Cebu is, after Manila, the country’s second most important city. Although it isn’t very attractive for tourism, its strategic position means you’ll likely pass through it if you’re going to travel to the Philippines and move around islands such as Bohol, Malapascua, Siargao or Siquijor. So you don’t waste time checking dozens of hotel pages, after passing through it again and again since 2010, we’ve prepared this guide to where to stay in Cebu City with a description of the main areas in which to look for your hotel.
Note that here we’re going to focus on the best places to stay in Cebu City. If, in reality, what you’re going to visit is the Moalboal area, which is a little over 3 hours from the city but on the same island of Cebu, we recommend taking a look at Where to stay in Moalboal.
Areas to stay in Cebu: where is best to stay
Before we recommend specific hotels, something we want to emphasize is that it’s very important to think carefully about where it suits you best to stay. Cebu is a fairly large city and it can easily take you an hour to cross it from end to end. So here we’re going to tell you a little more so you can make your choice.
If you don’t want to complicate things any further, here are the hotels in Cebu where we usually stay ourselves, depending on what we’re looking for:
- Near the airport: Travelbee Airport Inn | Little Norway Guesthouse
- Near the port: One Central Hotel & Suites | Balai Balai Capsule Hotel
- Near the SOUTH bus station (to go to Moalboal): One Central Hotel & Suites | Cebu Hotel Plus
- Near the NORTH bus station (to go to Malapascua, Bantayan or Camotes): Radisson Blu Cebu | this apartment
- Ayala Mall area: Red Planet Cebu | Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City
Below we’ll talk more about these hotels and others. You’ll see that in each section we’ve ordered them by budget, from backpacker places in Cebu (hostel‑type) to more refined hotels, passing through cheap and mid‑range hotels. We’ve been using this city as a base for many years and, to our own experiences, we add recommendations from other travelers, as well as “exploratory” visits we make every time we pass through here to help you choose good accommodation.
a) Staying near Cebu Airport
If you need to take a flight first thing in the morning or you arrive by plane late at night, it can be very convenient to stay near Cebu Airport. It’s located on the small island of Mactan (linked to Cebu City by several bridges) and there you’ll find all kinds of hotels and resorts. In addition, on the side of the island opposite Cebu you can find a few beaches where you can have a good swim.
Bear in mind that staying far from the airport can be a bit “risky,” as traffic in Cebu is pretty horrible. If you opt for other parts of the city, try to leave at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight time.
You’ll find everything about getting from the airport to different parts of the city in How to get from Cebu airport to downtown.
Suggestions: Travelbee Airport Inn | Little Norway Guesthouse
b) Staying near Cebu Port
If what you want is to be close to the port, whether because you arrive late by ferry or because your boat leaves first thing, staying in this area of Cebu can be the best solution. There isn’t a huge variety of hotels around here (at least not decent ones), but there are some 5–10 minutes away by taxi. From the port, boats depart to Bohol, Siquijor, Maasin, Dumaguete and other tourist destinations in the country.
This part of Cebu is also relatively close to the city’s main attractions such as Fort San Pedro or Casa Gorordo, so you can take the opportunity to visit them.
Suggestions: One Central Hotel & Suites | Balai Balai Capsule Hotel
c) Staying in Cebu near the bus stations
If what you want is to get up early and head straight to one of the islands around Cebu, the most convenient thing is to stay close to its bus stations. If you’re going to Malapascua, Bantayan or Camotes, you’ll need to go to the North Bus Terminal, which is next to the SM City mall. Here you have several tall apartment buildings and, therefore, most of the accommodation in this part of Cebu consists of “condominiums.” That’s why it’s also an area with lots of restaurants and shops and it’s not a bad place to stay.
If you’re going to Moalboal, then you’ll need to go to the South Bus Terminal, where there are also a couple of shopping malls and several places to stay. This terminal is relatively close to Cebu Port.
Suggestions near the North Bus Terminal: Radisson Blu Cebu | this apartment
Suggestions near the South Bus Terminal: One Central Hotel & Suites | Cebu Hotel Plus
d) Staying in Cebu “downtown” (Ayala Mall/Fuente Osmeña area)
If, besides using Cebu as a base to move elsewhere, you feel like getting to know the city, the downtown area is the one that offers the widest variety of services and tourist attractions. We’ve prepared a list of the best hotels in Cebu near the famous Ayala Mall and Fuente Osmeña, where you can exchange your money at the best rate, do all kinds of shopping and find many restaurants.
