Ramos Tower is the white tower building rising well above the others.
A stay at the Residences in Ramos Tower in Cebu City, Philippines is a stay where locals live. Part hotel, part condominiums, this 33-story building offers an interesting blend of the amenities of a hotel with the opportunity to feel as if you’re living in Cebu as a resident. Residents, who live on the building’s floors designated as apartments, often hang out in the lobby sharing news. In the mix there are medical students, young professionals, grandparents watching their grandchildren, foreign workers, and expats who have found an inexpensive and friendly place to live.
Each time my son and I breezed in back from our outings, the doorman and desk staff had a warm-hearted hello before we headed to one of the two elevators and our corner room with its amazing view.
Our room on 33rd floor at night. The neon lights are on the outside of the Crowne Regency Hotel.
Ramos Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the neighborhood. Only Crown Regency with its Edge Coaster is taller. Our view from the 33rd floor, thanks to the large window and the sliding glass door that almost met at one corner, took in the mountains in one direction and the harbor in the other. As spectacular as the view was in the daytime, the night with the city lights below and the changing colors of the neon lights of the Crown Regency was spectacular.
Our two twin bed room, with its free Wi-Fi, cable TV, coffee pot, coffee maker, toiletries like shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste was comfortable. clean and impressive enough that we extended our stay. Although we didn’t take advantage of the refrigerator and ample counter space with bar-type stools that could have served as an eating area, the aesthetics of these room features caught my eye.
The storage space is also impressive. Here’s a room where you won’t find yourself tripping over your belongings. All can be put neatly away, even when there’s a teen in the room.
Flag down a jeepney outside Residences in Ramos Tower to travel like the locals.
For the second half of our stay, thanks to the always helpful and accommodating staff at the front desk, we were given the buffet breakfast served in the hotel’s restaurant, Dish. The breakfast, a mix of Philippine and Western fare that changed slightly each day is good. Coffee, tea, and juice are included.
One evening we ate dinner at Dish because it seemed easier than going out. The meat lover’s pizza, and the calamari I ordered as an appetizer, were quite tasty and reasonably priced. The restaurant also serves beer. Be aware that the restaurant is only open until 8:30 or 9 PM depending upon the customer volume.
Another bonus of staying at Residences in Ramos Tower is its proximity to Fuente Osmena Circle, one of Cebu City’s shopping hubs. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance. If do you need to take a cab anywhere, the tower’s doormen are happy to help you flag one down. Or head to F. Ramos, the street right outside to hop on a jeepney for a real local experience.
Our room price through Hotels.com was about $35. When I extended the stay, we were given the corporate rate with breakfast. That turned out to be about $30 a night.
Residences in Ramos Tower is about a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport.
Book the former City Suites Cebu City, now Residences in Ramos Tower, at Hotels.com for the best rates.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein (except the photo of Dish, courtesy of the hotel)
