On my fourth visit to Cebu City, Philippines, I discovered two more hotels that caught my attention as places to stay. The Griffin Hotel and Suites and Uptown Suites Cebu are two I passed daily when I walked to Osmena Fuente Circle for business. I visited both and I am considering them for my next trip to Cebu.
At each, staff members were pleased to show me around, guest rooms included. Here’s my take. Both are gems for affordability, cleanliness and walkability to places to eat and shop.
First up, Griffin Hotel and Suites, Cebu City
This 46-guest room hotel caught my eye because of its outdoor patio and enormous windows of the lobby. The hotel looks inviting on the outside. It’s as inviting on the inside. The glass cases filled with Starbucks coffee mugs, the original ones, the big chunky kind fill one wall of the dining area. Either someone did some serious traveling or there was a good deal on country Starbucks mugs somewhere. Ebay? Since I have several of these mugs myself, I am a fan of this decor.
Here you’ll find tables and chairs accessible to guests 24/7. The cooked-to-order breakfast is available from 6 to 10 am for a surcharge of PHP 150, a little over $2.50. The lobby also has couches and chairs for comfortable hanging out.
The figure of Santo Nino de Cebu, a religious version of Jesus as the Christ Child is another prominent lobby feature. Santo Nino, an important figure to Cebuano Catholics is found in many hotels and businesses in Cebu City. The version at the Griffin Hotel and Suites is a lovely example.
As for the rooms. There are three options: a Standard Queen, Deluxe Double and a Family Room with multiple beds. This means two beds- one queen bed and a twin. The Deluxe Double has a full-size bed and a twin. Regardless of the type, the rooms are clean and simply decorated with modern, sleek furniture. Nothing fancy but aesthetically pleasing. Each have a flat screen TV, cable TV channels, free Wi-Fi, toiletries, a hair dryer, and a walk-in. shower. Furnishings include a desk and a dresser with shelves, plus a safe.
The Griffin Hotel also has laundry facilities and luggage storage. Room rates at Hotels.com start at $40.
Next Uptown Suites Cebu, Another Cebu City Find
A friend told me about Uptown Suites before I stopped by to see for myself. I headed there from the Griffin Hotel (these two are close to each other).
Not long after I stepped into Uptown Suites, I met a crowd of people spilling out of the elevator. A multiple generation, extended family–many from the U.S., were finishing up their Cebu City stay. Cebu City and Uptown Suites were one leg of their several stop vacation. Those who I talked with praised the hotel. There is much to like. First, the staff is friendly and attentive. As an example, today when I messaged Uptown Suites through Facebook messenger to double check a few points, I received a response in a few minutes. This staff is eager to serve.
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Also, the lobby, even without the enthusiastic guests, is inviting. A gold Buddha statue and flowers create a festive, welcoming mood.
Guest rooms range from the Junior Suite with one queen bed to a Deluxe Quadruple with two queen beds. The VIP rooms have king beds. A standard room has two single beds. The Deluxe Triple has a queen bed and a single. VIP rooms have a bathtub. The others have walk in showers.
These rooms are stylish, comfortable and clean. Modern furniture is paired with splashes of color of a bed scarf and framed artwork. Along with the bed, furniture includes a desk and a dresser and lamps for restful lighting. Rooms have a flat screen TV, hair dryer, toiletries and free Wi-Fi.
For great views, head to the restaurant where floor to ceiling windows take in the distant mountains and the cityscape. A Junior Suite is PHP 1099, roughly $20. Breakfast for two is about $5.50.
To book a room, email at uptownsuitescebu (at) gmail.com or call 0917353946 or 0905401453. Uptown Suites also has a Facebook page and a presence on Trip Advisor. Opened in 2021, this is a newer hotel that has much to offer so hopefully the online presence will grow.
In addition to Hotels.com, Griffin Hotel and Suites can be booked through Expedia and Booking.com.
Both hotels are located on quiet streets. With the buzz of Cebu City, this is a plus.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
