Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino

The hotel is a grand and beautifully decorated building, often highlighted by its casino and spacious, immaculate areas. Guests consistently praise the amazing breakfast buffet and the friendly, helpful staff. It is well-suited for a variety of travelers, including families who appreciate the pool, business travelers and event attendees due to its conference facilities and proximity to the US Embassy, and sightseers who benefit from its central location. While the hotel is recognized for its overall value and prompt service, guests should be prepared for potentially long waits during check-in and check-out, and it is advisable to confirm specific room amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a casino, a gym, and a pool, with guests generally appreciating the availability of these facilities. The fitness center is described as well-equipped, and the pool area is often highlighted as a pleasant place to relax, especially for families with children. However, many guests note that the hotel's facilities are showing their age and are in need of renovation or maintenance. Specific concerns include dirty windows, non-functioning escalators, and the pool area being described as "rundown," "tired looking," or "under construction," with issues like broken chairs, chipped tiles, and a derelict waterfall. While Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, it is consistently reported as being slow, unstable, or even non-existent in rooms, posing a significant challenge for guests needing to stay connected for work or personal use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and spacious, with many appreciating the comfortable beds and soft pillows that contribute to a restful stay. The bedding and towels are consistently described as bright white and clean. However, a significant number of reviews indicate that the rooms are dated, old, and in need of renovation. Common complaints include worn furniture, stained carpets, peeling lampshades, and a general tired appearance. Some guests reported issues with air conditioning not being cold enough or being inconsistent, and a few mentioned a smelly or musty odor in the rooms. Bathroom facilities also receive mixed feedback; while some find them spacious, many note that they are old, run-down, lack a bidet, or have low water pressure in the shower. Some guests also experienced issues with non-functioning phones or a lack of electrical outlets near the bed.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet is a consistent highlight for many guests, frequently described as "amazing," "excellent," "incredible," and "a feast." Guests praise the variety and quality of the food, with options ranging from local favorites to international selections. The buffet is noted for being extensive and satisfying, though some found the food to be salty or with limited choices on certain days. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers a wide array of restaurants including Italian, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, which are generally well-regarded. The Italian restaurant is particularly singled out for its quality and service. However, some guests found the in-room dining to be expensive and the food quality ordinary, while others noted that the buffet food could be inconsistent or that certain popular dishes ran out quickly. The coffee and pastries from the hotel's bake shop also receive positive mentions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy reach of key areas. It is conveniently located near IT Park, which offers numerous restaurants and coffee shops, and is a short walk or taxi ride to Ayala Mall and other shopping centers. The hotel is also noted for its proximity to the US Embassy, making it a practical choice for visa applicants or business travelers. While the hotel is described as being in a safe and central area, some guests mention that it is not directly on the waterfront, despite its name. Public transportation is readily available, with taxis easily accessible from the hotel, and a free shuttle service to Ayala Center is appreciated by many. However, some guests found the immediate surroundings outside the hotel to be less appealing or not conducive to walking.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, courtesy, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently describe them as "out of this world," "beyond first rate," and "excellent." The housekeeping staff are particularly commended for their efficiency and for keeping rooms clean and well-prepared. While the service is generally prompt, a recurring and significant issue highlighted by many guests is the slow check-in and check-out process. Guests often report waiting in long queues for 30 minutes to over an hour, attributing this to an outdated system, insufficient staff at the front desk, or a lack of efficiency. Despite these procedural delays, the staff's overall demeanor and willingness to assist with requests, such as room changes or addressing issues, contribute positively to the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel often hosts large conventions and events, which can lead to crowded common areas, especially during breakfast, and potentially longer waits for elevators. Some guests noted that the hotel's signature scent in the lobby can be musky or overpowering. While the hotel offers a casino, some guests found the gaming experience to be underwhelming due to broken machines or a lack of service. The hotel's parking garage is described as large but can be dark and dirty, and finding the entrance may be challenging. There are mixed reports regarding the availability of certain in-room amenities like washcloths, slippers, or bathrobes, with some guests advised to bring their own. The hotel also has a policy of charging for bottled water beyond the initial complimentary supply, which some guests found surprising given the hotel's standing.