Karlo Pacana
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino Hotel Review
Want to experience grandeur at the Queen City of the South? The King of Sinulog is off for an overnight stay at the Waterfront, awarded by SunStar Publication as Cebu’s Best City Hotel. Read on as I share to you what this iconic hotel landmark has to offer.
Getting There
From Mactan Cebu International Airport, tell the taxi driver to drop you off at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug (hotel info), about a 35-minute drive and conveniently located across Cebu’s IT Hub, the Asiatown IT Park. The hotel is also just ten minutes away from the premier shopping malls and hottest lifestyle destinations.
Arrival
At first glance of the hotel’s iconic castle-like façade, you can’t help but feel like a royal guest. Entering the heavy glass doors to the elegant lobby lounge, look up and see a beautiful masterwork of Ferdinand Magellan’s journey from Spain to Islas de Filipinas.
Heading over to the front desk to confirm my reservation, I handed out a personal identification card, filled out the registration form and deposited PHP1,000 refundable upon check-out. The keycard and WIFI password were given along with necessary instructions and I was on my way to the 18th floor in a breeze.
Room Amenities
The hotel has 561 guest rooms and suites to choose from, the most in Cebu City. I checked in to the Ambassador Room 1833, a spacious non-smoking room at 29 square meters with a receiving area exuding comfort, luxury and style.
It has well-appointed amenities such as a king-sized bed, LCD cable television, international direct-dialing phone connection, 24-hour room service, free WIFI, air-conditioning with individual thermostat control, complete bathroom fixtures and amenities including phone extension, safety deposit box and complete mini-bar.
What I love about the Ambassador room is that it has the most spectacular view of the Queen City especially the transition from sunset up to the night lights. Also, all the above-mentioned conveniences were in good condition and everything I needed was within reach. The room was fresh and clean and the bed was super comfortable, it made me sleep like a baby.
Facilities
The Ambassador Room granted me complimentary access to Pool Aquarius (refreshing drinks and light snacks available at the pool bar) and Citigym (equipped with the latest facilities and equipment and various classes such as zumba and yoga to name a few and also Metabolic Training). However, since my day was jam-packed I was only able to take a quick dip the next morning.
If you’re feeling lucky, then PAGCOR’s Casino Filipino within the hotel has a 6-storey gaming arena open 24 hours for your entertainment.
If you’re planning a conference, convention or a party, the Waterfront has 14 function rooms equipped with lights and sounds. However, if you’re thinking of inviting 1,800 guests to a particular concert or event for that matter, the Pacific Grand Ballroom is the leading venue of choice in Cebu. Indeed, they have the biggest hotel ballroom in Cebu as I was one of the media partners for Miss Cebu 2016.
Dining Options
There are 10 food outlets within the hotel and I was able to try out Mizu (Japanese), Madeleine (French Patisserie), La Gondola (Italian) and Tin Gow (Cebu’s Best Chinese Restaurant) which I will be featuring in a separate article.
On the other hand, the Ambassador Room came with a complimentary breakfast buffet at UNO Restaurant, named after the Formula One Race which is why the servers are clad in pit stop outfits.
The breakfast offerings consists of Filipino favorites, in my case was the mouth-watering beef tapa which I can’t get enough of, egg and noodle stations customized to your heart’s desire, pancakes, waffles and pastries section fresh and hot from the oven, cold cuts, cheese, cereals and oatmeal, assorted fruits, greens and salad bar and bottomless beverage section. Did I forget to mention the unlimited bacon?
With a seating capacity of 200 persons, UNO is open daily from breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s buffet restaurant has an interactive lifestyle concept that showcases an enticing international buffet spread usually in collaboration with Mizu, Tin Gow, Madeleine and La Gondola. If you want to taste the best of Waterfront’s international cuisine at one go and pay not more than PHP1,209 nett per person, then UNO is perfect for you!
Service
I don’t know why but I felt really at home at the Waterfront. Everyone from the bellboy to the restaurant crew was very passionate in delivering excellent and thoughtful service. No wonder why their guests extend their stay or decide to keep coming back every time they are in Cebu.
Overall, if you want a royal experience in Cebu, book a stay at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino!
Hotel Information
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino (check rates) is located at Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines. You may call them at (032) 232 6888. For more information, you may check their official Facebook page or their website.
