Holiday Inn Cebu City, an IHG Hotel

From the airport, I went to the hotel at around 6am with the intention of just leaving my luggage, and later checking in at 2pm. But Ryan at the front desk was very kind enough to let me know that I could check in already for a minimal early check-in fee. Since I already had a packed morning schedule in mind, I opted to wait until 2pm. But it's nice to know that the early check-in fee was not as expensive as other hotels (usually half the room rate). The room was exceptionally clean and cold. Perfect for the April heat! I particularly appreciated that Holiday Inn rooms have a bidet, which should be an industry standard in the Philippines. Breakfast was amazing. I would consider this as one of the must-try breakfast buffets in Cebu. I also had the opportunity to order cordon bleu via room service, delivered by Cobe. The food took a while, but it was understandable since I ordered at around 8pm. Kitchen must be busy catering to dinner guests. Food was still warm when it got to my room. The location of the hotel is also great. There is a waiting shed in front of the hotel where taxis and jeeps would pass by. The hotel is also easy to pin on Grab. Denmark, the guard at the front door, gave great suggestions for places to visit around Cebu aside from the usual tourist spots, since I had already had city tours during my previous visits. For its price, location, service, and food quality, Holiday Inn may be my new favorite hotel in Cebu.

The hotel is quite new, the lobby smells nice. Rooms are well equipped, the bed is very comfortable and my room had an amazing sight to the city (16th floor). The staff is super kind! I spent 2 weeks here and by the end they remembered me and we even chatted with a few of them. Food is great, there are changes in the breakfast menu every day (although the majority is standard). Very good location, just 5 minutes on foot from the Ayala center, the surrounding area is safe and clean. Ayala has some amazing restaurants too.

The breakfast buffet is amazing. Everything you can expect from wherever you are. From French croissants to Maki sushi or hummus, garlic pickles black olives and prosciutto to different type of breakfast cereals, cappuccino coffee or cucumber ice tea, soft eggs à la coque or mexicain pattatos to traditional filipino rice breakfast or ceasar salad. It's all there and service is great. The bar choice is the weak side of the small but well designed swimming pool. With reduced variety of alcohol. The view is great but the only smoking allowed area is in the parking, not great for smokers. No smoking area in the outside pool and bar. So I will never go back there and will look instead at another hotel with balconies where you can live your life choices in the respect of others but without being ostracized.

I've stayed here 5 times now and the breakfast buffet is always good with good selections! The shower pressure is always good (never had a bad experience) and the water is always hot, hot!

Breakfast was OK. good selection, but somewhat repetitive if you stay more than 3 days. The room was really nice and clean and the bed and pillows were to my taste. Had several good night's rest. Staff are very accommodating and pleasant to deal with.