I remember it quite vividly — how I ended up adding San Juan, La Union to my travel bucket list. Kim Jones was one of my favourite people to follow on Instagram, and it seemed that she was there every single weekend, posting photos of its picture-perfect scenes. Soon, everyone would rave about the town’s gorgeous sunsets, the trendy hostels, exciting parties, and excellent restaurants.
Also read: 20 Restaurants in La Union: Your Guide to the Best Eats in Elyu
On top of that, Indie film I’m Drunk, I Love You featured Maja Salvador and Paulo Avelino on an action- (and drama) packed La Union trip that boasted San Juan’s beach, nightlife, and of course, bagnet, bagnet, bagnet. Once I saw the movie, I just knew it — La Union was calling me!
San Juan, La Union: The ultimate weekend destination
The destination seemed to offer absolutely everything I was looking for in a weekend getaway. But that was the catch — everyone else thought so, too. And when I finally gathered a bunch of my friends and started planning my first LU trip, it turned out that nearly every accommodation (from budget hostels to pricier hotels) was fully booked practically every weekend.
Also read: 13 Long Weekends in the Philippines in 2020
And so I resorted to looking for Airbnb homes in La Union… But this was a failed attempt, too. Sure, there were some barkada-friendly homes around the vicinity. However, it seemed that they were all situated a little too far away from San Juan’s trendy tourist spots. (They weren’t that aesthetically pleasing, either, to be honest!)
Long story short, we ended up giving up and booking a hotel way in advance in order to actually make this trip happen.
Airbnbs in La Union are now more accessible
Fast forward a few years later. A group of friends and I planned yet another La Union trip with just a little over a week to spare. As we scrambled for available accommodations, we came across a bunch of Airbnb homes in La Union that were conveniently located near San Juan’s most popular spots — some, even Instagram-worthy!
After my futile attempts to find the perfect La Union Airbnb a few years back, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there are now significantly more (and better) options. And now, I’m excited to share these great finds with all of you.
Whether you’re travelling solo, going on a couples’ getaway, or planning a trip with a big group, you’re sure to find a place that will work for you. We’ve handpicked the top Airbnbs in La Union with regard to location, design, and amenities. Check them out below!
Also read: 7 Premium Buses in Manila and Where They Can Take You
Top Airbnb homes in La Union
1. This Instagram-worthy villa that’ll instantly transport you to Bali
Listing name: Ysla 2-Bedroom Villa w/ Private Pool San Juan LU
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 2
Nope, you aren’t looking at photos of a villa in Bali — this stylish retreat is just a six-minute drive from San Juan’s surfing area, trendy hotels, and restaurants. And yes, it absolutely can be your home away from home in Elyu! (Just imagine all the Instagram-worthy snaps you and your barkada will be taking here!) The beach is just a short walk from here as well. What more could you ask for, really?
If you’re travelling with a group of friends, you may not even want to step outside of this home! The two-bedroom villa comes complete with a private pool, and an outdoor kitchen, grill, and dining area. Towels and toiletries are provided — and there’s free parking, too! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
2. This cute, cosy room that’s perfect for a trip with your BFF
Listing name: Kai’ea Beach House room with private entrance
Listing type: Private room in house
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
On the lookout for a La Union Airbnb for your next BFF bonding trip? This room set in a cosy beachfront home just might be the perfect one for you. Set in a quiet and peaceful location just five minutes from San Juan’s surf town, it’ll offer you everything you need for the ultimate vacation. Expect to fall asleep to the calming sounds of waves and the sea breeze — the ideal way to end a day of enjoying Elyu’s sights and sounds, if you ask us.
Besides a cosy, clean place to come home to, you’ll also get to take advantage of shared amenities like the fully-equipped kitchen and the outdoor pool with gorgeous sunset views. And yes, in case you were wondering — towels, toiletries, and parking are provided here, too!
To top it all off, A Sea Turtle Conservation is just two houses away. If you get the timing just right, you can easily head over there to witness adorable turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
3. This laid-back retreat close to Elyu’s most popular establishments
Listing name: Alon and Sandy room for big group
Listing type: Private room in tiny house
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 1
If being in close proximity to San Juan’s trendiest establishments is your priority, then let this particular La Union Airbnb be your first choice. Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel and The Great Northwest are just a few minutes’ walk from this rustic bedroom, which is nestled in a modern treehouse in a quiet neighbourhood.
