Known for its vibrant urban façade and glorious history, the city of Cebu City is indeed an Asian wonder with a beating heart. With the city's creative diversity, one can expect a series of fascinating activities that suit anyone's craving for la dolce vita. From Cebu's artistic scene to its budding cafés that offer artisanal delights, a unique experience awaits anyone who wishes to visit the city. Such an experience would not be complete without a good and memorable place to stay. Luckily, Cebu boasts a rich profusion of hotels. Cebu is your oyster, but if you want something beyond ordinary accommodation, here are three unique hotels where you can stay in the Queen City of the South.
The Henry Hotel Cebu
Brand: Artsy fusion of industrial and rustic European design
Location: Paseo Saturnino, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 520 8877
What You Will Love About The Henry Hotel
You will love the overall quirky vibe of this visually striking hotel. Its vintage-chic furnishings, art-filled lobby, fascinating boutique, and cozy reading room will surely give you a distinct hotel experience. Even the bathrooms are stylishly designed! The hotel is also known for its friendly and professional staff.
Amenities
Depending on your choice of room, you can enjoy an LCD TV, DVD player, cable channels, Wi-Fi, handheld and rain showers, a safety deposit box, a minibar, and a bathtub available in selected rooms. You can also work on your tan while sunbathing by the hotel’s poolside area. Breakfast is complimentary at The Henry Hotel. The hotel also offers a wide range of packages for events and photo shoot sessions within the property.
Palate Pals
You will never go hungry while staying at The Henry. Cafés and restaurants serving some of the finest dishes in the city are located within the hotel’s premises. If you are fond of modern art and good food, Rica's Place is a gastronomic destination worth visiting. On the other hand, if authentic Italian cuisine is 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 is a collection of aesthetic spots nearby, such as Anthill Fabric Gallery and Qube Gallery. Once you get tired from your artistic ramble, treat yourself to a relaxing session 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 on this list.
Montebello Villa Hotel
Brand: Spanish-inspired garden hotel in the heart of the city
Location: Banilad, Cebu City
Phone: (032) 231-3681 to 89
What You Will Love About Montebello Villa Hotel
Charming and intimate, this family-friendly hotel will set your retro-loving heart into motion. Set within its own 3.5-hectare estate, Montebello’s lush gardens redefine relaxation with their verdant scenery and vibrant floral wonders.
Amenities
A never-ending list of activities will keep Montebello’s guests entertained. Lounge beside the hotel’s expansive pool or teach your kids how to swim in the kiddie pool. Feel good and look good by spending time at the hotel’s gym, or practice a 5,000-year-old Indian discipline by joining yoga classes held in the gardens. Montebello’s rooms are equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, a minibar stocked with snacks, and hot and cold showers. The hotel is also an ideal venue for memorable occasions such as weddings and private gatherings. Garden wedding, anyone?
Palate Pals
A good restaurant is often a sign of a good hotel, and Montebello Villa Hotel’s very own La Terraza Restaurant will not disappoint. The restaurant has an airy atmosphere with a relaxing view of the hotel’s azure pool. Elevated Filipino dishes and authentic Spanish cuisine are prepared and served daily. Enjoy a plate of tapas or two, and do not miss their luscious brownies, considered by many as some of the best in Cebu.
Nearby Wonders
You do not have to venture far from the hotel if you are looking for something worthwhile to explore. One of Cebu’s popular shopping destinations, Gaisano Country Mall, is within walking distance of 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 situated near the country’s oldest street, Palm Grass Hotel takes guests on a journey through the marvelous history of Cebu. From the lobby to the guestrooms, everything about the hotel reflects fascinating stories about Cebuano culture. If you are craving traditional Sugboanon dishes and a deeper appreciation of Cebu’s rich heritage, Palm Grass is the perfect destination.
Amenities
Relive Cebuano heritage by spending time at Basahanan ni Lumaya, Palm Grass’ mini library. The collection features some of the best history books written by renowned Sugboanon writers. If you still have the energy after a long day, do not miss unwinding at the hotel’s Hardin Dagami rooftop bar. Take a dip in the saltwater pool while enjoying beverages inspired by Cebuano heroes. Guests can also admire a stunning view of Cebu’s skyline at night from the rooftop. To complete the cultural experience, the hotel staff serenades guests with some of Cebu’s most treasured Cebuano songs.
If you wish to celebrate life and history, the hotel also offers a function hall for gatherings and special occasions. Depending on your chosen accommodation, rooms may include a two-seater sofa bed, a separate living area, a toilet and bath, a safety deposit box, a walk-in closet, a minibar, an internet-ready LED TV, a refrigerator, a kitchenette, and a bathtub.
Palate Pals
Kapihan ni Lumaya, the hotel’s in-house café and restaurant, serves native Cebuano, Filipino, Asian, and international cuisine that will surely satisfy your palate. The café also offers classic merienda favorites deeply rooted in Cebuano culture. If you are dining with family or friends, try their “Boodle Fight” offerings for a festive communal meal. The café is named after Lumaya, who, according to folklore, founded the Rajahnate of Cebu.
Nearby Wonders
Palm Grass Hotel is an excellent place to experience Cebu’s energetic and youthful side. Guests can easily explore the lively downtown district and immerse themselves in the local culture. For those seeking a more historical adventure, the hotel also offers heritage walks and cultural trails around the city.
Those are the three unique hotels that I handpicked for this list. I chose these hotels based on their uniqueness, meaning that each property offers something fresh and memorable to its guests. Other factors I considered were cleanliness, quality of service, professionalism, and friendliness of the staff, and the dining experience offered by their restaurants.
Do you know of other hotels in Cebu City that deserve a spot on the shortlist above? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments section below.
Love lots,
Tin
Note: I am not paid by any of the hotels mentioned above, nor do I work for them. I created this post to answer questions emailed to me asking for recommendations on where to stay in Cebu. Photos used in this post are either taken by me or from the hotel's respective Facebook or official websites.
