Cebu Hotel / I last visited Cebu City a few years ago. That is why exploring Mactan Island in Cebu is exciting. This is my first time in Mactan, and I will be with my colleagues for business and leisure.
Mactan Island is more popular because of its rich history and culture. The Battle of Mactan is said to be on the top list because it was the plain native, Lapu-Lapu, who defended the island from foreign invasion. The native killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
The island is the go-to place for quality guitars and other musical instruments. It is home to the second busiest airport in the country, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Aside from its historical and cultural prominence, the island is a haven for tourists because of its white powdery sand beaches and the various sports activities offered by resorts and hotels.
I was lucky to be part of the Management Committee (Mancom) of South Bacolod General Hospital and Medical Center, Inc. (SBGHMCI). We were treated to a three-night-and-four day off from work just to be ourselves. Make fun memories with the other supervisors, department heads, and top management, and make creative activities that promote unity and teamwork.
Palmbeach Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City was our home for four days. We seemed to have stayed in our respective homes because of the various amenities and features we were privileged to enjoy.
Strategic Location / Cebu Hotel
This mini resort is a 15-minute drive from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and a 10-minute drive to Mactan Newtown. The new commercial complex is a mixed-use structure composed of beachfront hotels, malls, and industrial parks. The construction is ongoing, but the commercial areas are operating, such as the mall and offices.
There is a building for an Information Technology – Business Process Outsourcing office (IT-BPO) hub, financial services such as banks, and money currency exchange stores. Being a beachfront property, various sports activities such as island hopping, diving, and snorkeling are available.
Homey-vibe
I was surprised to see the extensive reception area upon checking in. It has two big sala sets, which can comfortably accommodate 7-10 persons per sala set. The piano placed against the wall reminds me of the good old days when the family sat together; to rest and engage in discussion after a sumptuous dinner.
The decorations and furnishings are unique, too. There are plenty of wall decors in the hallway and lounge areas, which you can leisurely appreciate while going to your room. The service areas are arranged so that your needs are met immediately.
Well-appointed Rooms
We occupied one of the Deluxe Rooms on the Third Floor. The beds are spacious enough for our weary souls to rest and sleep after a hectic day. The air conditioning unit never fails. There is a 30-inch flat-screen TV, a strong WIFI connection, and a well-maintained toilet and bathroom.
While a notice posted on the bathroom wall reminded the guests to encourage multiple uses of the towels, new and crisp towels were provided daily. I like hotels that are conscious about their waste disposal system; this green initiative will help reduce waste dumped in the environment.
Children’s Playroom
A small play area is available for guests with children. The room is in bright colors with a child-friendly playground equipment set. It features a plastic slide and a miniature playhouse with all the mini toys for the children to play, explore and enjoy.
The hotel ensures the safety of the children by installing plastic matting on the floor. It is useful when your little kids are bored going with you on a long trip—playing, though requires adult supervision.
Game and Dart Area
Guests who have extra time may spend the evening at the Game and Dart area on the ground floor. There are two long rectangular tables and a giant circular dart board. I could not find out what games are available, but one table is for billiard games.
Ask the customer service counter if you want to play the American-style eight Ball or try to be simple by playing the straight pool of 16 balls.
Mini Chapel
This Cebu hotel features a place to spend time with the Lord, give thanks and pray for a safe journey. The mini chapel is located at the far end of the ground floor hallway to provide guests with an ideal quiet time for prayer and meditation. Most guests pray before leaving the hotel to ask for a safe trip and after coming in from the trip as thanksgiving.
Sunrise Cafe
An ideal place to catch the sunrise, as the name implies, is located at the farthest end of the ground floor, overlooking the vast blue Camotes sea. The balcony is ideal for getting the best shot of the blue water and swimming pools below.
A complimentary buffet breakfast with your hotel accommodation is available at the Sunrise Cafe. You can choose either the American or Filipino-style breakfast.
Spa and Massage Room
Cebu Hotel / After a long walk at the beach or discovering the new eating places at the nearby mall, you can relax, have a foot spa, and get a massage at the Spa and Massage Room on the Ground Floor. Pampering ourselves will enable us to recharge our energy for the next day’s adventure.
Jacuzzi and Swimming Pools
There are three swimming pools – a kiddie pool and a dipping pool for adults located near the beach area and an upper swimming pool at the extreme portion of the beach. Our group had a night swimming in the upper pool with the night sky as our backdrop.
While swimming, we had the chance to witness a firework display from the nearby hotel. We were told it was a regular fare on weekends. Since we were elevated, it was the best opportunity to look at the colorful display of lights with our camera to record these fantastic sights in the evening sky.
For those who want a relaxing water massage, use the hotel’s jacuzzi. The hot and bubbling water improves circulation, and the powerful jets can give you a soft massage. I went for a 10-minute jacuzzi, then an unlimited night swims at the elevated pool.
Van Rental / Cebu Hotel
Transportation of hotel guests is not a problem. Air-conditioned vans are available for rent on a per-hour basis. You may call or visit the customer service counter to book your reservation.
Final Thoughts
We were home at Palmbeach Resort and Spa. I will never forget the courteous staff and personalized service. I was not feeling well after two days, and my stomach gave me a headache. When the owner knew the situation, she immediately gave me medicine, a rare gesture of someone who could delegate the task to her staff.
My stay at Palmbeach Resort and Spa will now be part of my travel diary. I discovered new places and became familiar with some of the culture of the locals, a one-of-a-kind experience I cannot trade with anything.
For room rates and other amenities or offerings, you may visit the hotel’s FB Page here: Palmbeach Resort and Spa.
Do you travel a lot? Where do you stay when you travel? Please share it in the comments below.