Also, from this part of the city you can take a taxi to explore the whole area around the Basilica del Santo Niño, Casa Gorordo, etc., or the Cebu Taoist Temple for very little money.
Suggestions: Red Planet Cebu | Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City | Cebu Hotel Plus
e) Staying in Mactan
As we told you above, Cebu Airport is on the island of Mactan, linked to Cebu by a couple of bridges. Mactan has a few little beaches which are by no means the best beaches in the Philippines, so some travelers decide to stay here and enjoy the sea instead of dealing with the hustle and bustle of the city. You have tons of luxury resorts to choose from, all of them with large pools and some with private beaches. So, if you don’t mind paying a bit more and want to forget about traffic and pollution, this can be an alternative.
Suggestions: Crimson Resort and Spa | The Reef Island Resort Mactan
Fort San Pedro, Cebu
Comparison table of the best places to stay in Cebu City and summary
Afterward, we’ll talk about them in more detail, but here you have a table that gives you a very quick view of the best accommodation in Cebu, classified by location and ordered by price. You can scroll it to see rating and price and click on the name to view or book:
| ACCOMMODATIONS | RATING | PRICE/NIGHT |
| NEAR THE AIRPORT | ||
| Murals Mactan | 7,9 – Good | From $6 |
| Little Norway Guesthouse | 8,8 – Fabulous | From $13 |
| Amaris Bed & Breakfast | 8,3 – Very Good | From $30 |
| Travelbee Aiport Inn | 8,2 – Very Good | From $35 |
| Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino | 7,9 – Good | From $88 |
| NEAR THE PORT | ||
| Balai Balai Capsule Hotel | 8,5 – Very Good | From $9 |
| Shejoje Poshtel Hostel | 7,7 – Good | From $9 |
| One Central Hotel | 8,3 – Very Good | From $27 |
| Summit Galleria Cebu | 8,6 – Fabulous | From $46 |
| NEAR THE NORTH BUS TERMINAL | ||
| Apartment | 8,9 – Fabulous | From $39 |
| Radisson Blu Cebu | 8,7 – Fabulous | From $110 |
| NEAR THE SOUTH BUS TERMINAL | ||
| One Central Hotel | 8,3 – Very Good | From $27 |
| Cebu Hotel Plus | 8,2 – Very Good | From $25 |
| CENTRAL | ||
| Red Planet Cebu | 8,1 – Very Good | From $28 |
| Hop Inn Hotel Cebú City | 8 – Very Good | From $30 |
| Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu | 8,5 – Very Good | From $53 |
| Cebu Parklane International Hotel | 8,1 – Very good | From $42 |
| IN MACTAN | ||
| Crimson Resort & Spa | 9,1 – Fantastic | From $180 |
| Shangri-La Mactan | 8,9 – Fabulous | From $251 |
If these don’t suit you, at the end of each section we’ll give you some additional recommendations based on our experience. You’ll also find a map where you can locate them.
Staying near Cebu Airport
Around Cebu Airport there are many hotels, restaurants and bars. It’s true that it isn’t a very spread‑out area and it’s not very pleasant for walking (it’s not unsafe by any means, but it’s a bit rough), but if you have an early or late flight, it’s the best option and the one we usually choose. If we have to prioritize areas, we would stay near one of Mactan’s shopping malls, so you’ll have options for eating and doing a bit of last‑minute shopping (repellent, sunscreen, etc.).
Below, you’ll find some of the places to stay in Cebu near the airport that we’ve tried and like the most:
Murals Mactan
Traveling solo and want to stay near Cebu Airport without paying much? This is your spot because they have beds in shared dorms (mixed or women‑only) from just $6 and quadruple or family rooms from $25. It’s about 15 minutes by taxi from the airport (although, heads up, if there’s traffic it becomes 30 minutes) and it has a pretty nice rooftop to meet other travelers, as well as a 24‑hour co‑working area. There isn’t much around, but you can always order food with Grab or Food Panda or eat at the hostel itself and forget about hassles.
By the way, if you’re looking for this kind of place during your trip, we recommend checking our selection of Hostels in the Philippines.
© Murals Mactan
Little Norway Guesthouse
An excellent option to stay near Cebu Airport, specifically just 3 kilometers away, so in less than 10 minutes (around 150 pesos) you’ll be at the Little Norway Guesthouse, which is like an oasis of peace.
