Looking for the best place to stay in San Juan, La Union? Read on as we share the best hotels, hostels and accommodation. La Union in the Philippines and in particular San Juan and Urbiztondo beach is an up and coming province for backpackers visiting Luzon. Popular amongst surfers, although not as well known as Siargao, La Union is home to a large stretch of sandy beaches, beachfront bars and independent eateries.
This budget paradise is perfect for travellers wanting to get off-the-beaten track but you might be wondering where to stay in La Union? The province is large and made up of different towns and villages, some better for a holiday than others. The capital of the province San Fernando is a good place to start with a large selection of restaurants and home to Tangadan Falls, or you may prefer San Juan and Urbiztondo Beach the surfing capital of Luzon that has an emerging nightlife. If you want a more local experience head to Bauang or Agoo.
This blog focuses on places to stay in San Juan, La Union, the section we choose to visit during our time at Urbiztondo Beach but we will also share our top picks from San Fernando and Bauang.
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Where To Stay In La Union? The Best Area To Stay
Although La Union is not as popular as some other destinations, its up and coming nightlife plus good surfing conditions means it’s attracting more travellers to the area and why we have created an Urbiztondo Beach itinerary to help you with your planning.. La Union is a large province made up of different areas which each have their own unique vibe.
San Fernado is the capital of the province. Here you can find golden beaches, cultural and historical sites plus you’ll be in the heart of all the restaurants, cafes and bars.
Just north of the main city is San Juan, the best area to stay in La Union for surfers and backpackers. You can find popular hostels here that encourage socialising and surfing. The surfing season runs from October to March but even without the surf this town is a great place to come and relax.
Other areas included Bauang and Agoo. Agoo is great for families as there are lots of attractions to visit and Bauang is a quiet area perfect for a relaxing get away.
As we think San Juan is the best place to stay for travellers and backpackers below we share the where to stay in San Juan, La Union.
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Places To Stay Near Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union
Budget/Cheap San Juan Hostels And Hotels, La Union $
Flotsam and Jetsam Artist Beach: Solo Travellers, Backpackers, Couples
Perhaps the best hostel in San Juan and close to San Juan Beach, this hostel offers a mixed dormitory or private rooms. One of the best places to stay in Urbiztondo beach due to the close proximity to the beach, only 30m away is the white sand and turquoise water, this is the perfect backpackers and surfers rest stop. The hostel has a chilled vibe allowing you to relax on the beachfront.
Book Here
Book Here
The Circle Hostel La Union: Solo Travellers, Backpackers, Couples
An eco friendly boutique surf hostel that focuses on community and connections through travel. The common rooms are designed to encourage interaction, creativity and bonding between guests. With dorm rooms or private rooms available everyone is welcome at The Circle Hostel. This is a particularly good choice for solo travellers in Urbiztondo as they have female only dorms.
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Book Here
Costa Villa Beach Resort: Couples, Families
Close to San Juan beach you can enjoy spacious, air conditioned rooms on a budget. They provide a complimentary breakfast and free airport shuttle service. This is the best resort For couples or families staying in San Juan on a budget and is one of the cheapest family friendly properties we found.
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Book Here
Places To Stay In San Juan, La Union Mid-Range Hotels $$
Serenia Homestay: Groups, Families
If you’re travelling in a large group or as a family Serenia Homestay offers a renovated private townhouse. You will get access to a balcony, free private parking and WiFi. The house is 200m from San Juan Beach and equipped with a kitchen, air-con and 3 separate bedrooms.
Book Here
Book Here
Urbiz Garden Bed and Breakfast: Solo Travellers, Backpackers, Couple
If you’re wondering where to stay on La Union beachfront and location is a priority for you Urbiz Garden is located right on the beachfront! The hotel has a private beach area and garden for you to relax in plus offers access to a balcony and free private parking. This is simple accommodation with the uniqueness of being right on the sand.
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Book Here
Where To Stay In San Juan, La Union Luxury Accommodation $$$
Awesome Hotel: Couples, Families, Business
Awesome Hotel is a 4-star beachfront resort in San Juan, La Union. They have a large beachfront swimming pool along with multiple dining options including a Lobby Cafe, Restaurant and Sports Bar. The rooms are spacious and overlook the infinity pool. This hotel is sure to live up to its awesome name!
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Book Here
Kahuna Beach Resort & Spa: Best Place in San Juan For Couples
This beachfront resort offers free parking, WiFi and access to a large swimming pool. The rooms are clustered around the pool and surrounded by trees and plants for a calming vibe. There are lots of amenities available including a spa, golf course and billiards.
Book Here
Summary Of The Best Places To Stay In San Juan, La Union
- Best For Families: Awesome Hotel (Family Resort)
- Best For Solo Travellers: Flotsam and Jetsam (Affordable Beachfront)
- Best For Couples: Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa (Luxury Accommodation)
- Best For Backpackers: The Circle Hostel (Budget Hostel)
- Best Beachfront Resort: Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa
Alternative Places To Stay Near Urbiztondo Beach
Where To Stay In San Fernando – The Main City
Best Cheap Stay In San Fernando: Igid Puttot Guest Cabins
A budget stay in the heart of San Fernando. Perfect for backpackers or couples looking for cheap accommodation. The rooms have air-con and access to a garden or terrace. There is an onsite coffee shop and in the warmer months you can use the barbecue facilities.
Book Here
Book Here
Best Hotel in San Fernando: Thunderbird Poro Point
This four-star hotel offers guests a comfortable room alongside a private beach area, swimming pools, 9-hole golf course and a delicious on-site restaurant. As the hotel is in San Fernando, you’re not far from bars, restaurants and the vibrant city, allowing you to explore during your stay.
Book Here
Book Here
Places To Stay In Bauang
Hotel 45 Beach Resort: Most Popular
This popular resort consistently came up when we were researching where to stay in Bauang. However, looking at a variety of reviews and guest feedback we can’t confidently say this is one of the best places to stay in La Union, therefore try….
Jade Resort: Best Resort For Families, Couples
in a quiet, secluded location Jade resort has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a restaurant and bar. All the rooms have air-con, a desk, TV, terrace with pool view and private bathrooms. This is a great choice for families as they also have a children’s playground.
Book Here
Best Places To Eat In San Juan, La Union
- El Union Coffee – If you’re looking for a great coffee then El Union Coffee is the place to head. They serve cold brews, horchata and s’mores.
- Kabsat La Union – If you want local Filipino food Kabsat serves hearty regional food, plus you can grab a cocktail here while enjoying the sunset.
- Beach Bum Food Park – A collection of food stalls including Filipino, sea food and western dishes.
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Top Things To Do In La Union
La Union is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with its vast beaches, rich culture and plenty of things to do we can see why people come here. The local surf spot Urbiztondo Beach has vibrant bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to come and relax and enjoy the sunshine.
If you don’t have a car, getting to La Union via public transport would take a long time so we have included a link to a driver from Manila or Clark Airport to la Union.
Some of the best things to do in La Union:
Best Time To Visit San Juan La Union
How To Get To San Juan, La Union?
We recommend taking your own car to get to San Juan, this gives you the flexibility to plan your trip how you want and take it at your own pace. Alternatively if you’re on holiday you could rent a car. Or if coming from the city of Manila read below:
Public Transport To San Juan From Manila
Tangadan Falls is too far to do a day visit from Manila, however it is possible for a long weekend away, you can board the Partas or Viron buses from the Cuban bus terminal. Head towards San Juan and your hotel shouldn’t be too far from there.
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Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
- Agree on taxi prices upfront – when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
- Take it slow – don’t feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
- Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
- For a checklist of what’s needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
