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Where to Stay in Cebu City

Where to Stay in Cebu City

Cebu City Central Visayas, Philippines Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

General Lodging

  • Hostels

    Budget-conscious travelers find dorm beds, some private rooms. Look for them in Cebu City (e.g., Mad Monkey Hostel Cebu City) and Moalboal. Common areas foster social interaction.

  • Guesthouses/Homestays

    Family-run, a local and private stay. Basic amenities at affordable rates. In urban and rural settings.

  • Cheap Accommodations

    Throughout Cebu City and smaller towns. Essential services like air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, sometimes Wi-Fi. Value-focused.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Many options in Cebu City and Mactan Island. These properties have comfortable rooms, often with pools, restaurants, fitness centers. A balance of comfort and cost.

Premium Lodging

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    Mainly on Mactan Island (e.g., Shangri-La Mactan, Crimson Resort AND Spa) and upscale Cebu City (e.g., Cebu Business Park, IT Park). Extensive amenities: non-public beaches, multiple pools, spas, diverse dining, high service levels. For comfort and indulgence.

  • Serviced Apartments

    Found in modern districts like IT Park. Good for longer stays, often with kitchen facilities and more space compared to hotels. For groups or families.

  • Beachfront Cottages/Resorts

    In towns on the coast like Moalboal, Malapascua, Bantayan, and Sumilon. Direct sea access. They serve especially divers and snorkelers. Options from simple cottages to luxurious resorts.

  • Diving Resorts

    Specialized properties in prime dive destinations (Moalboal, Malapascua). They serve the diving community, often with on-site dive centers and facilities for divers, including gear, dive masters, and boat trips.

Unique Local Stays

Some unique accommodation options include:

Beachfront Cottages/Resorts

Good points
  • Direct sea access
  • Popular in Moalboal, Malapascua, Bantayan, Sumilon
  • Cater to divers and snorkelers
  • Range from simple to luxurious
Things to note
  • Varies in amenities
  • Booking ahead for peak season
  • Remote areas may have limited services
  • Check for specific activity focus

Diving Resorts

Good points
  • Specialized in Moalboal, Malapascua
  • Offer comprehensive dive packages
  • Include gear, dive masters, boat trips
  • On-site dive centers for divers
Things to note
  • Mainly for divers
  • May be less suitable for non-divers
  • Booking dive packages with stay
  • Check certifications needed

Homestays & Guesthouses

Good points
  • Local and intimate stay
  • Family-run establishments
  • Basic amenities at affordable rates
  • Opportunity for cultural connection
Things to note
  • Can be basic in comfort
  • Less privacy than hotels
  • Amenities may be limited
  • Booking often direct or via local sites

Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

Online Platforms:

Airbnb is popular in Cebu, with apartments, condominiums, and entire houses. Look in Cebu City's modern districts like IT Park and Cebu Business Park.

Suitability:

Options for short or long stays. They can be cost-effective for groups or families, often with kitchen facilities and more living space than traditional hotel rooms.

Camping and Outdoor Lodging

Authorized campsites are uncommon. Secluded shores or mountain areas might allow camping with permission. Inquire locally. Some resorts offer 'glamping' or tent rentals for comfort.

Camping Availability

  • Limited designated campsites.
  • Remote areas may permit camping with permission.
  • Inquire locally before setting up camp.
  • Some resorts offer glamping experiences.

Glamping Options

  • Provides a comfortable outdoor lodging option.
  • Often found at resorts in scenic locations.
  • Could include amenities like beds and private facilities.
  • Certain places have dining options.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking:
  • High Season (Dec-Feb, Holy Week): Book 3-6 months ahead.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov): 1-2 months ahead.
  • Low Season (Jul-Sep): 2-4 weeks ahead.
  • Booking.com and Agoda are trusted platforms.
Considerations For booking:
  • Online travel agencies (OTAs) offer a common way to make a reservation.
  • Booking directly through property for potential better rates.
  • Deposit and cancellation terms are not the same; always review.
  • Prices peak during high season (Sinulog, Christmas, New Year).

Important Note for Camping

Permission:

Always ask local landowners or authorities for permission.

Awareness:

Be aware of local regulations and environmental impact.

Safety:

Prioritize safety. Remote areas may lack amenities.

Unique Cultural Stays

Beyond standard lodging, Cebu has chances for a cultural connection.

Guesthouses & Homestays

Local Family Experience

Some smaller guesthouses function as informal homestays.

  • Live with a local family
  • Intimate cultural exchange
  • Often basic amenities
  • Affordable rates
Finding Authentic Stays

Research specific local initiatives.

  • Inquire through responsible tour operators
  • Local community partnerships may be present
  • Seek out off-the-beaten-path options
  • Pre-booking is advised

Community-Based Tourism

Direct Local Benefit

These opportunities offer cultural immersion.

  • Direct support for local communities
  • Authentic cultural exchange
  • Sustainable travel
  • Learn local traditions
Booking & Planning

Often requires inquiry using specialized operators.

  • May require specific tour packages
  • Limited availability
  • Check for ethical guidelines
  • Advance planning recommended

Specialized Stays

  • Eco-Lodges

    Found in natural areas like Moalboal or Malapascua. Focus on eco-friendliness and connection to nature.

  • Dive Resorts

    Mainly on Moalboal and Malapascua. Tailored for divers with on-site facilities.

  • Beach Resorts

    On Mactan, Bantayan, Sumilon. Vary from simple cottages to full-service complexes.

  • Heritage Homes

    In Cebu City's older districts. Some have been converted to boutique accommodations, retaining historical charm.

Unique Local Concepts

  • House Sitting

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters.com offer exchanges, often with pet care. A unique way to live like a local.

  • Guesthouse Stays

    Smaller, family-run establishments. Good for budget travelers and local insight.

  • Glamping

    Some upscale outdoor spots. A comfortable camping experience with amenities.

  • Island Retreats

    Small, secluded resorts on private islands or remote beaches.

Tips for Unique Stays

Booking Considerations

Availability of unique local accommodations varies. Research specific properties. Online platforms often feature these.

  • Check specialized booking platforms.
  • Confirm amenities beforehand.
  • Read recent reviews.
  • Some options may not be on major OTAs.
Cultural Interaction

Be open to local customs. Respect privacy. Communication may be easier with a few local phrases.

  • Learn basic Cebuano phrases.
  • Be mindful of local traditions.
  • Engage with hosts respectfully.
  • Ask about regional pastimes.

Accommodation Recommendations

Budget Picks

Mad Monkey Hostel Cebu City, Sugbutel Family Hotel (Cebu City). Moalboal Tropics, Chief Mau (Moalboal). Thresher Shark Divers, Hippocampus Coastal Resort (Malapascua).

Mid-range Picks

Quest Hotel & Conference Center, bai Hotel Cebu (Cebu City). Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort (Mactan). Dolphin House Resort, Club Serena Resort (Moalboal).

Luxury Picks

Crimson Resort AND Spa Mactan, Shangri-La Mactan, Plantation Bay Destination resort and Spa (Mactan). For families, these Mactan resorts offer extensive facilities including kids' clubs and more than one pool. For long stays, serviced apartments in Cebu City's business districts are available via Airbnb or local agents.