Rooms have completely renovated decor, they’re clean and have strong wifi. In addition, there’s a pleasant common area for having coffee and its low price makes it a great option to consider: you can stay here from just $13. You can choose between single rooms or doubles, with shared or private bathroom. The owners are also lovely. If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Cebu, book as soon as possible because it’s a small hotel.
Prices for this hotel near Cebu Airport
© Little Norway Guesthouse
Amaris Bed and Breakfast
A great option that, for less than $30, offers a room with space for three people with fast wifi, air conditioning, hot water, full breakfast and an airport transfer included with the room. It stands out for its cleanliness and, unlike other hotels near Cebu Airport, it has several restaurants nearby where you can eat dinner. Situated in a very safe area just 3 kilometers from the airport. In fact, you have the Gaisano mall right next door in case you want to do some last‑minute shopping.
Check availability and prices here
© Amaris Bed and breakfast
Travelbee Airport Inn
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve come to stay at this hotel in Cebu because almost every time we pass through the city and have to catch an early flight, we choose it. With many rooms to choose from— all of them very spacious, clean, equipped with air conditioning and hot‑water heater— we also highlight its pleasant common areas, which include a coworking area (the internet is blazing fast) and a restaurant, where they serve a pretty good buffet breakfast included in the price.
The hotel, which is literally 3 minutes from the airport and offers free round‑trip transfer (at any hour and to either of the 2 terminals), is also located next to a mall. There, in addition to a currency exchange, you have restaurants and a huge supermarket. Right in front of Travelbee Airport Inn you’ll find a 7‑ELEVEN (open 24 hours) and a Starbucks. The staff are also extremely friendly.
Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino
If you’re looking for a good hotel to stay so close to Cebu Airport that you don’t even need to drive there, the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino is what you want, as it’s right in front. Modern rooms with touches of luxury and perfectly soundproofed, a pool, a restaurant with a varied menu, a spa, a gym… In short, it has everything you might need and more. Depending on your dates, you can opt for their Superior Room for $70. It isn’t cheap, but it is the most convenient.
More info about the Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino
© Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino
Other places to stay in Cebu near the airport
If the above don’t work for you, here are other alternatives:
- Sempre Premier Inn – MACTAN AIRPORT HOTEL: it is opposite the Gaisano mall, with several lodging options around, and on the hotel’s rooftop there is a pleasant restaurant with views of Cebu. In addition, it includes free transfers to/from the airport. Good value for money. Book here.
- FLY & REST Guesthouse: a comfortable place just 5 minutes from the airport by taxi and with self check-in via a code. It’s simple, but it does the job for about $25 per night. You can choose between a room with shared or private bathroom. Check it out here.
- Public House Hostel: a more modest hostel than the above, but with comfortable bunks from just $11 a night and also located in the Gaisano area. You can have a look at this link.
Staying near Cebu Port
Unfortunately, the area around Cebu Port is neither pretty nor known for a great range of accommodation. However, within about 5–10 minutes by taxi you can find good places to stay in Cebu that can save your night. To make things easy, here’s a selection of the ones we’ve been trying lately.
Keep in mind that most of the boats operating from Cebu do so from Pier 1 (Muelle 1). Even so, you should double-check, as the terminals aren’t as close as they seem.
Balai Balai Capsule Hotel Cebu
Have you ever heard of Japan’s famous capsule hotels? Surely you have! Well, the owners of the Balai Balai Capsule Hotel were so amazed when they discovered them that they decided to set up something similar in Cebu.
It’s the closest hotel to the port in Cebu where you won’t want to run away because of bad reviews—really. This hostel with shared dorms (mixed or women-only, from $9 a night) has comfortable beds that offer complete privacy. It’s literally a 10-minute walk from Pier 1 and, although the area is by no means photogenic, it’s safe. Plus, the staff are lovely.
More info about this hostel in Cebu
© Balai Balai Capsule Hotel
Shejoje Poshtel Hostel
They offer capsules for one or two people from $9 with “fake windows” overlooking places like Mount Fuji or the canals of Amsterdam. They have good wifi, air conditioning and very clean shared bathrooms. Getting there from the port by taxi won’t take you much more than 5 minutes.
For all these reasons, it’s a nice place if you want to stay in Cebu, if you’re traveling solo, don’t want to pay much and want to be close to pretty much everything. That said, the common areas are less pleasant than those of the previous hostel and it’s farther from the pier.
Learn more about the Shejoje Poshtel Hostel here
© Shejoje Poshtel Hostel
One Central Hotel
Less than 2 kilometers from Cebu Port is the One Central Hotel, where clean and modern rooms are offered for $27. Perfectly located both for catching a ferry the next day and for exploring downtown, it has a varied breakfast selection (both Western and Filipino), a pool and details such as a kettle or satellite TV.
