Known for its vibrant urban façade and glorious history, the city of Cebu is indeed an Asian wonder with a beating heart. With the city's creative diversity, one can expect a series of fascinating activities which will suit anybody's cravings for la dolce vita. From Cebu's artistic scene to its budding cafes that offer artisanal offerings, a unique experience awaits anyone who wishes to visit the city. Such experience won't be complete without a good and memorable place to stay in. Luckily, Cebu doesn't run out of a rich profusion of hotels. Cebu is your oyster, but if you want an edge from an ordinary accommodation, here are three unique hotels that you can stay within the queen city of the south.
Brand: Artsy fusion of industrial and rustic Europe
Phone: (032) 520 8877
What You Will Love About The Henry Hotel
You will love the overall quirky vibes of this graphic hotel. Its vintage-chic furnishings, art-filled lobby, fascinating boutique, and reading room will surely give you a distinct hotel experience. Even their bathrooms come in style! The hotel is also known to have friendly and professional staff.
Amenities
Depending on your choice of rooms, you'll enjoy an LCD TV, DVD player, cable channels, WiFi, handheld and rain shower, safety deposit box, mini-bar, and a bathtub which is available on some rooms. A nice tan will also be yours' as you enjoy sunbathing in the hotel's poolside area. Breakfast is free at the Henry Hotel. The hotel also offers a wide range of packages if you want to hold an event or a photo shoot session on their area.
Palate Pals
You won't get hungry staying at The Henry. Cafes and restaurants serving some of the finest dishes in the city are located within the hotel's parameters. If you're fond of modern art and good food,
Rica's Place is the gastronomical destination for you. On the other hand, if authentic Italian courses are your thing, you may head over to
Tavolata and
Pizzeria Michelangelo. Traditional Asian flavors can be enjoyed at
Beqaa and
Moshi Moshi Yakiniku. Meanwhile, if you want delectable vegan food choices, check out
Kairos by the Lazy Chef.
Nearby Wonders
Staying at The Henry Hotel is perfect for artists and art lovers because there's a cache of aesthetic places nearby such as the
Anthill Fabric Gallery and the
Qube Gallery. Once you got tired from your artistic ramble, treat yourself at
The Spa at Cebu.
Have you been dreaming of a Spanish getaway? Then your Hispanic dream isn't out of reach with the next hotel in this list.
Montebello Villa Hotel
Brand:
Spanish-inspired garden hotel at the heart of the city
Location:
Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines
Phone:
032 231-3681-89
What You Will Love About Montebello Villa Hotel
Charming and intimate, this family-friendly hotel will set the tone of your retro heart in action. Set within its own 3.5-hectare estate, Montebello's very own garden will redefine relaxation as it makes the most out of its verdant and fuchsia wonders.
Amenities
A never-ending to-do list will keep Montebello's guests busy. Lounge beside their immense pool or teach your kids how to swim at their kiddie pool. Feel good and look good by spending some time at the hotel's very own gym or practice a 5000-year-old Indian knowledge by joining the Yoga classes by their gardens. Montebello rooms are complete with TV, WiFi, minibar with snacks, and a hot and cold shower. The hotel is also the best venue for memorable occasions such as weddings and other gatherings. Garden wedding anyone?
Palate Pals
A good restaurant is a good indication of a good hotel. Montebello Villa Hotel's very own La Terraza Restaurant won't disappoint. The place is airy with a good view of their azure pool. Zhuzhed-up Filipino and authentic Spanish cuisine are prepared and served daily. Enjoy a tapas or two and don't miss out their luscious brownies, the best in Cebu.
Nearby Wonders
You don't have to go far from the hotel should you wish to find something worth getting out of your bed for. One of Cebu's worthwhile shopping destinations, the Gaisano Country Mall is a walking distance away from the hotel.
Third on this list is perfect for tourists and locals who are hungry for a taste of authentic Cebuano ingenuity. This hotel is also a playground for history buffs.
Palm Grass Hotel
Brand:
Cebu's only heritage hotel
Location:
68 General Junquera Street Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City
Phone:
(032) 412-2438
What You Will Love About Palm Grass
Proudly positioned near the country's oldest street, Palm Grass will take you to the marvelous history of Cebu. From their lobby up to their rooms, everything about the hotel reflects an exciting tale about the Cebuano culture. If you are craving for a traditional
Sugboanon dish and knowledge about Cebu's history, Palm Grass is the perfect remedy for your craving.
Amenities
Relive the Cebuano heritage by spending some time reading about the city's glorious past at the Basahanan ni Lumaya, Palm Grass' mini library. The mini library houses some of the best history books written by well-known Sugboanon writers. If you have the stamina to keep up, don't miss out chilling at the hotel's Hardin Dagami roof deck bar. Lose yourself in their saltwater dipping pool while enjoying some of their beverages inspired by Cebuano heroes. A knockout view of Cebu at night can also be seen while you're in Hardin Dagami. Feast your eyes as the hotel staff serenades you with Cebu's most-prized Cebuano songs. If you wish to celebrate life and history, you may celebrate it at their function hall. Your bedrooms may have a two-seater sofa bed, a separate living room, toilet & bath, a safety deposit box, a walk-in closet, a minibar, an internet LED TV, a refrigerator, a kitchenette, and a bathtub.
Palate Pals
Kapihan ni Lumaya, the hotel's very own cafe/restaurant serves native Cebuano, Filipino, Asian and international cuisines which will fulfill your palate. It also serves classic
merienda items which are part of the Cebuano culture. If you are eating with your loved ones, avail their
Bodol Fight offers. The café is named after Lumaya who, according to folklore, is the founder of the Rajahnate of Cebu.
Nearby Wonders
Palm Grass is the place to see Cebu's energetic and youthful side. The chance to see and roam around the downtown area awaits every guest. Should you want a more historical activity, you may avail their heritage walk/trail.
Those are the three unique hotels that I have hand-picked for this list. I picked the hotels based on their uniqueness, which means that the estate has something fresh to offer to their guests. Other things that I have considered are cleanliness, services (professionalism & friendliness of the staff) and their restaurants.
Do you know other hotels in Cebu City which should join the short list above? Feel free to comment on the comment section below.
love lots,
Tin
*Note: I am not paid by any of the hotels mentioned above. Neither do I work for them. I have created this post to answer the questions emailed to me asking for recommendations on where to stay in Cebu City. Photos used in this post are either taken by me or from the hotel's respective Facebook or official websites.
