Lyf, a new hotel in Cebu City, Philippines, delivers fun for any age. Cool, creative, and clever describe this vibrant hotspot within walking distance of Fuente Osmena Circle. This hotel blends childhood fun with environmental sustainability.
Colorful Spaces for Child-like Play in Lyf
Located in a complex of shops, restaurants and office spaces in midtown Cebu City, Lyf is a colorful oasis in the midst of Cebu City’s bustle. The reception desk is a hub for spaces designed for hanging out, remote work or childhood-like play.
For folks who want quiet in a communal space of tables and chairs, there are recessed pods of different colors. Each has a booth and a table, perfect for visiting or using a laptop. In other areas, there are adult-size swings that hang from the ceiling, a tube slide that goes from one floor to another, and an adult-size ball pit. Hammocks that rock are features of the space with vending machines. Bright colors and playful designs of geometric shapes are featured everywhere.
For a solo traveler, I can see how Lyf is perfect for connecting with fellow adventurers. Everywhere I explored, I ran into people. The vibe is welcome friendliness. When I rushed in to make change to pay my taxi before I check-in, the staff was happy to watch my stuff. There are a few details I do wish I had found out before I tucked into my king-bed room.
Guest Room at Lyf
My room was great. Even though guest rooms are small, they are functional and fun. The flat-screen TV on the wall at the foot of the king-size bed has a program that shows art masterpieces. Other furniture includes a small desk, chair, shelves, a luggage rack, and a clothing rack. The large picture window adds to the room’s space, and the beach-themed wall art adds brightness.
Instead of the two plastic water bottles provided at the other hotels where I’ve stayed in the Philippines, there is an empty glass pitcher on the desk. Two mugs and an electric kettle are also provided. After searching a bit for water, I headed back down to the reception desk to find out where to find it. I was told each floor has a water dispenser. When I found my floor’s dispenser, I also saw a microwave.
When I was checking out, I asked about the mugs since coffee packets or tea bags were in my room. These are provided, but one needs to ask at the reception desk for them. Guest rooms also have a mini-safe, a mini-fridge, a shaving mirror, toiletries, and a hairdryer
When I woke up in the morning, none of the lights worked. Not in the room. Not in my room’s gorgeous bathroom. I used my cell phone flashlight to take a shower. After a workman came up to check my room’s issue, it turned out I was the issue. I had flipped the room’s master switch by mistake. I didn’t know the room had a master switch. My bad.
Other Lyf Amenities
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
- Search for Great Tours HERE

A full buffet-style breakfast of eggs, meat, cereal, breads, coffee, and juice is included. The communal spaces, both inside and outside, turn into places to eat. Other Lyf amenities include an outdoor pool, an exercise room, and laundry facilities. There’s also a boutique shop with quality souvenirs and a pop-up bar of wine, beer, and specialty mixed drinks in the reception area.
I booked my room through Hotels.com. Rates start at $45. In addition to the king-bed room, there are rooms with two twin-beds, two-room rooms and four-room accommodations.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.