Seriously, it’s one of the best hotels to stay in Cebu for location and price and that’s why we’ve come here many times.
Check prices and available dates here
© One Central Hotel
Summit Galleria Cebu
If you’re looking for something of a higher level to stay near Cebu Port, this is your spot. It’s a hotel located inside the Robinsons Galleria mall, one of the best in the city. The rooms are mega spacious and modern, and there’s also a pool for a refreshing dip.
The good thing about its location is that it’s about 5 minutes by taxi from Cebu Port (there are even free buses connecting both places) and that in the mall where it’s located you’ll find money changers offering a much better rate than at the airport, as well as plenty of restaurants and shops in case you need to buy repellent, sunscreen or whatever for the next part of your trip around the Philippines. It’s around $47 a night which, given all of the above, seems like a very good price to us.
© Summit Galleria Cebu
More alternatives for staying near the port in Cebu
If these don’t suit you, we’ve tried others that might work for you:
- Frakfurter Deluxe Inn: nothing to write home about, but it’s on one of Cebu’s main avenues and about 10 minutes by taxi from the port. They have doubles and family rooms from $25 and it’s very quiet.
- San Marino Residences Condominium: in the area near the SM City mall there are several condominium towers (apartments) that can be rented by the night and are very well equipped. That’s the case with this one, where we stayed once. Price from $28 per night and it fits up to 3 people.
Accommodation in Cebu near the North Bus Terminal
From the North Bus Terminal, the buses and vans heading to the ports of Maya, Hagnaya and Danao depart, from which boats leave, respectively, for Malapascua, Bantayan and Camotes. That’s why it’s usually an important point for all travelers heading to those islands.
This terminal is right next to a large shopping mall called SM City and around it a bunch of apartment towers (condominiums) have sprung up where you can find apartments. Here we leave you a suggestion we’ve tried, and a few more below. You’ll also find a very good hotel.
By the way, SM City and the station are quite close to the port and, if you look at the map, they lie on the way between the airport and the port. Therefore, this area is also good if you want to stay in Cebu in a place with a variety of restaurants and shops without having to stray from its main transport infrastructure.
Sun Vida Tower Studio Unit Across SM City Cebu
As we mentioned, it’s a studio in the Sun Vida Tower condominium, which is right in front of SM City. In the tower you have a pool with pretty cool views, in case you have time to relax a bit during your stay in Cebu. The apartment isn’t fancy, but it has air conditioning, hot water and internet. It has a small kitchen. In addition, the owner is nice and gives very clear arrival instructions, as entry is via a code.
Prices are around $35–40 per night for 2 people.
Take a look at this apartment HERE
Radisson Blu Cebu
If you want something radically better or a proper “hotel in Cebu,” next to SM City is the Radisson Blu Cebu, part of the Radisson chain and a true 4‑star (almost reaching the 5‑star category). Just look at the pool, which gives you an oasis from Cebu’s chaos.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with sea views. It also has a gym, restaurant, breakfast buffet, etc. In short, nothing fails here. Prices for the most economical room are around $100.
© Radisson Blue Cebu
More alternatives for staying in Cebu in this area
As we told you above, in this part of the city there are plenty of apartments (here called condominiums) where you can have a comfortable stay. Here are a few more suggestions that are quite good:
- This apartment (in the same tower we mentioned above, right by SM Cebu)
- This apartment (in a nearby tower called San Marino)
Staying in Cebu near the South Bus Terminal
If you’re heading to the southern part of Cebu— most commonly to Moalboal— you’ll have to go to the South Bus Terminal. In this area you have the CityMall shopping center, which ensures shops and restaurants. The variety of places to stay right next to the terminal isn’t huge, but here are several options:
One Central Hotel
We’ve already told you about it, but the One Central Hotel is the only decent one that’s right next to the bus terminal. It’s great and room prices are around $27 per night, so we can’t complain about anything. Also, it has a pool.
Cebu Hotel Plus
This was one of our great discoveries for staying in Cebu and where we’ve stayed several times because everything convinces us. Looking for a comfortable place to spend a couple of nights between the port, the south bus terminal and Ayala Mall we found a great deal for this hotel in Cebu. The rooms are spotless, modern, comfortable and have absolutely everything: kettle, air conditioning, hot water…
It’s located in the Fuente Osmeña area, about 10 minutes from the port by taxi and less from the South station, with plenty of restaurants and cafés around (there’s a Bo’s Coffee that’s ideal for remote work). Right opposite there’s a very cheap laundromat. We liked it so much that we even wrote a dedicated article you can read: Staying at Cebu Plus Hotel, Cebu City, but we’ll tell you in advance that it usually comes out to less than $30 per night.
