(SPOT.ph) When you think of best places to stay in Cebu, it's either the luxury hotels within Cebu City or sprawling resorts by the shores of Mactan Island that come to mind. Now adding to this roster of recommended accommodations is the biggest city hotel in the Visayas with its 668 guest rooms in the 23-storey property—Bai Hotel in Mandaue City, an up and coming business district on the island.
"This is the perfect location especially if you're looking at the next five years. Businesses are starting to move out of Cebu City and into here, Mandaue City," General Manager Alfred Reyes told the press during the grand launch on November 23. It's also a jump-off point if you're on your way to Sumilon Island in southern Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Siquijor. The hotel started opening its doors, part by part, in the last quarter of 2017, but it wasn't until the last quarter of 2018 when everything was completed.
Named after the Sebwano word for "friend," Bai Hotel prides itself on the quality of its service that's worthy of a five-star rating. "We are not the right people to say five, it's only the Department of Tourism and, of course, the people," clarified to the press. Being part of World Hotels, a global brand representing more than 350 independent hotels around the world, keeps them on their feet in maintaining this standard of service. "We are an independent hotel, but the expertise of the management is more than 50 years," he added.
Bai Hotel's selection of rooms range from the Deluxe Room to the Presidential Suite, catering to all kinds of travelers looking to take a break away from congested Cebu City. Guests staying in the four-floor Executive Club, which is one of the most expansive VIP floors outside the Metro, have the added convenience of a 24-hour butler service, afternoon tea and evening cocktails served in a private lounge, and other perks.
It also doesn't disappoint when it comes to a rundown of amenities. The 21st floor houses an outdoor infinity pool, a kiddie pool, and a pool bar; while spa services, fitness center, and kids' room can be found at the fifth and sixth floors. There's a whole floor dedicated to Bai Hotel's 12 event venues that range from a 200-person seminar room to a 450-person ballroom.
And the cherry on top? Bai Hotel's selection of eight restaurants that are also open to walk-in guests—making it a culinary destination in the province. Ume Japanese Cuisine serves the delicious Japanese pufferfish that only certified chefs can prepare (unless you want to end up dead), while Marble + Grain Steakhouse is popular for its unlimited steak promo. Steak, you say? We’re already sold.
Bai Hotel is at Ouano Avenue corner C.D. Seno Street, City South Special Economic Administrative Zone, Mandaue City, Cebu. For more information, visit Bai Hotel's website.
