Cebu Hotels

Cebu Hotels

Despite being one of the oldest islands in the Philippines, Cebu has become a contemporary hub of the area with shiny new developments springing up around the capital city. With western stores full of well-heeled clientele it has become a stylish and cosmopolitan destination. South of the city you'll find long areas of sandy beaches and clear seas, with big colorful festivals taking place in various spots around the island that let you truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

Things to see

The Ayala Center is at the heart of the city's redevelopment, with 3 contemporary shopping malls, stylish corporate offices, and upscale department stores. Set around a beautifully landscaped square with soothing water features and shady palm trees, you'll see shoppers dashing around with designer bags, resting them at their feet when they stop at one of the restaurants or cafés with outdoor tables. At night the buildings' terraces are lit up against the night sky, with late night shopping events, cinema screenings, and lively dining venues. By contrast the Yap Sandiego Ancestral House has some of the oldest architectural features in Cebu, and this humble 17th century wooden home has been turned into a museum where you can see how its early inhabitants lived. With rooms still featuring original furniture and paintings from the period, you can enjoy an authentic look at life in the Philippines several centuries ago. Magellan's Cross dates back to the 16th century and was placed by Portuguese and Spanish explorer. The gazebo built around it protects this spiritual artifact, and has been decorated with oil paintings and intricate detailing.

Hotels in Cebu

Along the skyline of Cebu City you'll find high rise hotels and modern accommodation that is popular with business travelers seeking clean, contemporary rooms that are close to the corporate center. You'll enjoy facilities such as air conditioning to help you escape from the heat of the city, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, and WiFi. Those in the area on vacation will also enjoy Cebu hotel features such as complimentary breakfasts, room service, and laundry services, and you'll be able to explore the city further thanks to friendly front desk staff offering tour and ticket assistance.

Where to stay

The center of Cebu has a busy atmosphere, with mopeds zipping down the main roads and colorful billboards staring down from the side of high rise buildings. Colon Street is full of shops and mini malls selling bargains, with lots of places selling traditional goods and souvenirs. There are also many modern developments springing up around the city, with multiple floor modern malls with western favorites and upmarket stores, as well as entertainment and restaurants that are open until late. In the south of the city you'll also find an abundance of natural beauty, with the long golden sandy beaches where city dwellers come to escape from the heat and take a dip in the cool seas.

How to get to Cebu

There are regular flights arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport from major cities across Asia, and this small but busy airport is conveniently placed on Mactan Island which is an easy 20 minute drive across one of the large industrial bridges. Outside the terminal you'll find a regular bus service, or can grab one of the bright yellow jeepneys which often offer a quicker service with less stops. Along the waterfront you'll also find several large ferry terminals, with services from across the Philippines including the popular stops of Jagna, Nasipit, and Ormoc.