Along with 2 blogger friends, Mark (@lakwatserongtsinelas) and Darwin (@thetreasuretracker) we hopped on an AirAsia flight to Mactan Airport. There were already a handful of bloggers who left early that day, so YEY to new friends.
For this trip, we were invited by Bai Hotel to try their 5-star hospitality. I was privileged (naks) to experience it along with some of the bloggers who were part of Indonesia’s #TripOfWonders batch 3, I was part of the 1st batch so it was my first time to meet most of them. I was so happy that for the first few minutes alone to be with the group, I already felt welcomed and belonged. Most of them also, I‘ve been following already in social media so somehow we know each other’s lives (creepy but understandable, it’s 2018 already! haha).
Ok enough about us. Let me tell you about Bai Hotel Cebu.
BAI HOTEL CEBU
Bai Hotel Cebu is a new hospitality development located in the middle of Cebu City and Mandaue City and within short distance from ports and business districts (25 min from Mactan – Cebu International Airport -- which is important considering how Cebu traffic jam can rival the one in Manila.)
Once it finished all construction, it will house a total of 668 rooms, 12 conference and event venues and over 8 dining options, making it VisMin’s biggest hotel up to date. It is also a proud member of Worldhotels which is an exclusive group of independent hotels around the world.
ROOM
I got the Deluxe Room which I shared with a blogger (now) friend Rodel (@rodelflordeliz), I can’t wait to finish my vlog as I had a whole scenario of sneaking inside our room on our first night because our group arrived pretty late.
[caption id="attachment_5584" align="alignnone" width="800"] Enjoying this bed![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5562" align="alignnone" width="800"] We had a Two-bed Deluxe Room[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5583" align="alignnone" width="800"] ROOMIES! Sharing my room with Mr. Nognog in the City! The Piolo Pascual of Philippine Blogging World, Rodel Flordelize[/caption]
Anyway, the room is spacious enough to be shared with a friend, if you are a couple on a needed R&R trip or If you are on a business trip, this room is a perfect retreat after a very busy day.
Guest room is equipped with:
- Complimentary Daily Newspaper (Executive Club Floor Rooms)
- Complimentary Wifi
- Designer Toiletry Set (Executive Club Floor Rooms)
- Electric Iron and Ironing Board (I am giving them 100 points for this)
- Individual Climate Control
- Individual Refrigerator
- In-room Electronic Deposit Box
- Internet Protocol Television
DINING
I mentioned a while ago that the hotel offers 8 dining experiences. I got to try 5 of them and each one offers a unique experience.
TWILIGHT ROOFDECK
[caption id="attachment_5560" align="alignnone" width="800"] Twiling Roofdeck Lounge Bar[/caption]
Because our flight got delayed, our group arrived a bit late (12 midnight to be exact). We got pretty hungry and initially we thought of checking out the nearby Jollibee located at Park Mall in front of the hotel. We were so happy when the reception informed us that the roofdeck bar, Twilight was still open and offers dinner (also pulutan). So our first meal was in a bar, not too bad right? We got some welcome drinks and a number of dishes that definitely satisfied our hunger.
[caption id="attachment_5574" align="alignnone" width="800"] Chicharon bulakalak and gambas. Super satisfied belly![/caption]
Twilight Roofdeck Lounge Bar is an exclusive members-only al fresco lounge and bar located at the 23rd level. It is open on Tuesdays – Sundays at 6:00 pm – 2:00 am
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE
Early in the morning, we saw a little note slipped from our door saying that we are invited to have breakfast at the Executive Lounge. This was also the first time that I will be meeting the bloggers from the first group who arrived.
[caption id="attachment_5572" align="alignnone" width="800"] Executive Lounge at the 22nd Floor[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5569" align="alignnone" width="800"] Oooh always a favorite. Proscuitto and several cold cuts variety[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5567" align="alignnone" width="800"] ...also loads of different cheese!!! Is the plural of cheese cheeses? hmmm[/caption]
The Executive Lounge exclusively serves complimentary buffet-style breakfast, afternoon tea and liquors to Executive Floor guests. Just being there made me feel special haha. They told us that the selections at the lounge is “almost” the same as the one at the Café Bai (the hotel’s All-day buffet restaurant), only that the place feels more intimate and of course --- EXCLUSIVE!
[caption id="attachment_5563" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our blogger table! Lilliane (@wanderlass), Seph (@sephcham), Trice (@tricenagusara), Darwin (@thetreasuretracker), Mark aka Attty (@lakwatserongtsinelas), Ruth (@ruthilicious)[/caption]
Located at the 22nd Level. Open only from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm
MARBLE + GRAIN STEAKHOUSE
[caption id="attachment_5566" align="alignnone" width="800"] One slab or medium rare please![/caption]
During lunch we tried the hotel’s resident steakhouse, Marble + Grain. Aside from its fine custom aged USDA prime beef (which I want medium rare--- YASSS), there is a buffet spread as well to compliment your mouth watering slice of beef. We can’t believe that we can actually get as many slab of steak as we want, because we can’t even finish one. SHAME ON US!
