Cebu City the oldest and most populated city in the Philippines, offers a fusion of the historic and the contemporary living gracefully side-by-side. Its eastern coastline is very well developed with skyscrapers and hotels, but the island's interior is mountainous, offering adventurers hiking, wildlife views, and caving. The explorer Magellan planted a cross in Cebu in the early 1600s, propelling it from a tiny fishing village into the center of Philippine Christianity, commerce and tourism.
This three-star hotel is a steal with room rates from $46 to $68 USD. (Prices current as of February 2010.) The hotel's gardens are considered beautiful by guests. Its 148 rooms are spacious and provide a choice of standard, deluxe, suites and apartments, some of which have been recently renovated. Room amenities include bathrobes, daily newspapers, piped-in music and Internet access. Breakfast is on the house, and there are two other restaurants, a bar, and a snack stand. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a children's pool and a beach to relax at. A taxi stand is just a few feet from the hotel so you can go anywhere you want quickly and easily.
Montebello Villa Hotel
Banilad, Cebu City
Cebu, Philippines 6000
(03-32) 231-3681 to 89
montebellovillahotel.com
Haruhay could be called a dream resort just for its room prices alone. Every room has air-conditioning and cable TV. Standards are $32 USD per night, deluxe rooms cost $39, and deluxe rooms in the new wing are $42 a night. All rates include breakfast. (Prices current as of February 2010.)
This family-run hotel is a work in progress. The hotel grounds are beautifully kept, tended to personally by co-owner Evelyn Pilcher. The couple bought a small house on the property in 1986 and invited friends and relatives. In 1989, they built a bungalow restaurant, constructed more bungalows in 1990, the sand tennis court in 2003 and the swimming pool in 2005. Their restaurant serves mostly Austrian food, like schnitzel, beef goulash with dumplings, tenderloin with mushroom sauce and Austrian sweets. In 2003, the Pilchers added thin-crust pizza with your choice of toppings to the menu and several Philippine home favorites. The hotel is not on the beach, so you must drive to get to one.
Haruhay Dream Resort and Restaurant
Owners: Evelyn and Wolfgang Pilcher
Marigondon Beach
Lapu-Lapu City
Cebu, Philippines 6015
(+63) 32 340 9790
haruhay.net/index-36623.php
Vacation hotel is in uptown Cebu but within walking distance to many of the city's shops, malls, churches and historical sites. The hotel is a converted family home that previously belonged to a prominent Cebu family. It retains a family atmosphere, in its intimacy, size and informality.
The hotel has beautiful back and front yards to relax in. It also has a swimming pool, a coffee shop where a free continental breakfast is served, and a billiard hall. The room rates are unbeatable; $29 USD for a double, to $48 for a newly renovated family room for four people. (Prices current as of February 2010.) Nearby attractions include a Taoist Temple, the Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro and Celestial Gardens.
Vacation Hotel
Cebu 35 Juana Osmena
Corner of Jose Avila Street
Cebu City Philippines
(032) 2532766
vacationhotel-cebu.com
