Head up Mt. Busay from Cebu City, Philippines, on a winding road edged with roadside stands and businesses that thin out the higher you go into rural Cebu. Near the summit, you’ll reach Hostel Honeycomb. This hotel is part of Tops Cebu, a landmark known for stunning views of Cebu City and mountain lushness.
Hostel Honeycomb Surrounded by Views at the Outskirts of Cebu City
I came for a bit of a change from my usual Cebu City stays close to Osmeña Fuente Circle. Best Western SureStay continues to be my go-to, but exploring other options turns up creative choices. Hostel Honeycomb is one of those finds.
Surrounded by ornamental palm trees and native plants, Hostel Honeycomb, opened in 2024, offers relaxation mixed with a contemporary sleekness and stunning views of the mountains. There are spots to find solitude and places to find or create fun.
About the Common Areas
Various sized hanging rattan lamps, a hip wall mural depicting Cebuano culture, contemporary furniture, and framed photographs create a vibrant space of playfulness in the main common area. A variety of board and card games for guest use add to the kick back vibe.
A small meeting room with local art, a small kitchen for guest use, and a workout area are other communal spaces. As aesthetically pleasing as the inside of Hostel Honeycomb is, the outside is gorgeous. Head to the Dark Side of the Moon restaurant and bar combination for views of the countryside and the infinity pool.
Traveling Soon? These useful links will help you prepare for your trip.- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Guided Tours in the Philippines
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About the Dark Side of the Moon Restaurant
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Guided Tours in the Philippines
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a Car Rental
This open-air restaurant serves a fusion of Filipino and Mexican food. A variety of burritos and tacos that mix in Filipino flavors are joined with rice meals like Beef Picadillo and Tofu Sisir. The drink menu is a robust selection of beer, wine, and cocktails served up in an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Rattan lampshades mixed in with a contemporary bar with high stools are quite sharp. Also, there is a very cool relief of the moon in one corner. Whoever designed this space has a great eye for detail.
Dark Side’s fire pit caught my attention. Created as another gathering space, the fire pit offers up a campfire treat option that I haven’t seen at a hotel before. S’mores are on the menu. People can buy a S’more Party, adding childhood delight to a bar restaurant scene. All the ingredients are provided for this do-it-yourself dessert.
About the Rooms
There is a simple, retreat-like feel to the guest rooms. Although simple, the platform natural wood bed and side tables are reminiscent of Scandinavian designs. The bedside table lamps create a soft light and complement the shape of the table legs. I also liked the abstract art on the wood accent wall that frames the bed.
A small desk and chair complete the furniture. A TV is not part of the decor. A luggage rack would be useful. As an environmentally friendly component, instead of providing guests with plastic water bottles, a staple in most hotels in the Philippines, there is a water pitcher that can be filled in the communal kitchen.
The bathroom is as sleek and modern as the rest of the hotel. Slate gray of the walls and the shower stall are complements of the white vessel sink and bathroom vanity. Bath gel, soap, and shampoo are provided in the wall fixture containers. If you plan to use a hairdryer, bring one, as it isn’t included in the amenities. Wi-Fi is.
More Room Details
Although there are single queen and family rooms which have two queen beds, Hostel Honeycomb has large rooms with bunk beds for dorm-style housing. Each bunk can be booked separately for roughly $14 USD. Bunks come with privacy curtains, reading lights, and electric outlets. Bedding and towels are also included. Each bed is numbered and corresponds to a locker for belongings. Bathrooms are communal, but the showers and toilets are in stalls. Some dorm rooms are mixed sex, and most dorms can accommodate 10 people. If you happen to go by yourself, you can book one bunk.
Tops Overlooking Cebu City
Reopened in February of last year after undergoing an expansion, this lookout attraction gives 360-degree views. When I was there, it was overcast with wisps of fog, but the view was still stunning. The Mandaue-Mactan Bridge in the distance was immediately recognizable. This is the bridge that leads to the airport.
There is a beehive feel to the 5-story structure with eateries serving up a wide range of food options from casual to fine dining. Filipino, Thai, Western and more are among the choices. An arcade and a gift shop are included.
Book through the Hostel Honeycomb website. Rates for rooms are roughly $45 to $80. You can also message the hotel though its Facebook page. Room rates include the admission ticket to Tops.
Check rates online at Booking.com.
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