Before you book this Airbnb, know that it takes a bit of a climb to get here! Some find that the short hike is very manageable; plus, the breathtaking views make a stay at this home worth every bit of the journey it takes to get here. The accommodating hosts, the cool surf shack vibe, and the free pandesal and coffee in the morning are amazing bonuses as well! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
4. This charming penthouse apartment that’s sure to feel like home
Listing name: SEASCAPE – Dreams
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 2
Considered one of La Union’s gems, this Airbnb is one that guests have booked again and again; in one review, a guest actually revealed that they booked it for the fourth time! Situated right in the heart of Surf Town, this penthouse apartment places you just five minutes away from some of San Juan’s most popular restaurants like Mad Monkey, Tagpuan, and Olas Banditos.
On top of its great location, this home’s generous set of amenities and hospitable hosts make it such an excellent choice. Fresh towels and linens are provided, along with board games, free Wi-Fi, coffee, and drinking water. Its shared living spaces make it worthy of a group staycation — the modern living room and spacious balcony are perfect spots for catching up with friends. To add to all that, a stay at this apartment also comes with free parking! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
5. This simple yet stylish resting place for travellers who plan to stay out and about
Listing name: Elyu’s Cozy Place /Modern room good for 6pax B1
Listing type: Private room in house
Max. no. of guests: 6
No. of bedrooms: 1
Perhaps you’re the type of traveller who doesn’t need any special amenities — just a nice, clean place to stay. This private room is simple yet spotless, and despite its minimalist aesthetic, still quite a stylish choice. Tucked in a quiet area, it’s a quick five-minute drive away from San Juan’s trendiest restaurants, hotels, and surfing spots. (Plus points: Free parking is provided, so you won’t have to park your car on the street!)
Within just a few minutes, you’ll be able to walk to a quiet, less crowded slice of the beach. Whether you’re travelling solo, in pairs, or with a group of up to six people, this Airbnb is a great pick — especially if you prefer to stay away from bustling tourist areas! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
6. This fan-cooled kubo just a minute away from the beach
Listing name: Kenji Surf Kubo – in Aki Surf Place (Fan Room)
Listing type: Entire home
Max. no. of guests: 2
No. of bedrooms: 1
Is surfing the number one item on your agenda? Then look no further! This Airbnb is owned by Japanese surfer Kazuo “Aki” Akinaga himself — one of the pioneers who made San Juan the surfing capital of the North that it is today. In addition, it’s right by all the action that Elyu is known for, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Located within the compound of San Juan Surf Resort, this kubo is situated within a spacious garden where you’ll surely love having a cup of coffee or bonding over drinks with your friends. Despite that the room is fan-cooled, previous guests swear you won’t feel the heat! Much like in hostels, the bathrooms here are shared — but this place is often commended for being clean and well-kept, and towels as well as shower essentials are provided! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
7. This barkada-friendly bungalow in a quiet neighbourhood
Listing name: Wooden House for 8pax in Surftown La Union
Listing type: Entire bungalow
Max. no. of guests: 8
No. of bedrooms: 4
Get the best of both worlds at this stylish bungalow. While it’s found in a quiet neighbourhood away from San Juan’s more touristy areas, the beach, food, and nightlife are just a two-minute car ride (or 10-minute walk) from here! It’s got enough parking for up to four cars, and should you and your barkada decide you’d rather not drive around the area, there’s a waiting shed for tricycles right across the house.
As clean as it is Instagram-worthy, this barkada-friendly La Union Airbnb comes with four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms (one of them just has a toilet and sink), and a well-equipped kitchen. To add to the mix, the house also has an outdoor shower and a surfboard storage rack — so you can be assured that things can stay squeaky clean indoors! Learn more about this Airbnb here.
Also read: 10 Airbnbs for Your Next Barkada Staycation Near Manila
So, did you find your perfect La Union Airbnb on this list? We hope you enjoy your stay!
