Best Area to Stay in Cebu City Philippines | Travel Guide to Cebu

If you plan on travelling to Cebu Philippines and want to find the best area to stay in Cebu City I've made this guide to where you should stay in Cebu.
For me personally I think you should be looking at accommodation around Ayala Shopping Mall in Cebu. For a first timer to Cebu I think it is a great place to base yourself. Ayala Mall is one of the best shopping malls in Cebu, not only that its Terraces area is a wonderful place to eat with a great selection of restaurants. The mall has plenty of shops as well as money exchangers. Some of the best hotels in Cebu are located in this area of the city. It has some affordable accommodation such as Island Stays Hotel and Red Planet Cebu. Other hotels around here include Diamond Suites, The Quest Hotel Cebu, Mandarin Plaza Hotel, The Marriott Hotel Cebu, St. Moritz Hotel, Elizabeth Hotel, Wellcome Hotel, Parklane Hotel, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Golden Peak and MJ Hotel & Suites. To book the best rates for these hotels in Cebu I usually book with Agoda, Trivago and HotelsCombined. At the end I list my favorite hotels.
If this is your first time to Cebu this is a must watch travel guide to Cebu Philippines. For more great travel videos please subscribe to my channel.
*All rates and conditions subject to change without notice please contact the hotel directly for latest info.

[@APR_LNN]

I lived in Cebu for 7 years. The island was much better before because it was less people and the beach was not so crowded 1977 to mid 80s

[@deadfarang]

Cheers FP, great info. Good to see another Aussie from Melbourne making videos, Regards DF

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers.

[@johnblisniuk4479]

I stayed at the Quest in August 2018 for 3 weeks and was very happy, so much I'm returning this August for almost 4 weeks this time.

[@FindingParadise]

Yes it's one of my favourite places to Stay in Cebu.

[@johnblisniuk4479]

@@FindingParadise Thank you Rob, only 48 days to go before check-in but who's counting 🙂

[@FindingParadise]

I know that feeling!

[@christopherschmidt4657]

Yes I am thinking about coming out there and getting ready for a vacation in December I might come out there I will keep looking for a place to stay

[@FindingParadise]

Hope you find a nice place that you like.

[@pammandy]

I recommend also Cuarto Hotel near Fuente Osmena. They have clean and sumptuous buffet breakfast over there.

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks for the info.

[@nathanasio2829]

The last time I was at Cebu was at the quest hotel! Also I was born in Cebu but lived in Melbourne for most of my life

[@FindingParadise]

Yeah l like the quest, it's a good choice of hotel in Cebu.

[@markledesma3251]

i prefer staying at hotel stella located on a small street not too far from ayala, rooms are small but clean and cheap and walking distance to robinson with shakey's pizza, a convenience store, japanese or korean restaurant, next door is a massage, bo's coffee, jollibee and chowking

[@22julio777]

Thank you very much for all your videos. I've based my trip around your recommendations!

[@FindingParadise]

Tnx, hope you'll enjoy

[@stoneshorty]

Downtown is awesome... beautiful people everywhere. I love you Philippines!!!!

[@FindingParadise]

I think so too, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[@comeonmate3743]

Nope. Lots of snatchers in downtown.

[@stoneshorty]

I come there all the time talaga........they are beautiful there as well

[@comeonmate3743]

Well, in some areas, carbon and colon area is hell

[@user-ty1yw4jl6e]

That's a beautiful place I love it

[@chrsfavel5506]

this is a really good video you did. thanks

[@NurHidayah-te2wq]

Good work! Another useful video!

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers. My plan was to do an update on this as there has been a lot of new condos build (around here) and people renting out on Airbnb. Covid hit and put a spanner in the works!

[@crimpcreep6887]

i lived in a nipa hut in the jungle in 83. loveed the tuba, buwad, papaya, mango, bananas, jackfruit. Cebu was still nice and small. Got married there in 87, still married today. Bahala na.

[@cebuanoninoy]

Bahala na! hahahaha

[@anamyrnaolano]

I’m proud to be a Cebuana😊

[@bradstreetmichael]

Very helpful thanks. Which area has an outdoor night market? Shopping for clothes,shoes, etc. Bargain shopping with haggling.

