Lapu-Lapu City Mactan Cebu Resorts Compared A Candid and Obviously Biased Comparison by Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
Shangri-La
Pros:
You can't go too far wrong with a major luxury chain. Your friends will be impressed and jealous.
Cons:
Basically a city hotel design wedged into a beachfront. In practical terms, the main pool is all there is to do, and it's usually crowded. The beach is lovely, but so long a walk from most rooms you'll only go there once. Not advised if any member of your group has mobility issues.
Movenpick
Pros:
You can't go too far wrong with a Swiss-managed chain Known for 4-star quality. Movenpick is owned by Accor, a group that manages over 40 hotel brands.
Cons:
Formerly a Hilton. Consists of 3 very high-rise towers that hardly feel suited for a resort. Not advised if any member of your party has mobility issues.
Crimson
Pros:
Beautiful central pool. Casitas with sea views.
Cons:
Life revolves around the single pool. Other than the casitas, the design of the resort is reminiscent of inner-city row-houses on faceless alleys.
JPark
Pros:
Looks like an amusement park, with many "rides and attractions" in the swimming pool.
Cons:
Unremarkable rooms, noisy and often chaotic swimming pool. Rowdy guests.
Dusit
Pros:
Thai charm with a relaxed island vibe, perfect for families looking for a getaway.
Cons:
Too successful in attracting convention business.
Sheraton
Pros:
Sleek, modern design with impressive dining options.
Cons:
Compact design.
Plantation Bay Resort & Spa
Pros:
The only 5-star property on Mactan that is indisputably a resort, with wide open spaces and the sense of being away from the stress of the big city. Unique guarantee for Direct bookings: if within 4 hours of checking in you decide you "just don't like it", you will get a full refund and free transportation to any other resort on Mactan (not applicable to Peak bookings or those explicitly described as Non-refundable).
Cons:
Strict enforcement of anti-noise policies; not for parents who can't control their children. Not for telephone addicts. Not for couples who can't stand each other. Not for people who want to order takeout and eat it in their rooms, because it charges Corkage. Not for people on a diet. Not for people who enjoy bullying defenseless hotel employees (the management fights back on their behalf, and is perfectly willing to eject obnoxious guests). Not for people who want to get drunk; the resort limits your alcohol consumption. Keeps touting its food as "world's best", which even if true shows a lack of humility. Has no pillow menu. Does not easily cave in to guests who invent complaints. Worst con: Most children don't want to leave. Even some adults don't want to leave.