Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

The hotel is celebrated for its panoramic views of the city and sea, offering a memorable backdrop for guests. This feature, combined with its location on a hill, makes it a tranquil escape from the urban bustle. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay, often treating visitors like family. The breakfast buffet receives widespread acclaim for its extensive variety and delicious offerings, often cited as a highlight of the stay. The spacious rooms and a well-maintained pool further contribute to a positive experience. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking a relaxing getaway with ample space and amenities, couples looking for romantic vistas, and wellness seekers desiring a peaceful retreat. To make the most of your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best views, and be sure to indulge in the highly praised breakfast buffet.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed to enhance guest comfort and leisure. The pool area is a popular highlight, described as nice, clean, and spotless, often featuring a pool bar and even poolside BBQ lunches. While some guests found the water a bit cold or noted its depth for children, the presence of a lifeguard is appreciated. For those seeking to maintain their fitness routine, a well-equipped gym is available, though some suggest updates to its mats. A spa is also on-site, providing a relaxing option for rejuvenation. The lobby is frequently praised for its grandeur, spaciousness, and festive decorations during holidays. Parking is readily available and secure, though it can become full during peak times. The elevators are noted for their speed, though some guests found the card-access system initially confusing. While Wi-Fi is generally available, a few guests reported inconsistent connectivity. An ATM is conveniently located in the lobby for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied, reflecting both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Many guests found the rooms spacious and comfortable, with terrific beds and high-quality linens contributing to a restful sleep. Some rooms have been renovated, offering a more modern feel, and features like Japanese toilets are appreciated. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that the hotel's age is apparent, with some rooms described as dated, having a musty smell, or featuring worn carpets. Specific issues mentioned include non-functional sink drains, non-working mini-fridges, and old, worn towels. A recurring complaint is the absence of bidets in the bathrooms. Noise can also be an issue, with guests reporting audible traffic noise, loud motorcycles, and even sounds from adjacent rooms, impacting sleep quality for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a major highlight for many guests, particularly the breakfast buffet, which is consistently lauded as excellent, amazing, and one of the best in the city. Guests appreciate the wide variety of selections, from hot dishes to a popular yogurt bar, and the quality of the coffee. However, the breakfast area can get very busy, making it challenging to find a preferred table. Beyond breakfast, the Blue Bar on the rooftop is frequently mentioned for its stunning views and quality food, including special Churrasco Nights, though some guests were disappointed by its closure during their stay or found it too loud. The poolside restaurant offers very nice food, including BBQ lunches and good pizzas. The Lobby Bar also receives praise for its excellent food and desserts, complemented by live music. While the dinner buffet receives mixed reviews, with some finding the quality inconsistent, the overall food quality is generally considered superb.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's uphill location provides panoramic city views and a peaceful retreat away from the urban hustle, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. It is conveniently situated near popular local attractions such as Nivel Hills, IT Park, Ayala Mall, the Temple of Leah, the Taoist Temple, and Tops. However, this elevated position also means the hotel is somewhat far from the city center, leading to potential traffic congestion and longer commute times for guests relying on ride-sharing services or taxis. While public transport options like a nearby jeepney station are available, many guests find it necessary to arrange for cars. The hotel does offer a shuttle service to city malls, which is a helpful amenity. Parking is ample and secure, accommodating guests who drive. The airport is approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive overwhelming praise, standing out as one of the most positive aspects of a stay. Guests frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly, attentive, helpful, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience. Many reviewers highlight the staff's professionalism and willingness to assist with various requests, creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel valued. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient, though a few guests reported instances of slow check-in or initial issues with room assignments. Housekeeping is noted for being prompt, maintaining cleanliness, and providing fresh linens daily. The pool staff are also commended for being welcoming and approachable, while the lobby staff are praised for their warm hospitality. Overall, the dedication of the service team significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific details that may impact their stay. A frequently mentioned point is the hotel's age, with many areas, including some rooms, showing signs of being dated and in need of refurbishment, despite some recent renovations. Another common observation, particularly from local guests, is the absence of bidets in the bathrooms, which is a significant convenience factor for many. The elevator system can be a source of initial confusion for new guests, as it requires card activation before selecting a floor. While the hotel generally maintains high standards, some guests have reported a limited supply of complementary water bottles in rooms, and a few noted a strict policy against bringing outside food to the poolside area. The hotel is also a popular venue for Christmas activities and weddings, contributing to a festive atmosphere during certain times of the year.