[@greenwagon00]

I’ve stopped many times in the elegance hotel on the circle excellent location for Robinson’s mall and of course all the nightlife you can take at mango avenue which is five minutes walk Although it’s an older hotel the staff are lovely and you can Walk to colon 20 minutes or 25 brisk walk to Ayala or 7p 10 minutes jeepney or 80p taxi The circle is a nice place to hang out and there is a free shuttle bus to sm seaside or Robinson’s gallery then you can walk to SM from there I always stop in the junior suite facing the circle on the top floor and it’s fantastic views and the nose and hustle bustle of the circle is great plenty eating places in hand too so I think that is the best location in Cebu and plenty San Miguel at the clubs to make you party to 5am 😉

[@FindingParadise]

Yes I've stayed at elegant Inn many time, it was a good budget option in this area.

[@reeeezbluo597]

Thanx a lot for all information u give u do great job good luck

[@FindingParadise]

There have been some changes since making this. Marriott is now the Seda Hotel, I will be reviewing this hotel in the coming months. Cheers

[@stecar9122003]

The Radisson Blu Hotel is very nice and just across the street from the SM City Cebu Mall. It's more in the upper end of pricing for the other hotels that you had on here but it's very comfortable and they have great food. Friendly and helpful staff in a very clean hotel.

[@FindingParadise]

Yes it's one of the best hotels in Cebu.

[@iggyblitz8739]

Ok nice, when I was there I stayed at the Best Western Hotel, nice hotel, with a great rooftop pool.

[@FindingParadise]

Yeah I like that one.

[@yodathejedi]

Great as always! :)

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers mate!

[@watch3r9]

I love your list 🤩

[@coreyannprudenmorin9471]

Was there twice,, nice but Canada home 💞💖💖💖💟

[@irenereyes7503]

so informative thanks for this video

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers

[@martinmller8998]

thank you so much for your videos, keep it up👍

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers. I wanted to do an updated video on this as its been a while since I made it. The pandemic kinda put a lid on it. Just a note that the Parklane hotel has been renovating their rooms. They look a lot better now.

[@FlowerForYouBRUNO]

wow nice blog

[@romanotimp8372]

Great video! It was very helpful :)

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers

[@FindingParadise]

Thnanks

[@khizr2024]

Very nice video for travelers

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks

[@erikamari703]

Love your videos!!

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers. I was hoping to do an update on this video, since a few things have changed. Then covid hit, so I've put it on hold.

[@jameshet8309]

NICE !!

[@markholland5767]

Great vid man, very informative, im gonna search fot places around the mall in cebu city, lits of help. Thanks Mark H.

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks, I've got a few new videos to add now since I did that video. Marriott is now the Seda Hotel. And Parklane has been renovating their rooms. They are better than before!

[@justingriffin2546]

Moalboal has fantastic coral reefs, beaches, sardine shoals, and sea life, not to mention restaurants bars and resorts... And all the amazing waterfalls south, Even a hot springs, and many say Osmena peak beats Bohol hands down...

[@FindingParadise]

Yes Moalboal has lots of things to do!

[@dirkhoyer6700]

Thanks a lot..Alfred Hoyer from Germany.

[@Thephilipcartmelexperience]

Montebello is the only garden hotel in Cebu. Better than anything else.

[@3jhoward]

Hey Rob, how did you start off and become such a Philippines guru? I've been following your videos and website for years. Just curious. Thanks for all your videos and effort!

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks Jason, it's years of travelling around the Philippines. It's a wonderful place, particularly around the Visayas. Mmm maybe I'll retire there! Cheers

[@elizacavalida2759]

Jason Worldwide Productions c$

[@gendecoro]

Thank you and another great video. Perhaps you can add an updated version of this video since it's from 2017 to you to do list. =)

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks a lot. I was actually planning to do that. And I had stayed at a few of these hotels again already, but had to put it on hold due to the COVID19 Pandemic. Cebu is in a quarantine lockdown, a lot of the hotels now have shut down temperately. What I can tell you that has changed is the Marriott is now the Seda Hotel and the Parklane Hotel is (finally) renovating their rooms. I will do these hotel reviews individually and then another compilation of them all. I just need to stay in them again to make sure things haven't changed, or I update things. I don't like copy and paste stuff on the web, it has to be from personal experiences. Thanks again.

