While most visitors to the Philippines likely have tropical beaches in mind, it’s often necessary to transit the cities on your way there. Cebu is situated in a central position in the islands and has many ferry connections in addition to being the best aviation hub in the Philippines.
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Finding myself in need of a place to stay in the city, the Holiday Inn Cebu City was an obvious choice. A central location with a known and consistent brand and a chance to flex status and collect points. At just over $80 USD per night this was an easy choice.
Holiday Inn Cebu City Location
It’s tough to know where to stay in Cebu if you haven’t visited before. There’s the main city, Lapu Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay. It is not at all clear what the differences are or which is best.
I think I got a bit lucky selecting this location. Cebu is frankly just not very nice. The surrounding areas are exactly the same in character as Cebu city. The downtown part of Cebu, near the ferry terminal and Magellan’s Cross is a third world dump and there’s no dressing it up.
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The Holiday Inn Cebu City is in just about the nicest part of town. There are corporate/international office buildings making up much of the neighborhood and a large and modern mall just a few minutes’ walk away. If you’re staying here for a day or two it should be a nice stay if you just stick to the hotel and the mall, which has plenty of restaurants.
Holiday Inn Cebu City Property
This is a pretty nice hotel. The ground floor comprises a lobby and business center and there’s a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness center on the seventh floor. it’s a high rise building with nice city views from most rooms.
There’s a promenade in front that is common to the hotel next door and some offices. Here you’ll find a 7-Eleven, some espresso spots, a bakery… all very convenient. I did try the buffet offered at weekend dinner at this hotel and unfortunately it was just not very good. You might like it more than I did if you enjoy seafood.
One thing that stood out to me is that they seemed to be charging to use the swimming pool, according to a sign posted in the lobby. I didn’t see how that was enforced as I was able to enter the pool area freely. But Jesus… how cheap can you be as a hotel owner? IHG Should not be allowing that at all.
Guest Rooms
The room was nice with everything you would expect. Except an ice bucket, of course. Housekeeping was regular. Bed was comfortable. It had a cushioned bench with a table instead of an armchair, which would have been preferred.
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My room featured an extensive shelving system which looks impressive but honestly I’d have preferred an actual wardrobe or drawers. There was an angled steel piece on which it was very easy to bump one’s head unless a towel or something else was hung over it to increase visibility.
About Cebu City
Cebu city stinks. Don’t come here except to transit to a different island.
As I said the mall is nice. The Holiday Inn Cebu City is also a modest walk or a short Grab ride to Fuente Osmeña Circle and Mango Square, home of more shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The sites connected to Magellan’s Voyage are interesting and worth a trip to see.
There are some beaches in Lapu Lapu City but they are not so great and you have to pay to access them. Beaches can be accessed for free if you’re staying at the Belmont or Savoy hotels. These are part of the Mactan New Town development, a brand new planned unit development. They’re also closer to the airport. If I were returning here again, this is where I’d stay.
Bottom Line
You can book with confidence at the Holiday Inn or follow my advice and stay at Belmont or Savoy. The key to a good experience in Cebu is being in a shiny new area. So Mactan New Town or Ayala Center are at the top of the list. Mango Square below them.
The Bai Hotel in Mandaue is a pretty impressive looking property as well. But there’s not much at all nearby. You’ll be relying heavily on Grab, unlike at the Holiday Inn.
