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The Center Suites, Cebu Hotel Review
Thankful for work leaves and holidays because I will finally be able to continue writing my wanderings in Cebu from a few weeks ago. I kicked off the #TLWandersCebu with my canyoneering experience in Badian and now, I'm publishing a review of The Center Suites Hotel where I stayed overnight before my trip to Southern Cebu.
Straight from the airport, I was able to book an Uber heading straight to The Center Suites for Php 336 (6.68 USD).
Our fare to The Center Suites was actually Php 446 but I got a less Php 100 Uber promo code. I forgot the actual name of the promo code but I discovered it through the big Uber ad displayed by the carousel area of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This code can only be used if the Uber booking is used to get to or from the MCIA.
It took us around 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive at The Center Suites because of the unusual traffic by the Marcelo Fernan bridge (the bridge from the airport to downtown Cebu). The hotel is situated in a compound that's why it's helpful to check the landmarks nearby the hotel for easier locating.
With Cebu being regarded as the birth of Catholicism in the Philippines, it is no wonder that there is a few symbolism of the religion found in the hotel. They also have an in-house chapel for those who intend to seek quiet time after a busy day of exploring the city.
Since it's my first time in Cebu, I had a little fear that there will be a language barrier between me and the receptionist. To my advantage, she spoke English fluently and good Tagalog as well. Also, she was attentive to my needs and gave few pieces of advice on what jeepney routes to take.
It is very helpful that they have an in-house convenience store because there are no other stores in the nearby area. The Chuckie chocolate drink was actually calling out to me but I had to resist the temptation! lol
Because the place is conducive to different transportation modes, Jonas and I were able to make a jeepney ride from the vicinity of the compound to the shuttle service pickup point of Go To Tops (shuttle service that's headed to different touristy spots!) and was also able to book an Uber during the dawn from the hotel to the South Bus Terminal.
THE ROOM
Upon entering the room, the open closet welcomes the guest on the left side while the bathroom goes to the right side. A full mirror is also hanged on the wall that serves as a perfect indoor OOTD spot (if you're up for it!) 😄
From the moment I stepped in our assigned room, I immediately loved how simple it is with its light color palette. It has a relatively small space but nothing that a guest with a medium luggage has to worry about.
Click the photo to see the 360-degree view of our shared room!
Even if it is a budget hotel, I liked how we have a work desk inside the room where we can actually set up our laptop to work. Our desk comprises of the following: few hotel reminders, glasses, hotel keys, wifi password, survey forms, air conditioner remote and doorknob reminder.
It's a bummer that there is no complimentary bottled waters in the room.We came to the hotel parched after hours of traveling from the airport that's why we wanted a drink as soon as we stepped inside the room.With this happening, the guests can score water by the store in the lobby area.
I got an advice from the hotel that they have an environmental policy where they stopped the usage of plastic bottles per room. Instead, they provided a water dispenser in the hotel for unlimited water refills. I wish I was advised sooner by the front desk regarding this. Nonetheless, I support the movement and kudos to The Center Suites for the initiative! 💚
Coming from a long day of walking at The Temple of Leah, TOPS Lookout, and Ayala Center Cebu, I still had a sound sleep in this comfortable bed prior our extreme canyoneering activity.
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| A closer view of the shared bed at The Center Suites |
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| The telephone and the TV channel menu at the side table |
Along with two outlets, the main light switches are located at the top of the bed. It was a good location strategy because as a person who's sensitive to light when sleeping, I have a fast access to the light switch.
Even with The Center Suites' affordable rate, every room comes with its own private bathroom with hot and cold shower. Despite the compact size of the bathroom, there is still a space to go around and do the necessaries.
The biggest win of this hotel for me is its in-room internet connection. I conducted a speed test to see if it's reliable enough for streaming and the result was surprising! The connection is hella fast that Jonas even said that he can do his DOTA castings in the room if only he was able to bring his equipment.
THE VERDICT
What I like:
* Fast Internet Connection
* Tidy Bedroom and Bathroom
* Work desk and chair availability
* Accessible location
* Attentive staff
* Easy App-based transportation booking from the hotel
* Initiative to ditch the water bottles
* Initiative to ditch the water bottles
What I don't like:
*
* Rooms are not soundproof
For the cheap rate that this budget hotel is offering, I can vouch that the guest can get what they paid for. The Center Suites is a nice place to stay if you plan to wander around because of its accessibility to many transportation options, whether you are the type to ride the jeepney or book an Uber or Grab. Another advantage is if anyone plans to spend a one full day adventure to the south (like what I did) because it'll only take 15 minutes from the hotel going to the South Bus Terminal via car.
Note: Because we only stayed for one night, Jonas and I didn't get to try the breakfast meal that comes with our booked stay. We certainly hope to give the food at their bistro a try on our next visit. 😊
The Center Suites is located at N. Gonzales Compound, Brgy. Camputhaw, Escario St., Cebu City, Cebu 6000, Philippines.
Make sure to check out The Center Suites on Facebook for their latest offerings and deals here. What do you think of this budget hotel? Leave a comment below and let's talk about it. 😉
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