There is no shortage of Cebu City hotels to choose from, and visitors will be happy to know that these hotels can meet a range of needs and tastes. For all intents and purposes, avoiding the downtown hotels in Cebu City is recommended. The downtown area is busy, noisy, and heavily polluted. As such, uptown Cebu City lodging is the way to go. One of the great things about the Cebu City hotels is that they offer proximity to the Cebu-Mactan International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in the Philippines. Those who secure accommodations in Cebu City will also have the island of Cebu at their disposal.

There are some good upscale hotels in Cebu City, and while none are of 5-star quality, they still offer ample amenities and good service. One of the more unique upscale Cebu City lodging establishments is the Waterfront Cebu Hotel & Casino, which isn't actually found on the water. This is the brand name for a chain of Philippines hotels. As the name would imply, the Waterfront Cebu Hotel & Casino does feature a casino, however, and it is open around the clock. A range of gaming favorites can be enjoyed at the onsite casino, and they include black jack and poker. Much like the top Vegas hotels do, the Waterfront Cebu not only offers a casino, but some comprehensive dining choices as well. The row of restaurants at the hotel is known as "The Gourmet Walk," and guests will have no trouble finding something good to eat while visiting the numerous eateries. Complementing the casino and the restaurants are some bars, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Rounding out the facilities is a business center. As for the guest units at the Waterfront Cebu, there are many to choose from. The suites offer added space. The décor is modern in the guest units, all of which feature cable TV, Wi-Fi internet access, a mini bar, a mini refrigerator, and a direct dial telephone.

One of the other top upscale Cebu City hotels is the Cebu City Marriott, which enjoys a great location right next to the Ayala Center. This commercial complex is one of the best places to go shopping in the city, and it is also home to restaurants. Guests at the Marriott don't have to go next door to find something good to eat, however. The hotel is home to an international café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also boasts a poolside bar and barbecue restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner. The lounge in the lobby is another good place to get some drinks or enjoy some nighttime entertainment. In addition to some good dining facilities, the Cebu City Marriott Hotel also offers a fitness center, an attractive outdoor pool, and meeting facilities. Concierge service is also available for guests who need some help finding fun things to do when they're not relaxing in their comfortable rooms. Once again, both rooms and suites figure among the guest units at this upscale Cebu City lodging, and they are all tasteful and elegant. Marble accents give the bathrooms a luxurious feel, and guests will get cozy slippers to walk around in. Other standard amenity highlights include a hair dryer, a tub and a shower, an ironing board, a mini refrigerator, a mini bar, complimentary bottled water, cable TV, and a flat-screen television. The more guests spend, the better the room, and some of the added amenities that the more expensive units offer are complimentary drinks and breakfasts. Internet access costs extra in all of the rooms.

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While there is a lot to like about the more upscale hotels in Cebu City, some visitors to this busy city will want to spend less. In that case, mid-price gems like the Parklane International are worth considering. Recent renovations have this hotel looking better than ever. The plush décor in the guest rooms makes them extra inviting, along with cable TV, mini bar, in-room safe, and sparkling bathrooms. Internet access also figures among the standard amenities, and each guest unit is well-furnished. The rooms aren't the only things worth mentioning at the Parklane International. Guests are encouraged to visit the signature restaurant, which offers an excellent buffet and is known for its lechon. Lechon, or suckling pig, is a popular dish in the Philippines. It has its roots in Spain, where it is also a culinary favorite. In addition to a good restaurant, the Parklane also boasts a chic coffee lounge, a fun poolside bar, and a cozy piano and cigar bar. When guests aren't indulging at the hotel's bars and restaurant, they can visit the fitness room or swim in the outdoor pool.

The Parklane International has some very attractive rates, especially when one considers the bang that guests get for their buck. The rates at the Parklane won't be what some travelers will have in mind, however. Thankfully, the city is home to a number of hotels that are even cheaper. One of the best discount hotels is the Fuente Pension House, which has been a favorite with travelers for some time now. The rooms here vary quite a bit, and while the base units are pretty simple, the more expensive rooms are actually relatively luxurious. Guests can choose accordingly. All of the units feature cable TV, a hot and cold shower in the bathroom, and air conditioning, which is all that some travelers will need or want. One of the main calling cards at the Fuente Pension House is its rooftop terrace, which is home to a restaurant and offers wonderful city views. Another interesting thing to consider is the fact that check-out comes a full 24 hours after check-in. Half day rates are available, which is also unique. Should the Fuente Pension House still prove too expensive for some travelers, they might opt instead for a stay at the cheaper Kukuk's Nest Pension House, which is a favorite among backpackers. The money that can be saved at discount hotels like these can be used for fun side trips on Cebu island. The island is home to some terrific beaches!