Mandarin Plaza Hotel

Situated in a high-rise, this mid-range hotel features elegant interiors and a solid set of features. A giant crystal chandelier takes center stage in the lobby, where polished tile floors are met with a beige, cream, and gold color scheme brightened by a large flower arrangement near the entrance. The illuminated front desk features backlit floral art. A collection of sofas and armchairs sit by large windows that fill the space with natural light. A large grand staircase leads up, illuminated by more giant striking chandeliers. The hotel's restaurant and bar, though corporate in style, is bright and airy thanks to plenty of large windows. It's filled with both booth seating and tables and chairs; red chairs add a dose of color to neutral hues.

The majority of guests tend to be business travelers, as the business district location makes a prime base that puts them within walking distance of places like the convention center. Some tourists stay here too, but it's a bit further away from tourist attractions.  

The hotel is located at a large intersection in Cebu City's business district, a central location near lots of corporate buildings and business. There are plenty of dining options in the immediate area as well. Ayala Mall, a large shopping center filled with shops and more dining, is just a block away (four-minute walk from the hotel). This is a great base for business travelers, as the Grand Convention Center is a four-minute walk away and the IT Park is 15 minutes away on foot. Most of the city's top attractions such as the Taoist Temple, Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, and Fort San Pedro can be reached in about 15 minutes by car. Public transportation links are limited and not the greatest; it's better to rent a car or take taxis. Those who have more time might want to visit the Kawasan Falls or Pico Osmena, though they're about a three-hour drive away. Cebu's port is about a 12-minute drive away. Mactan-Cebu International Airport is around a half-hour away.

Bathed in beige and coffee shades, rooms have a bland, chainlike look like the rest of the hotel, but they're spacious and clean. Cream-colored tile floors and brown and beige accent walls are paired with wooden furniture. They're fairly spacious, with work desks and sitting areas, even if it's just a chair and small table in entry-level rooms. Larger rooms have bigger sitting areas; Executive Rooms, for example, have armchairs as well as corners furnished with love seats and chairs and small tables. Suites feature separate living rooms with sofas and armchairs.

Standard amenities in all units include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are plain like the rooms, but clean. They're equipped with shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads and sink vanities that offer a decent amount of storage space. Wall-mounted hairdryers are supplied. Note that many guests complain of dim lighting in rooms.

Features are well-rounded for business travelers and tourists. The hotel has an outdoor pool that's partially covered by a roof. The surrounding small pool deck has tables and chairs, as well as some loungers. Other wellness features include a gym, that's not too large, but offers a decent variety of machines such as a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, and strength-training machines as well as weights. It's a bright space thanks to lots of windows. A sauna is available for guest use. Massages services are also available.

The hotel's restaurant is open from morning to midnight, serving a buffet breakfast as well as a la carte options for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included in rates but gets mediocre reviews from guests. There's also a bar offering cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor. Room service is also available.

There are three event spaces available for a variety of functions. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and on-site parking is also available.