When my friend Jewel came to visit Cebu recently (to check in on her family and attend her dental appointment), she decided to invite me to a one-night staycation at the Maxwell Hotel Cebu.
Our supposed coffee date became a sleepover date at the hotel, which promised to be a mirthful one.
I haven’t seen Jewel since she moved to Manila so I excitedly accepted the last-minute invitation, putting off my Saturday sideline to hang out with her and experience the Maxwell Hotel’s hospitality.
Maxwell Hotel Cebu: Initial Impressions
Searching for a well-run hotel that suits your wallet? This eight-year-old property with a characteristic “office-building look” caters to a wide array of clients (mostly on a budget), i.e. corporate travelers, tourists, and urban hipsters (like us).
The Maxwell Hotel is a 2-star hotel conveniently located at N. Escario Street, near excellent coffee shops, restaurants, shopping malls, and lifestyle hubs.
Checking in was a breeze. Upon our arrival around noon, the charming and helpful staff guided us from the front desk to a corner room on the third floor. The bellman even offered to carry our backpacks, which we politely refused.
Rooms
During the hotel ocular, we visited all the six room options, namely: the Deluxe Twin (like ours), Deluxe Matrimonial, Deluxe Family, Triple, Superior Twin, and Super Matrimonial.
All rooms feature squeaky clean tiled floors, simple wooden furnishings, LED TV with cable channels, elegant interior walls, and plush beds that are so cozy and comfy.
Bathrooms are well-maintained, but some of them could use an upgrade. Traveling with friends or colleagues? Choose the super-saver three-bed room to split the cost of your stay so you could do more with your money.
Food and drink
Do you know that the Philippine School Of Culinary Arts Cebu is located beside Maxwell Hotel? I didn’t know it, either, until a few weeks ago when Jewel and I had our complimentary breakfast here. What did we have? Yummy danggit, bacon, eggs, fried rice, and a glass of juice to wash them down.
Ola Restobar, an all-day dining bistro and bar at Maxwell’s ground floor, also serves free breakfast meals to guests – but it is closed on Sunday mornings. We had our dinner here, instead. A glass of fine wine plus large servings of succulent steak, seafood pasta, and grilled fish filled us up nicely (you’d wish your tummy had extra room for more food).
Ola Restobar is a stylish dining destination offering Italian, American, and Filipino food with fantastic live music. It’s perfect for intimate and clandestine meetings.
Want another fun fact? There’s a 24-hour Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly available at the ground floor of Maxwell Hotel. You don’t need to go to the Capitol Square (we did by mistake!lol) or worry about late night lechón cravings.
Other Hotel Amenities
Maxwell has recently upgraded its Wi-Fi throughout the building, and its new, fast internet connection comes free of charge.
Say goodbye to bad Wi-Fi experience and wave hello to happy hours of uninterrupted browsing, online reading and video streaming.
Jewel and I brought our laptops with us and were able to work on our blog backlogs and side gigs. Surprisingly enough, the wi-fi was quite speedy.
Meanwhile, if I were to pick only one highlight from our stay, it had to be the in-room massage service provided by Agua Spa. This urban massage salon is also strategically located at Maxwell’s ground floor. Reservations are required so book through the hotel receptionist for a soothing full body massage in the comfort of your hotel room.
Value for money
Triple guest rooms average P2,600 a night, but call (Telephone Numbers: +63 32 255 8700 | +63 32 255 7800) to ask for updated rates. If you need to book a Superior Matrimonial guest room (P1800/night), be sure to reserve weeks or months ahead of your trip especially during high season like Sinulog. The Maxwell Hotel lends itself particularly well to last minute staycations, weekly, and long-term stays, as well as corporate functions. Inquire by phone for the best rates.
Final Thoughts
Who says you have to leave Cebu to relax over the weekend with your girlfriend? With Jewel, I’ve learned to embrace spontaneity and almost always end up having a great time. Choosing to sleep over at the Maxwell maximized Jewel’s quick visit to Cebu.
We’ve made great memories, catching up, exchanging travel stories and laughing together throughout our relaxing stay at the Maxwell Hotel.
THE MAXWELL HOTEL CEBU
Address: N Escario St, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines