The thing about airport hotels in the Philippines is that they’re not in the terminal—they’re adjacent to the airport or within the airport complex. But now, Aerotel Cebu, which is managed by the world-renowned Plaza Premium Group, recently opened, and it’s inside Terminal 2 of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (IATA: CEB), making it the Philippine’s first true airport hotel.
Like showering in airport lounges, I love staying in airport hotels, so I was eager to try it out for an overnight layover.
Upon arriving on my flight from Shanghai, I dumped all my baggage onto a cart and headed towards customs and then the exit. There was a welcome desk for Aerotel Cebu past customs, but there was also a sign leading to it, so I just went on my own. The side elevator for the hotel was just outside the arrivals exit.
Do note that the hotel is landside, so guests do not need to clear security nor immigration. Anyone can stay at the hotel, even if one is flying domestic from the other terminal. Heck, even those who aren’t flying and just want to feel the thrill of staying in an airport hotel are welcome to book a room as well.
Unlike the Aerotel in Singapore Changi Airport, which I’ve reviewed before, the one in Cebu was clearly smaller in comparison. I was told it only had 11 rooms that offer one or two single beds.
While arranging my stay details, the super friendly front desk staff offered me hot and cold beverages, as well as finger sandwiches, which are available 24/7 to those staying in the hotel.
Not before long, I went to my room, eager to sleep after traveling for more than 20 hours. No doubt it was small, but I was able to fit my three pieces of luggage (two large and one hand-carry size) and my backpack, with room to spare to walk around.
The room covered the basics—it had a TV, a small desk, and bottles of water. But of course, I was longing for the bed, which was supremely comfortable—especially after sitting in coach on a 14-hour trans-Pacific flight.
The shower, as expected, was spotless, and it came with towels and amenities. The strong pressure of the hot and cold shower was also godsend after a day of traveling.
In all, it was a pleasant stay, and I’ll definitely book a stay there again for layovers, especially when going to downtown Cebu is getting more and more stressful with the traffic jams.
Note: Aerotel Cebu is located in the landside area of Mactan-Cebu International Airport; hence, clearing immigration and customs is required, even for those transiting. Guests who are not Filipino nationals must possess the necessary entry requirements for the Philippines, which grants up to 30 days visa-free entry to most nationalities. Details can be found here.
AEROTEL CEBU
Level L1 (Landside), Terminal 2, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
Telephone: +63 32 494 7829
Email: hello.ceb@myaerotel.com
Website: www.myaerotel.com/en-uk/find/asia-pacific/philippines/cebu/aerotel-cebu
Social Media: Facebook and Instagram