[@okbilly1]

Never been to Cebu but plan to, for a single guy where is a good place to meet a good girl, not into bars, also for 3 months plus visa options

[@FindingParadise]

Filipinos are very friendly you can strike up a conversation in everyday places you wouldn't do back home. Use your charm and good luck!

[@ikawangtanan]

You should go to Ayala mall in the city, or go to beaches. You can meet girls there.

[@thalys1015]

There's another project of the bridge is long Cebu to mactan it's a

[@edmhie1]

There's a lot of nicer condo for rent at AirBNB and is cheaper too.

[@janhelpapong4881]

Wow 😍😍😍

[@hillroberts1311]

I may consider living there in a few years' time because it doesn't seem to get earthquakes unlike Davao, which is another industrial place.

[@FindingParadise]

There was a earthquake in Bohol back in 2013 which caused damage to Cebu. Search the the basilica del santo niño in downtown Cebu. The bell tower collapsed, lucky no one got hurt. I think earthquakes are problematic throughout the Philippines unfortunately. Hope you'll like it anyhow, after the covid19 crises you should come for a visit so you can see if you will like the place. Take care and be safe.

[@hillroberts1311]

@@FindingParadise Thanks for the info, but Davao gets two earthquakes a year. I know because I experienced both when I spent my holidays there The good thing is, when having lunch at SM Ecoland Davao, I saw no cracks when I went back a day after. The integrity of the building remains intact.

[@FindingParadise]

Yeah earthquakes are scary! Now we have to deal with the COVID19... what next lol! What ever you do, hopefully it will be safe. Cheers.

[@ikawangtanan]

Very informative video!

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks, just an FYI, the Marriott now is the Seda Hotel and the Parklane has been recently renovating their rooms. They look better now :) I will do a review of the Parklane again soon. Cheers, Rob

[@michaelclark7602]

Hotel Elizabeth had the best breakfast hands down of anywhere but their beds are harder than a brick

[@elmiewebster2596]

Can you please give pros and cons of staying around the Ayala mall and the SM seaside mall. Which one of the two are the best for staying for first comers to Cebu?

[@FindingParadise]

That's easy, Ayala mall is hands down much better area. There's not much else around Sm seaside. The Terraces area of Ayala is much better, and it's much easier to get to other nearby places.

[@arnoldbullock2170]

Elmie Webster where is a good place to stay in Cebu not too high price of apartment in Cebu apartment outside of Cebu

[@Labandero1988]

Nice ones 👍🏼👍🏼 Take Care always ..

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks so much

[@stan9670]

These hotels are costly but you get what you pay for they have places in Cebu as low as 2,000 pesos but it depends on what your budget can afford if your going to live there then rent a cheap place while you walk around areas to find an apartment or house to rent for 6 months or a year

[@caramel7497]

I am a filipino!

[@Ingle69]

Hello Rob, We are thinking of taking a holiday in Cebu Bohol and Boracay at the end of October/ start November would this be a good time of the year is it safe? Plan B is Phuket Thank you

[@FindingParadise]

It is the rainy season, it can bucket down for a couple of hours and then be dry. The main thing is to keep an eye out their are no typhoons, while most will give you a few days of rain, there are the odd super ones that can do damage. Cheers

[@Ingle69]

Finding Paradise thank you What would be the best time of the year to visit? Thanks from Dublin Ireland ☘

[@FindingParadise]

My favourite time to travel is around March (generally the 2nd half) till end of April. The winds tend to die down (between the dry and wet moonsoon winds), the waters are calm and you get the amazing aqua colours in the waters. Not sure if holds true for other parts of the Philippines. You can see other vids I made in my channel to see what I mean or my blog beyondcebu. It can get real hot though, mid 30c.

