"Cebu: Gateway of the Visayas" Top 5 Page for this destination Cebu Island by caramelski

Eddie's Hotel
Shangri-La Mactan
Taxis around Cebu
Shamrock Otap

We went to Cebu mainly to go to a friend's wedding. There were 6 of us and we were lucky to get the promo price of Air Philippines (PhP1768 - oneway) that lasts only until Dec. 15, 2004. The trip from Manila to Cebu takes around 1 hour and we landed in Mactan Airport in Lapu-Lapu City.

Upon getting there, we were immediately "harrased" by people offering airport taxi services. The rates are mighty expensive. For example, a van take will take us from the airport to our hotel would cost PhP600! We called up our Cebuano friend who advised us to cross the street to go upstairs where more metered taxis are waiting.

The six of us took 2 taxis that contracted us for a fixed rate of PhP150 per cab. The ride from Mactan Airport to Eddie's Hotel near Fuente Osmena Circle took around 40 minutes.

We arrived at Eddie's Hotel at around 10am. We were in luck because we were able to check in earlier (usual time of check-in is 2pm). We booked a standard double room at PhP1200 (deluxe double room at PhP1300). The room is airconditioned, has hot and cold shower, cable television and one free breakfast. It was a pretty nice room.

We went out of the hotel to eat our lunch and imagine our surprise when we glimpsed Redemptorist Church just a few blocks away. We wanted our hotel to be really near to the church where our friend's wedding is supposed to take place because we did not want to be walking around in our funky evening wear so we were really happy that it IS just a few meters away. Near the hotel is also a KFC branch where we had our lunch.

After lunch, we had our afternoon siesta and then off to the wedding at 3PM. After the wedding, we went to Shangri-La Mactan (via bus provided by the newlyweds). Trip took around 50 minutes due to heavy traffic.

Shangri-La Mactan was really pretty. It has it's own private beach and is secluded and marvelous. We arrived for cocktails and I was impressed by the stunning interiors. I was ready to get the reception started so I could taste the food heehee.

The food was heavenly. I pigged out on their Cebu Lechon and Roasted Calf Leg. The other foods (Pritong Lumpia, Rellenong Alimango, Pancit, Fish Fillet, Noodle Soup) were equally delicious.

After a tiring reception, it was back to the hotel... getting ready for our trip to Bohol tomorrow. Yay!

http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/73423/157a79/

• Pros:Accessible and Convenient
• Cons:Polluted and Traffic Jams already rampant
• In a nutshell:Tour the sights, go to other islands for relaxation