Where to Stay in Palau
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Palau
Compare prices from hotels across all regions
Prices via Trip.com. We may earn a commission from bookings.
Regions of Palau
Each region has a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
This is the commercial and tourism heart of Palau, home to Koror town. Nearly all services, tour operators, restaurants, and the majority of accommodations are found here. It's the most convenient base for accessing Jellyfish Lake, the Rock Islands, and excellent dive sites.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is primarily accessed via boat from Koror. Overnight stays within the lagoon itself are extremely rare and regulated, but a handful of exclusive, remote resorts exist on its fringes or on nearby islands.
A small island south of Koror, famous for its intense WWII battle sites. Accommodation is very limited and rustic, appealing to history buffs and those seeking a quiet, off-the-grid experience away from the main tourist track.
Palau's southernmost state is even quieter than Peleliu, known for its birdlife, surfing, and phosphate mining history. Access is limited, and infrastructure is minimal, making it a destination for true adventurers.
Palau's largest island, home to the new capital Ngerulmud, vast jungles, and traditional villages. Tourist accommodation is scarce outside of a couple of resorts near the airport and in the north, catering to those interested in cultural and inland exploration.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Palau
There are no major international hotel chains with a significant presence in Palau. The market is dominated by independent, locally-owned resorts and a few small regional operators.
The backbone of Palau's accommodation, outside Koror, consists of family-run guesthouses, small dive lodges, and independent resorts. These offer a more personal touch and direct connection to local culture and the environment.
Unique to Palau are the liveaboard dive boats, which serve as floating hotels for dedicated diving trips to remote reefs. also, traditional-style bai (meeting house) guesthouses occasionally offer cultural immersion stays in outer villages.
Booking Tips for Palau
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Palau has a limited number of hotel rooms. During the December-April dry season, around holidays, properties sell out months ahead. Secure your accommodation as soon as your travel dates are fixed.
Many visitors come to Palau to dive. Bundling your accommodation with a dive package through a reputable operator can often be more economical than booking flights, hotels, and dives separately.
Properties may be listed under 'Koror' but be on a different island requiring a boat transfer. Always confirm the exact location, transfer requirements, and any associated costs before booking.
Accommodation on Peleliu, Angaur, and other outer islands is very basic. Electricity may be generator-run (with limited hours), internet is unreliable or non-existent, and amenities are minimal. Pack accordingly.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Palau
Book at least 4-6 months in advance, for popular resorts and liveaboards.
Aim to book 2-3 months in advance for the best selection and rates.
1-2 months in advance is usually sufficient, though last-minute deals are rare due to limited overall inventory.
For Palau, earlier is always better regardless of season due to the small scale of the tourism infrastructure. Secure accommodation before booking flights if possible.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Palau