[@vickybblanchard9453]

Wow AWESOME THAT WOULD BE s dream wacation COME true especially WHEN YOU nevers BEEN any places OUT side OF THE USA THE beaches THE hotels ARE gourggaes THE Ireland IS femoral

[@FindingParadise]

Yes Cebu ia blessed with some great beaches, although they are not so close to Cebu City (the good ones anyway).

[@BluegirlXhin]

My hometown ... I can rent in amisa condo for 30k pesos a month .. really private condos in mactan with body guard 24hrs

[@joserevez627]

Whats the contact Bluegirl ?

[@Grateful4Today]

That's expensive ! Plus you have to add water/electric and internet bills on top of that..OMG

[@mystiquemoon598]

Wow! How long have you been here?

[@FindingParadise]

Yes I did this video.

[@hillroberts1311]

Shared. Thank you

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks so much. Keep safe out there.

[@hillroberts1311]

@@FindingParadise Thank you, you too. Cheers from getting better Spain.

[@markstruthers7025]

Thanks!

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks so much! Just to let you know Parklane have been renovating their rooms - they look much better now. Im Not sure if all the rooms have been renovated as yet, but if you do plan to stay there just ask them. I will get back to this hotel in the near future to do an update. Thanks again.

[@denismarisimolde2716]

St. Moritz

[@garutay]

Hello.. I'm currently in airport right now going Cebu. And I'm looking for a place that there's a pool and beach outside..

[@FindingParadise]

The closest ones are the resorts on Mactan Island. Cebu City doesn't have beaches.

[@jovsadlawanc.852]

Mactan cebu blue water

[@kit9132]

Bro, thanks for your vlog. You have been traveling from Cebu city/Mandaue to Lapu Lapu/Mactan area back and forth. Good for you. Can I ask do you have problems dealing with the checkpoint/Q-pass issue when you go back and forth. We need a staycation badly in Lapu Lapu but we dont have a q-pass since we stay in a rented condo. I dont want to get into trouble as a foreigner moving around with out a Q-pass.

[@FindingParadise]

I only got questioned twice at check points. One time I just showed the certificate from the hotel. The 2nd the officer just wanted to see my drivers licence.. I said I was a stranded tourist and they were pretty understanding. It's only been in Cebu City. Both Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue no check points.

[@kit9132]

@@FindingParadise Thanks good to know. Perhaps I will print out my booking confirmation from the hotel and show them if they want to inspect. I think they are a lot more lenient now. Be safe.

[@FindingParadise]

@@kit9132 Look I'd give it a go.

[@madamebrunhilda5105]

P5,550 a night and they could not provide a decent mattress?? But most seemed reasonable price with decent facilities. Than you for sharing.

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks. I did this video a few years ago so some things are dated. Marriott is now the Seda Hotel. One day I hope to do an updated version.

[@samialsubhi1067]

Thanks

[@FindingParadise]

Cheers

[@rcdaluz]

Should I book at Travel Agencies to go on island hopping tours or should I just take public transport and hire private boat? Travel Agencies prices are quite steep.

[@FindingParadise]

I don't go through travel agents. Also have a look online, some of the companies have their own websites. Or do a search on Facebook.

[@franzicheung1433]

Thanks! Btw,can I ask if you know how much generally foreigners can earn monthly when they work there?

[@FindingParadise]

Sorry I don't know.

[@michaelt334]

Franzi Cheung hi Franzi let's go and meet up in Cebu. I plan to visit in Philippines next year. Thanks.

[@comeonmate3743]

If a foreigner is 20-30 years old and a college graduate, he/she will a descent job in a call center etc... if a foreigner is a 50/60 year old man, I’m 90% sure that he will not get any kind of job.

[@comeonmate3743]

If he/she work in a call center. He/she will earn around 20,000-25,000 a month = $400 a month.

[@franzicheung1433]

Finding Paradise Thanks all the same！😋

[@pig5267]

Hi. Are you still in Cebu? What would you suggest a visitor to Cebu City see and do if he only has 2 days to see the city? Thanks!

[@FindingParadise]

I'm in Bohol at the moment. There's lots of things to do. Depending of your likes. Downtown there's the Basilica, Magellan's Cross & the Fort. There's an aquarium. You could head up the hills for fantastic views and attractions like the temple of leah. Or you could go over to Mactan Island and do some Island hopping.

