On a quest for a budget-friendly option for an overnight stay in Cebu City, Philippines, I discovered Century Plaza Hotel. The Capitol District in Cebu City is filled with hotels with a range of amenities and price points. Located in a complex with restaurants, travel agents, massage places, and convenience stores, Century Plaza Hotel is worth considering for a budget-friendly price with accessibility features for guests with mobility issues.
Accessibility Features at the Century Plaza Hotel
I discovered this is the 1st barrier-free hotel in Cebu, which makes it a perfect stay for guests in wheelchairs. First, the reception desk has one section that is lower for guests in wheelchairs to access. Some rooms are equipped with lower light switches, grab bars, lower height peep holes in guest room doors, and mobility chairs in the bathroom if needed.
The Philippines has many mobility barriers, from broken sidewalks to high curbs and crazy, busy traffic that seems to have its own mind. A hotel with a goal to serve those with mobility needs is refreshing. It’s also smart. The Century Plaza Hotel is near four major hospitals and clinics. With medical tourism part of the Philippines ‘ attractions, the hotel is unique in its offerings.
Friendly Staff and Welcoming Vibe
When you enter Century Plaza Hotel, the staff offer a friendly welcome in the well-lit and spacious lobby. This past November, when I was there, holiday decorations added a festive feel.
Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated in grand style. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls are festooned with a riot of garlands, lights, and ornaments. The giant Christmas tree in Osmena Fuente Circle is within a five-minute walk. I still missed out on the tree’s lighting up due to the timing of my trip. The light up is around the 1st week in December.
Other Hotel Offerings
In addition to the Century Plaza Hotel’s spacious, welcoming lobby, there is a connected restaurant. The well-lit, airy restaurant has bistro-style seating and large picture windows. At one end, live plants, pottery, and raised platforms create a garden effect.
- Get a Car Rental
- Guided Tours in the Philippines
- Buy Travel Insurance
Laundry services and help with transportation for folks with mobility issues are available. There is a simple continental breakfast.
Guest Rooms at Century Plaza
Guest rooms have been renovated with vinyl hardwood look floors and updated furnishings. Some rooms open to the balcony that overlooks the plaza’s parking lot. Family rooms with two double beds and a couch bed are spacious, so if someone did have a wheelchair, there is plenty of space to maneuver around.
One of three family guest rooms
What rooms lack in decor, these rooms are minimalistic for sure, but they are clean and comfortable. A flat screen TV with cable, armchairs, a coffee table, a bedside table, a desk and chair, plus lamps, add to functionality. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and grab bars, plus toiletries. Like the guest rooms, these are clean spaces.
Along with family rooms, among the 33 guest rooms over this 3-story hotel, there are single rooms with one bed and standard and superior rooms with two beds. Some family rooms have three beds.
As a tip, if you are in Cebu City, it helps to stop in hotels directly to get their promo rate. Promo rates directly with hotels tend to be cheaper. I found out about this hotel by walking in.
Starting rates are $20 to $27.
Check rates for the Century Plaza Hotel (Cebu, Philippines) online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
If you go, I recommend the nearby thewi thai massage. Getting a massage before I head back to the U.S. on a long flight is always on my to-do list. This place is around the corner from the Century Plaza Hotel. The entrance is on the 2nd floor, which makes it not a place for people with mobility needs. The Century Plaza Hotel does have in-room massage services.
