Bayfront Hotel Cebu

Despite the absence of a pool, this 15-story hotel has a certain edge over other properties with the same star rating thanks to competitive rates and a contemporary atmosphere. The building’s asymmetrical architecture—aggressively angular in some places, gently rounded in others—immediately sets a 21st-century tone that carries on into the slick lobby. Although the space isn’t huge, carefully placed mirrors help create the illusion of size, and stylized benches poised beneath a curvaceous tray ceiling provide seating for guests as they wait to check in or out at a pair of semi-circular reception desks—a process that’s typically quick and painless. That’s a boon to the on-the-go business travelers who tend to book in here, as well as to vacationers, many of whom have children in tow.

Most vacationers view Cebu City—which is home to the country’s second largest airport and its busiest seaport—as a launch pad for other places, so the Bayfront’s location is a convenient one. After all, the Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal is only seven minutes away by car and Mactan-Cebu International Airport is 17; better yet, a direct bus to the latter departs from a station that is a mere one-minute walk from the hotel. Sightseers who plan on sticking around a bit will find that the top city-center attractions are easily accessed, too. For instance, reminders of the Spanish-Colonial legacy—including Fort San Pedro, the Basilica del Santo Niño and Magellan's Cross—are all within an eight-minute drive. SM City Cebu (arguably the region’s best mall) is closer still. Business travelers, meanwhile, will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the Cebu International Convention Center and Cebu I.T. Park, both of which can be reached in 10 minutes or less. If you have your own car, free parking is available on-site; if not, rental vehicles can be arranged.  

• One-minute walk to the SM MyBus Terminal
• Four-minute walk to SM City Cebu
• Four-minute walk to Cebu International Port
• Six-minute drive to the Cebu International Convention Center
• Seven-minute drive to Fort San Pedro 
• Seven-minute drive to Cebu Provincial Museum (Museo Sugbo)
• Seven-minute drive to the Cebu-Mactan Ferry Terminal
• Eight-minute drive to Basilica del Santo Niño/Magellan's Cross
• Eight-minute drive to the Casa Gorordo Museum
• Nine-minute drive to Ayala Center Mall
• 10-minute drive to the Cebu I.T. Park
• 16-minute drive to the Taoist Temple of Cebu
• 17-minute drive to Mactan-Cebu International Airport

Covering between 290- and 624-square feet, the accommodations here are more design-oriented than you might expect given the price point. Done up in attractive earth or sea tones, they have a clean-lined contemporary look that belies their mid-range status. All qualify as well equipped, too, with standard-issue amenities including air-conditioning, mini-fridges, coffee/tea-making supplies, free bottled water, laptop safes, 32-inch LED TVs with international cable channels, and free Wi-Fi. Suites add extra perks (like ironing equipment and a second 48-inch TV) as well as separate open-plan living room/kitchens plus upgraded matching bathrooms with both walk-in rainfall showers and tubs as opposed to showers only. This being a family-friendly spot, bunk-bed rooms are available and crib are provided on request.

The Bayfront has no pool (always a welcome perk in such a balmy climate); nor, despite the name, does it have any direct water access. But there is a small fitness center on the sixth floor that’s outfitted with a serviceable amount of cardio- and strength-training equipment. In-room massages can also be scheduled to work out your travel kinks. As for dining, the hotel features a surprisingly stylish restaurant/bar—Cafe Breeze, located just off the lobby—which serves a mix of local and international cuisine. This all-day eatery also doubles as the breakfast room where a limited selection of buffet items is laid out each morning at no charge. An on-site 7-Eleven offers other edible options around the clock. There are also event spaces for business or social functions that can accommodate up to 495 people. Additional features include a 24-hour reception area, 24-hour security, concierge/tour desks, laundry/dry-cleaning services, room service, free parking, plus free Wi-Fi throughout.