[@emmanuelnavigator3721]

I live in minglanilla

[@Grateful4Today]

Much appreciate your infos on where to stay and what to expect to pay in terms of rent in Cebu but you haven't specified whether those amounts are per month or per week, day ?! Are the bills included or paid on top of the rent itself ?! Also, why are you mainly telling us about high end Hotels and Condos ?! Please consider that not everyone is rich as you may be.. I look forward to see your reply, thank you in advance.

[@FindingParadise]

Sorry for the delay. I had a death in the family. These rates are just published rates I took from TripAdvisor at time of making the video. If you check online or directly with the hotel they may have specials or promos. I just used those rates as a guide. I just review hotels I stay at, usually I stay mid to upper end hotels. I do stay occasionally at budget hotels. I understand everyone has their budgets and I try to stay at as many as I can, it's difficult as im just a one man show. Thanks for your feedback, I do take it in consideration. Cheers Rob

[@butterflytrader1238]

Great vid.Thank you very much. Are the girls really that beautiful and easy in cebu?

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks! Yes Filipina are very beautiful. If you want easy, expect baggage.

[@comeonmate3743]

There’s a lot of well shaved girls in Cebu city.

[@butterflytrader1238]

Ralfy Bebe thank you for your information. I plan to visit the philippines. Don t want to retire in my country. Greetings from germany.

[@marklewis4024]

"well shaved" LOL... I almost spit out my coffee! No comment :)

[@franzicheung1433]

Goodbye Islamische Republik Deutschland Ach Ist die Situation schon so schlimm in Deutschland?

[@jimcunningham61]

Hey mate what about colon area

[@FindingParadise]

That's in the downtown area, which I mention near the end of the video.

[@YuriUK]

Absolutely disagree with your choices especially at the prices you were paying like 3k to 5k pesos per night! RBnB has many luxury condo at 1,5 to 3k at same Ayala area with awesome swimming pools and gyms as well as much cleaner then any of the places in this video.

[@josephflores3533]

MCGI GOD BLESS

[@bellelee8967]

ghgh cebu

[@user-ll7fk6mv4j]

What about Sarrosa hotel?

[@FindingParadise]

That's a bit too far, I only wanted to do short walking distance to Ayala.

[@dirkhoyer6700]

Please speak slowly and clear..it's too difficult to understand you. Alfred Hoyer from Germany. Thanks !!! Ps. PLEASE DO IT !!!

[@FindingParadise]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@markbrave]

Lapu lapu is much nicer

[@FindingParadise]

Yes, the traffic is horrible ! If only the traffic was like it now.......

[@MurrayEstes]

I don't care about beaches I live in Hawaii where the hell is the action?

[@rustyevolution6298]

Ayala mall burned down recently so keep that in mind when considering the area.

[@patburns1914]

Open again now 1- 18-18.....

[@comeonmate3743]

Not the ayala mall but the metro department store.

[@secretbillionaire463]

💩

[@napuranvlad2063]

Rusty Evolution ,,,only a portion of the mall,,,to be exact metro gaisano,,,not the whole shopping mall

[@harveyseno2790]

seems like it was arson and it was burned at 3AM conveniently when no one was around

[@paulwain433]

Next time you should try speaking English...lol

[@FindingParadise]

I'll put subtitles next time!

[@tilawakohalamiauy4219]

its not mektan its mactan duh your sooo :)

[@FindingParadise]

You have to listen more carefully, maybe my accent is hard to understand 😁

[@tilawakohalamiauy4219]

@@FindingParadise hehehe just kidding ... or better yet annoying someone ... :) dats y they call me basher hehehehe ... ur pronunciation is fine ... just fine :) sorry to bug you in.

[@FindingParadise]

No worries! I do have at times people not understanding my accent. Sometimes I order something but get something completely different! 😁

[@tilawakohalamiauy4219]

@@FindingParadise but at least u are a nice good looking guy inside and out :) ur wife must be so proud of u :) i hope i can have a partner someday who looks like and as kind as u are someday :)

[@FindingParadise]

Tnx me too 😀