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Summer is not yet over, we still have one week before classes resume. I wish I can extend the summer because honestly, I’m not yet ready for the school year 2016-2017. I bought books last month but until now, it is not yet covered. I still have no name stickers for the books, notebooks, and other supplies. For sure, magcram ako niya before June 13. Hehehe! Anyway, yun na lang naman kulang.

Before summer vacation ends, I want to share the hotels and resorts that we have tried in Cebu. So if you are planning to go to Cebu or you live in Cebu and looking for a quick getaway, you can choose from the following.

Where to Stay in Cebu

1. Fuente Oro Business Suites  

If you are looking for a budget hotel then reserve a room in Fuente Oro Business Suites. We’ve stayed here in 2011, the room was very basic but it is ok for us.  If you are a budget traveler and looking for cheap accommodation, this hotel is for you. The price is budget friendly and it includes free breakfast for two people already. What I like about this hotel is the location, it is very accessible and we can ride a jeep just outside the hotel.

2. Cebu City Marriott Hotel now Seda Hotel

Cebu This is a luxury hotel in Cebu city that is just beside Ayala Center Cebu. You can save money because you can just walk to the mall if you want to eat or buy snacks and drinks at the supermarket. During our stay, my son enjoyed his time in their pool.  The room is big that fits two double beds and the bathroom has a bathtub too. Complimentary water and toiletries are replenished every day.

Read: Cebu City Marriott Hotel

3. Cebu Parklane International Hotel  

This hotel is also near Ayala Center Cebu but it would be a long walk. The hotel has different restaurants but if you want to save money, don't worry because there are restaurants near the hotel.  The price of the hotel is very reasonable and it offers a free buffet breakfast at Manuel’s restaurant. It has a pool too that we haven’t tried. The room is not that big but the bathroom has a bathtub.

Read: Cebu Parklane International Hotel 

4. Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa  

If you don’t want to go to Bantayan Island or Sumilon Island but you wanted to experience the beach and pool then go to Mactan. There are so many luxury hotels and resorts there including Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa.  We had a great time in this resort especially in their CrimZone because my son enjoyed the different activities like figurine painting, bracelet making, face painting, and Amazing Kid’s Race.

Read: Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa
Restaurant in Crimson Mactan Resort and Spa

5. Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa 

This is another luxury resort in Mactan that we have visited but only for a day trip. They have a pool, beach, play area, sauna, and gym. Overall, we were satisfied with the service, facilities, and amenities, If we have an extra budget I will consider this for an overnight stay.

Read: Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa

6. Seda Ayala Center Cebu 

Seda Ayala Center Cebu is one of the newest hotels in Cebu. Well, it is not really new because they just renovated the old Cebu City Marriott Hotel. And because of the renovation, there are a few changes in the facade, room, and bathroom design. The location is still good because it is near shopping mall and very accessible for commuters.

Read: Seda Ayala Center Cebu 

If you stay in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, you don’t have to worry about food because they have different restaurants that can satisfy your wants. You can choose from Azure Beach Club, Tempo Lounge, Saffron Cafe and Score Sports Bar. They also have a Pastry Shop where you can buy bread, pastries, and other desserts. 

Read: Staycation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

In short, you will never get hungry inside the resort but of course, the price is not budget-friendly. Hehehe! During our overnight stay, we ate at Azure Beach Club and Saffron Cafe.

Lunch Azure Beach Club 

While waiting for our room, we had lunch first at Azure Beach Club which is located on the beach front. The location is very relaxing because you can see the seascape. 


The restaurant offers different Asian cuisines, but we had a hard time choosing food because I’m not sure if my son will like it. Just to be safe, we ordered Bollywood Pizza P410 ++ and Mie Goreng P390 ++. While waiting, they gave us complimentary mixed nuts. 

We were surprised to see the food because it is really good for 2 to 3 people. 


Dinner at Saffron Cafe 

At that time, my husband’s officemate in Cebu invited us for to attend his birthday party in Mactan. (it just so happened that we were in Cebu and birthday celebration niya) But because we were so tired already and we don't want to go out anymore, my husband declined and we just ate at the resort. Goodbye free dinner. Hehehe! 


We had a late dinner at Saffron Cafe because we wanted to finish the Pilipinas Debate first. It was past 9PM so it was really late but thank God the restaurant was still open. 


We ordered Crispy Pata P700++ and extra rice. The meal is already enough for 3 people. They served us complimentary bread while waiting. 

Planning for a vacation is not easy because it takes time to research and to decide which activities you will include in a day especially when you have kids. You also have to consider the location, facilities and amenities of the hotel or resort. Thank God that we reserved a room at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan because my son really enjoyed our staycation.

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My son loves staycation, he gets excited every time he sees me packing for a short getaway. He really remembers those activities that he enjoyed and he always asked me if I take videos or pictures because he wants to see or watch them over and over again. 


As of now, he can’t forget our recent staycation in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. One thing that I like in this resort is the CrimZone, it is the comfort zone of kids. I’m pretty sure that kids will not get bored even if you stay in the resort for a few days. If you want to have time for yourself, you can leave your kids here for a fee or just stay and bond with your kids. 

Read: Staycation: Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan.  

If you are planning to book this resort, this post will give you an idea of the different activities in CrimZone. Every morning you will receive a piece of paper to inform you of the schedule of activities for that day (adults and kids). If you don’t want to bring the paper with you, just visit CrimZone and check the whiteboard for the schedule. 