Located at the Ground Level. Open on Tuesdays – Sundays from 11:30am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
UME JAPANESE CUISINE
[caption id="attachment_5573" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ramen and tempura at Ume[/caption]
Another place where we had lunch (of course not on the same day!). JAPANESE!! YAASSS QUEEN!! I am a sucker for Japanese food and the moment I stepped in Ume, I feel at home already. I was sharing a table with my favorite blogger couple Seph and Trice and we ordered a spread of Japanese goodness. Sushi, sashimi, ramen…name it, we had it!
Located at the Ground Level. Open on Tuesdays – Sundays from 11:30am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
BAI CAFÉ
[caption id="attachment_5585" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dirty Icecream stand. Photo c/o @Ruthilicious[/caption]
Bai Hotel’s All-day buffet restaurant. A bit crowded during breakfast (well, it isn’t the biggest hotel in VisMin for nothing right?) but brushing away the crowded aspect, the buffet selection is amazing. From signature Filipino dishes and delicacies (including a big taho tub—unli syrup!!) to other continental options.
Located at the 2nd Level. Open on Mondays- Sundays from 6:00am – 10:00pm
POOL BAR
[caption id="attachment_5571" align="alignnone" width="800"] Overlooking the overlooking pool bar[/caption]
Though we really didn’t use the pool bar when we went up and had a dip, it is still convenient to know that your pinacolada is just a snap away when you feel like lounging at the hotel’s overlooking infinity pool.
The Pool Bar offers light drinks and snacks beside the hotel’s 25-meter infinity pool overlooking Cebu’s skyline.
Located at the 21st Level. Open on Mondays – Sundays from 7:00am – 10:00pm
OTHER DINING OPTION (WHICH I WASN’T ABLE TO TRY)
LOBBY AND LOUNGE
Serves light meals, desserts and pastries, signature drinks, cocktails and a variety of liquors.
Located at the Ground Level. Open on Mondays – Sundays from 7:00am – 12:00 am
WALLSTREET COFFEE BAR
Offers all the signature selections of a traditional coffee house alongside assorted bakes goods made fresh daily
Located at the Ground Level. Open 24/7
SOME OF THE THINGS TO DO AROUND BAI HOTEL
To experience a bit Cebu’s finest (even for the short time we had), Bai Hotel arranged a shuttle service for us to freely go around the city. Our group ended up deciding where to go and what to do.
Here are some of the places we went
TEMPLE OF LEAH
Dubbed as “Cebu’s Taj Mahal,” is symbol of love from a husband to his late wife. Just the thought of it makes you want to saw awwwwww.
The temple serves as a shrine in memoriam of Leah Albino – Adarna, the late wife of Teodorico Soriano Adarna, the grandmother of the Filipino actress Ellen Adarna. The Adarna family owns a famous hotel chain in Cebu and opened this temple to the public 2 years ago. (note: you need to pay 50 php entrance fee).
[caption id="attachment_5589" align="alignnone" width="800"] Vloggers in action. Photo c/o @Ruthiliscious[/caption]
Though it is still under construction, it is now becoming one of Cebu’s most visited attractions. Aside from its lavish décor and architecture, reminiscent of a Roman temple, it is also located on top of a hill, providing an overlooking view of the whole city. This alone is worth the 50 php entrance fee in my opinion.
CEBU’S ORIGINAL LECHON BELLY
[caption id="attachment_5581" align="alignnone" width="800"] I know you want it![/caption]
LECHON!!! A Lechon (roasted pig) is what this city is known for. So I will not say no for a good hearty lechon belly. Just a walk away from Bai Hotel at the Park Mall you will find Cebu’ Original Lechon Belly. They didn’t put the tag ORIGINAL for nothing. They are the initiator of all lechon bellies you’ll find around the Philippines (even in other parts of the world).
[caption id="attachment_5582" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo op with the owners of Cebu's Original Lechon Belly[/caption]
My favorite is the spicy belly. Oh my YES please! I think I finished almost a plateful of this tasty treat. You can also buy this to take back to Manila.
OCTAGON BAR
Though Bai Hotel has its own rooftop bar, the hotel’s manager, Mr. Albert, insisted for us to try and very Octagon Bar. He said, “for us to see a different side of Cebu”…hmmmm.
[caption id="attachment_5570" align="alignnone" width="800"] Octagon Bar![/caption]
Fresh from our cozy lounge at Twilight, we were ushered out of the hotel and found ourselves in the crowd of mostly Korean millenials. Hahaha. It is clearly diferent from the Twilight crowd. My tito self is screaming, get me out of here but the young at heart version of me wanted to dance and be with the crowd….right @Ruthliscious?
Note: if you bring your Bai Hotel rook key card, you don’t need to pay for the door fee to enter the bar. (wink***).
Though I didn’t see a lot of the famous sites in Cebu, I can say that my first Cebu experience is very memorable. It is just enough for me to love the city and to make me want to come back and experience more.
So will I book at Bai Hotel Cebu again? DEFINITELY!!!!
Bai Hotel Cebu
Address: A1 Ouano Ave, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu
Visit http://baihotels.com/
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