Marco Polo Plaza Cebu sits on Cebu Veterans Drive in the Nivel Hills area of Lahug, above the city rather than in the thick of it. That hilltop setting is its signature: the views reach across to Mactan Island and, on clear days, to Bohol, and the rooms come in sea, mountain and city view categories. It is a four-class property with 329 rooms, an outdoor pool and a children's pool, a gym and sauna, a spa and five restaurants, including Blu Bar and Grill on the penthouse level, which has skyline views. Guests currently rate it 9.0 out of 10 from about a thousand reviews, with staff and service the highest score and location the lowest, which fits a hotel that trades walkability for outlook and a quieter atmosphere than the downtown streets.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the entertainment district of Lahug, about three miles from SM City Cebu and Osmeña Fountain Circle, and about six miles from Magellan's Cross and the Heritage of Cebu Monument. The airport is roughly a forty-four minute drive away, and a shuttle is available on request for a fixed fee per vehicle. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to reach downtown, and traffic can stretch journeys, so plan heritage outings for earlier in the day.
Rooms and who it suits
The hotel offers Premier and Deluxe rooms with sea or mountain views, a Deluxe Suite with sea view of about 506 square feet and a one-bedroom suite of about 829 square feet. Rooms include air-conditioning, free WiFi, in-room safes and flat-screen televisions. It suits couples who want views, business travellers, and families who value pools and a choice of restaurants. Travellers who want to walk to cafes, markets and street food will find the hillside location less convenient than the Ayala or downtown areas.
Good to know
Check-in starts at 3:00 in the afternoon and check-out is at noon. Pool hours run from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening. Renovations were scheduled between the end of June and the end of October 2026, affecting one dining venue, the lobby and some guest rooms, so ask about the current state of the facilities when you choose your dates.
Pets are not allowed. It works as a city base for the heritage walk, the food tour and the highlands tour in our attractions, and for early departures to the south if you arrange a pick-up.
For a beach holiday add a night or two on Mactan. Guests praise the staff, while the lower location score reflects the hillside setting, so build in time for taxis, and consider asking for a sea-view room to make the most of the outlook, especially at sunrise and in the evening when the lights come on across the water.
Why stay here
- ✓Hilltop views to Mactan and Bohol
- ✓329 rooms
- ✓Outdoor pool and children's pool
- ✓Five restaurants including Blu Bar and Grill
- ✓Wellness Zone spa
- ✓Gym and sauna
- ✓Free parking
- ✓24-hour front desk
Good questions
What is special about Marco Polo Plaza Cebu?+
Its hilltop setting in Nivel Hills, with views reaching Mactan Island and, on clear days, Bohol.
How far is it from the airport?+
About a forty-four minute drive according to the property page, depending on traffic.
Was the hotel being renovated?+
Renovation work was scheduled from the end of June to the end of October 2026, affecting a dining venue, the lobby and some rooms, so ask about current facilities.