Book as soon as possible at Cebu Hotel Plus
More options for staying in Cebu near the bus station
If these don’t work for you, here are others with good value for money in the area:
- Fuente Hotel de Cebu: it’s in the Fuente Osmeña area, not right next to the South Bus Terminal, but close by taxi/Grab. You have clean rooms for about $24 a night and several shopping malls around so you won’t get bored.
- Amber Hotel-Cebu: also in the same area as Cebu Hotel Plus and modern, clean and with friendly staff. Prices around $35 per night.
Staying in Cebu near downtown
It’s not that Cebu City has a very clearly defined center, but if you think you’d like to walk a bit, the Fuente Osmeña and Ayala Mall areas are the most pleasant for doing so. Therefore, here we’ve selected some of the best hotels to stay in Cebu in these areas.
Even so, if you look at the map, both are quite close to the port and the bus stations, and you can reach these places within 15–20 minutes by taxi/GRAB. If you need it, Chong Hua Hospital, one of the most important in the city, is in Fuente Osmeña.
Red Planet Cebu
An option from $28 to stay in central Cebu, a stone’s throw from the Ayala Mall shopping center, in a mid-range hotel with clean rooms and friendly staff. Like all in the Red Planet chain (similar to Ibis in Europe), it has good wifi and is an ideal hotel if all you want is a place to sleep and then head out to explore the city, since the rooms, although clean and comfortable, are a bit small.
© Red Planet Cebu
Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City
Better than the previous one but located in the same area, this hotel of the Hop Inn chain is a sure bet for anything. Only want to leave the room to grab a bite? You’ll be comfortable and can hang out. Need to work remotely? Its fiber internet is lightning fast. Plus, you have an HSBC ATM next door (the only ones in the Philippines that don’t charge a withdrawal fee) and a 7‑ELEVEN where you can buy your SIM card at the best price. And, of course, the Ayala Mall right in front, with plenty of shops and restaurants. Seriously, there’s no room for error at about $31 for a double per night.
© Hop Inn Hotel Cebu City
Cebu Parklane International Hotel
It’s a little more expensive than the previous one (around $40 per night for a double), but it has the plus of a large pool, which can brighten your afternoon. From our experience, the Cebu Parklane is a good option for mid‑price travelers looking for a comfortable place to stay in downtown Cebu.
It stands out for its spacious rooms and for a breakfast which, although not included in the cost, is more than good. Even so, if needed, in the area where it’s located (also by Ayala Mall) you have plenty of cafés around you, including a famous Starbucks.
Prices and dates at Cebu Parklane International Hotel
© Cebu Parklane International Hotel
Quest Hotel & Conference Center
This hotel in downtown Cebu is also just a few steps from the popular Ayala Mall, right in the city center. Although on paper it’s a three-star, it has some facilities worthy of a four-star. For us, having a large pool with views and an included bar is a real plus, as it makes your stay much more pleasant with the heat that it’s always like here. In addition, it has a gym and the rooms are modern, clean and functional.
The price of this accommodation in Cebu is around $50, but it depends a lot on the season and how far in advance you book. It may seem expensive, but, in our opinion, the value for money is quite good considering, above all, the area where it is.
© Quest Hotel & Conference Center – Cebu
More places to stay in central Cebu
Here are other accommodation alternatives in Cebu City that we’ve tried:
- Kasa Boutique Hostel: if you’re traveling solo and don’t know where to stay in Cebu, this hostel is relatively close to Ayala Mall and, in our opinion, is one of the best in the city for how modern and clean it is. Beds are around $12 and it also has double rooms.
- Cebu Hotel Plus: it’s in the Fuente Osmeña area and we’ve already mentioned it above, but we wanted to suggest it here because of its location. You have plenty of restaurants and cafés around and it’s always well priced for what it offers.
- Pillows Hotel Cebu: we think it’s a budget place to stay in Cebu, since double rooms are around $25 with breakfast included and it’s very close to Fuente Osmeña. If you’re traveling as a family or group, they have very decent quadruple rooms.
