Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Something of a hilltop icon, the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu has a rich history, having played host to significant events and illustrious guests. These days, it’s more of a business hotel, and things are decidedly more humble. The large marble lobby has ornate railings and chandeliers, creating a first impression with classic appeal; dark wood and rusty autumnal hues are seen all around, with some pretty touches like silk umbrella-inspired lighting. Like most of Cebu’s top hotels, there’s broad appeal, attracting older couples, families, and business travelers. The hotel does well to tailor its approach to its relative spaces; the business areas are smart, while the non-business spaces have a softer decor. The light-filled Continental Club Lounge is one of the nicest areas, while the rooftop restaurant with silver hues and fairy lights is modern and romantic, and the kids’ club is bright and fun. The vibe is quiet for a large hotel -- aside from when events are held in the ballrooms -- and there’s regular low-key evening entertainment. While the decor has an element of charm, the hotel is showing its age with signs of wear and tear, and needs renovation.

The hotel is on the quieter outskirts of Cebu, in a hillside spot overlooking the city. The area is largely residential and there’s not much within walking distance (including a lack of nearby restaurants or shops). Many of the city’s attractions can be reached in a 10-minute drive, depending on traffic, including the Ayala Center, Taoist Temple, the Grand Convention Center, IT Park, and Mango Square. It’s 20 minutes by car in one direction to Cebu Tops and the same distance in the other direction to the SM City Mall, Magellan's Cross, Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, and Fort San Pedro. Mactan-Cebu Airport is at least a 25-minute drive, though that will take longer in peak traffic.

Rooms are done in the same brown, red, and cream palette found throughout the hotel, and while they're fine enough, the combination of wear and tear plus dated details makes them seem ready for an overhaul. Carpets, in particular, are overdue to be replaced. Previous reviews praise the comfy beds. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars. There’s little difference between categories, and it’s all about which floor they’re on. From bottom to top: Deluxe Rooms occupy the eighth to 18th floors, Grand Deluxe Rooms are on 19th to 21st floors, and the two top floors are reserved for the Continental Club Rooms. All are 345 square feet (32 square meters), can sleep three adults or two adults and two children, and have pleasant views of the mountains or over the city towards the Mactan Channel. In most rooms, white-tiled bathrooms have stall showers with rainfall showerheads. Continental Club Rooms have more stylish headboards and carpets, marble bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and access to the smart Continental Club Lounge. The suites are more spacious, starting at 645 square feet (60 square meters) in the Deluxe Suite.

The features here are above average for a city hotel. There’s serious attention given to dining, but it’s pricey. Four restaurants include the buffet restaurant, Cafe Marco, and poolside El Viento, which has a wood-fired pizza oven and stays open late. The highlight here though, is Blu Bar & Grill -- a modern rooftop restaurant with a terrace looking out over the lights of the city in the distance. Guests should note that there’s a dress code: no shorts, flip-flops, or sleeveless tops for men. The hotel offers 24-hour room service. The smart autumnal-hued Continental Club Lounge is a top-quality space for business travelers, with a large seating area with plenty of comfy armed dining chairs, plus a terrace with far-reaching views, and a private boardroom. Benefits for Club guests include free breakfast, coffee and tea, selected cocktails, and free use of the Continental Club boardroom for two hours. For those attending or hosting events, the hotel has large ballrooms with bold floral carpets and a functional business center (a pared-back alternative to the Continental Club). Down at basement level, there’s a simple fitness center, salon, and spa with treatment rooms and a sauna. The kids’ club is a cute and bright wildlife-themed space, though using it costs extra. Outside, there’s a pool with in-water loungers and a kids’ section, and a basketball court. A free shuttle does morning trips to the IT Park, and regular trips throughout the day to the Ayala Center, SM City Mall, and Robinsons Galleria. There’s free Wi-Fi and parking.