” but not truly comfortable. Hardy & Banx became the most pleasant surprise of my trip. The lobby has beautiful design details concrete, wood textures, geometric tiles, and a striking whale mural. I don’t drink coffee, but other travelers kept praising theirs. The room is clean, calming, and thoughtfully arranged. And I can confirm a rumor many travelers mention elsewhere: the bed is incredibly comfortable the kind you don’t want to get out of. It’s been a while since I woke up feeling that rested. The bathroom has strong water pressure and stable hot water, which is rare on the island. The rooftop is another highlight hammocks, a small pool, and a relaxing breeze, perfect for yoga, reading, journaling, or quietly unwinding. It’s the kind of space where you easily end up spending an entire afternoon. What makes this place even more special is its story. The owner is the first Taiwanese person to settle in El Nido, and she moved here over a decade ago with her German husband as they built their life, dive shop, and now this guesthouse together. Their two cute little boys add even more warmth to the place. And if you dive, you absolutely should dive with their own dive shop. Fair pricing, professional instructors, and easy booking through the owner. My biggest surprise? My diving instructor from 10 years ago now teaches there. It’s the kind of stay you remember. A place you’ll want to return to. Thank you for turning a simple stay into one of the moments I’ll remember most from this trip.

Nov 2025