Staying in Mactan
Finally, you can stay in the beach area of Mactan. This alternative will be best if you don’t want to visit Cebu City and want to be close to the airport, or if you’re on your honeymoon in the Philippines and want something a bit more upscale. As we warned above, Mactan’s beaches are by no means the best in the country, but it’s true that there are hotels with incredible facilities where you can forget about the chaos of the city.
Remember that Mactan is the island where Cebu’s airport is located and that it’s connected to Cebu City by bridges, so you won’t be cut off at all. If you’re looking for accommodation in Cebu near the airport, we gave you much more economical suggestions above. Here we want to focus on seaside hotels.
Keep in mind that if you want to visit Cebu City, you’ll most likely take more than an hour by taxi, especially at rush hour.
Crimson Resort & Spa – Mactan Island
Possibly one of the best hotels in Cebu and, of course, the best in Mactan. Epic pools, a private beach, several restaurants and service worthy of a 5-star define it. Even so, the best part is its rooms, decorated with local craftsmanship, spacious and modern.
If you want to treat yourself or are looking for hotels for your honeymoon in the Philippines, you’ll be glad to know they have villas with sea views and private pools. The price (around $180 per night in a double room) includes a spectacular buffet-style breakfast. Are you traveling with children? In addition to a playroom, they have a ball pit in which they won’t get bored.
©Crimson Resort & Spa – Mactan Island, Cebu
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
Belonging to the prestigious Shangri-La hotel chain, it will be hard for this Mactan hotel to disappoint you. They have the best private beach on the island and a set of pools, including a special area for children.
The rooms are huge and decorated with great taste. You’ll see them divided into two wings: the main and the ocean wing. Those located in the latter are, logically, closer to the sea and are the ones you should choose if you want epic views. In the resort you’ll find everything so you won’t have to go out, making it a good alternative whether you’re stopping over in Cebu or want to spend a couple of days relaxing. That said, keep in mind that it’s rare to see prices below $250 per night, so it’s for a splurge.
Take a look at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort here
© Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa
More places to stay in Mactan like this
If you want other suggestions, even ones a bit easier on the budget, here are some:
- Mactan Resort by 1521: it has its own (small) beach and an infinity-type pool. The facilities are less luxurious than the previous ones, but you can get rooms from $90 with breakfast included.
- Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort: it’s true that the rooms aren’t as modern, but they have that beach-resort vibe that will make you forget you’re in the city. They also have beach facilities and pools that are quite good for the roughly $120 that a double costs with breakfast included. Take a peek here.
Accommodation map in Cebu City
On this map of Cebu you can see all the hotels we’ve talked about and see more clearly where each one is located. From the same map, you can access the hotel’s page to see its price and available dates.
Frequently asked questions about accommodation in Cebu
To wrap up, below we answer the most common questions from travelers about the hotels and areas to stay in Cebu:
Where do people usually stay in Cebu?
This depends a lot on what you want to stay in Cebu for. If you’re only coming for a stopover, it’s better to stay near the airport, the port or one of the two bus stations. If what you want to visit is some of the city, then we recommend the area around Ayala Mall or Fuente Osmeña. In all the places we’ve mentioned you have hotels for every budget, from backpacker hostels to resorts.
Which area should you stay in Cebu?
From our experience, the best thing is to stay close to your objective. That is, if you have an early or late flight, stay near the airport. The same if you have a boat, staying around the port will make things easier. If you’re going to Malapascua, Moalboal or Bantayan first thing, stay near the corresponding terminal. On the other hand, if you’re going to spend 1 or 2 days exploring the city, the area we find most pleasant is around Ayala Mall. In Cebu City you’ll be able to get around with taxis or GRAB without any problems.
Where to sleep near Cebu airport?
Any area will be fine, but we find the one next to the Island Central Mall more pleasant, or along the long M.L. Quezon National Highway.
How long should you stay in Cebu?
This depends a lot on your tastes and the time you have to explore the Philippines. It’s true that Cebu City has one or two interesting things, but unless you have 20 days or more here, we would minimize time in the city. The Philippines has far more interesting things. If the question is aimed at other places on the island of Cebu, such as Moalboal, then we’d answer at least 2 or 3 days.
How much does it cost to stay in Cebu?
Prices range from $10 for a bed in a hostel to $200–300 for a double room in a resort in Mactan. That said, the average for a “normal” hotel in good condition is around $30–40 per night.
This is just one of our articles within the Cebu Guide. Remember to take a look to make the most of your stay in the city. Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, we’ll be happy to answer you in the comments.
