Sta. Barbara Residence Hotel

The place was clean and roomy, and we were very comfortable during our stay in Cebu. The thin windows let in every sound, and the shower kept shifting from hot to cold. Neither issue was a major problem for me, though I'd expect steadier hot water at this price. They wouldn't stop me from staying here again.

I can't believe they actually hid my review, LOL. What a joke. We booked a three bedroom penthouse suite with a mountain view for my family after reading lots of good reviews. Getting answers before the trip was a hassle. They took ages to reply to my enquiries, even after I found their number and messaged them on WhatsApp. Check-in staff weren't as warm or welcoming as we'd hoped. Our room had no working WiFi, so we couldn't use the TV either, and the shared bathroom shower had no hot water. There were no towels in the room until we asked. The only phone was in the master bedroom, and staff said the WiFi and shower heater couldn't be fixed that night, but would be sorted the next day during room service. The air con was noisy. On the first night, we slept badly because there was an event on the rooftop, one floor above us. After we were out the next day, staff said the hot water couldn't be repaired and offered us another room on the same level across the hall. We appreciated that it was bigger and had stable WiFi, but the room at the far end couldn't connect. There was only one router in the living room, while the main one was in the master bedroom. Hot water in the replacement room was still unreliable. Again there were no towels until we asked. One shower head leaked, and a toilet seat hinge was half broken. They washed all our towels even though we hadn't left them in the sink to request washing, then didn't leave clean towels, so we had to ask each time. It was frustrating trying to reach them because replies took a long time. They were slow or silent when I tried to confirm our airport transfers, and I had to ask again. The whole stay was very disappointing, and the receptionist felt unfriendly. The only upside was a mall five minutes away on foot.

We had a spacious, clean three bedroom apartelle, with its own washroom in every room, which was really convenient. The kitchen came with utensils and a mini fridge, and there were snacks and drinks by the kitchen for an extra charge. It's very close to an old mall with almost everything you need. We opted out of room service, but staff promptly brought extra things when we requested them. They also provide dental kits if you forget yours. The place was superb.

I've stayed here a few times lately and keep finding it great value. Compared with several other local hotels around Ayala where I've stayed, this place works better for me. I've tried both standard and deluxe rooms, and each was clean, spacious, and had what I needed. The staff have been friendly and helpful every time.