During our first day, we immediately checked CrimZone. There were slides, merry-go-round, toys, books and TV for movie marathon. Actually, my son forgot that we will swim so I have to remind him that we need to go to the beach and we will just go back to the play area tomorrow. Parang ayaw na niya umalis, hehehe! The following morning, as promised; we stayed in CrimZone after we checked out. Sharing with you the activities that my son joined. 

Face Painting 

First activity is face painting but my son prefers hand painting. Hehehe! 

Figurine Painting 

We missed the 7:30AM Figurine painting activity but I was glad that we can still avail of this activity. The activity is not free, you have to pay P250 but you can take home the finished project. If you’ve been following this blog, you know that my son loves to paint. 

Read: Painting at Sip & Gogh 

So he paints while watching movie. In the end, I already helped him because we want to eat lunch na and hindi pa siya tapos, though finishing touches na lang naman. Hehehe! 

Read: Restaurant in Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

Amazing Kid’s Race 

My son and I love watching Amazing Race so we really waited for this activity. We have no idea that there will be a prize for the winner and my son won the Amazing Kid’s Race. The prize is 15 minutes kayak or bracelet making, we chose the latter because my husband and son don’t want to change clothes na. Everything was packed na rin kasi. 

Bracelet Making


This was an easy activity, all he needs to do is put his chosen beads and the staff will be the one to tie them. Voila, he gave me the bracelet. Hehehe! Bracelet making activity is P125. 

My son wanted to join the Obstacle Course but we have to say goodbye to CrimZone because we need to go to the airport.

Two years ago I celebrated my birthday in Crimson Hotel in Alabang. I had a great time during our staycation so when I learned that they have a branch in Cebu, I immediately added it to my bucket list. 

Read: Crimson Hotel in Alabang


Last month, while I was planning for our Cebu itinerary; I decided to have a Day Trip at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan. I inquired about the rates and they immediately replied. But a few days before our trip, our plan changed and my husband called Crimson Mactan to reserve a room. If we can’t go to Bantayan Island then go to Mactan. 

After our breakfast in Cebu Parklane International Hotel, we already checked out, and off we went to Crimson. We arrived past 10AM, my husband gave us our confirmation voucher and our IDs; while waiting they served our welcome drinks and we played sungka. We had fun playing sungka, it’s been a long time since I played this game and I’m really looking for this toy. 

Read: Cebu Parklane International Hotel 

As expected, the room was not available yet but we are allowed to use the facilities. The staff gave us a resort map. We left our luggage with the concierge and went to the locker room so we can put our valuables.P500 deposit is refundable.


We roamed around the resort looking for an available beach chair but unfortunately, no available chair. We decided to have lunch at Azure Beach Club. While waiting for our food bill, the staff called and informed my husband that our room is already available. Yey! Early check-in (past 1PM). 

We paid (via credit card) for our reservation before we went to Cebu because pre-payment (one night stay) is required to reserve a room. Additional P3000 for incidental deposit upon check-in. The staff gave us a key card and we went back to the concierge to get our luggage. We rode a golf cart on our way to our room. 

Last Monday, we availed the day tour package of Shangri-la and it was indeed a Day in Paradise. We all enjoyed our stay in Shangri-la Mactan Resort and Spa and P2,500 per head is very worth it. Kudos to all their staff because they are all approachable, friendly, helpful and they never fail to smile at you.


After our Mactan City Tour, we went to Shangri-la Mactan to spend our last day in Cebu. Day tour package is from 8-9PM so it was perfect for our 10:40PM flight. The resort is just 20 minutes away from the airport.

There are so many tourists inside the resort and we can’t find any vacant beach chairs where we could stay so we just roam around the resort and look for a place where we could wait. We decided to take our lunch first before we plunged into their pool and beach.


Finally, 12NN came and we went inside the Tides Restaurant. I zeroed in on expensive dishes, tried the lamb chop and still did not like it. I don't really like lamb chop, ok na ko sa beef steak. My son enjoyed his dinner roll and butter; he really liked the crème brulee and finished two cups. Drinks are not included in their free buffet lunch; the cheapest drink is softdrink in a can which is P184.


After our meal, it is time to enjoy their amenities.







After swimming, we took advantage of the free use of their Health Club Amenities where complimentary drinks are available. Hehe! You can use the gym, sauna, steam bath, and Jacuzzi for free.


Overall, I do not have regrets in choosing Shangri-la Mactan and this is one of my memorable experiences and fabulous birthday celebrations. I hope we can go back here.

Day in Paradise Package includes 

Lunch Buffet at Tides Restaurant (drinks not included)
Free use of beach, pool, towel
Free use of Gym and Health Club facilities (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi)
10% discount on Health Club and Salon Services for adults
Complimentary 2 hours use of Kid’s Adventure Zone for kids (kids must wear long sleeves and socks)
25% discount on Dinner Buffet at Tides Restaurant

Be sure to contact them first before going there because a day tour is not available if their hotel is full.

Update: April 2016

When we went back to Cebu, I inquired about the Day Trip package but I was advised that they don't offer day trip packages at that time. So we just went to Crimson Mactan instead.

Read: Makati Shangri la Hotel
Shangri la Hotel in Jakarta Indonesia
EDSA Shangri la Hotel

As much as I want to continue our Cebu City Tour, we no longer have time so we just went to Taboan market to buy dried fish, dried squid, dried mango and other pasalubong. 



Knowing what to expect in Taboan market, we did not bother to take a bath. Hehe! From Fuente Oro, you need to take two jeepney rides, 06B and 06A then walk to Tabo-an Market or just ride a taxi cab, the fare is around P100.