Whenever I find a hotel for booking, I don’t really look for luxury hotels. What I want is simple, a place that’s affordable, clean, and comfortable, because that’s what fits my budget😅
On my trip to Cebu City, I decided to book a stay at Red Planet Hotel, and I can honestly say it was a good choice for the kind of trip I had in mind.
I stayed in Room 24 on the 4th floor, and my first impression was positive. This room was spacious and well-kept, and a lot bigger than I expected for a budget hotel.
This one, however, gave me enough room to move around, unpack my things, and still feel comfortable. The bed was soft and cozy, the air-conditioning worked well, and the bathroom was very clean. For me, cleanliness is always non-negotiable when it comes to hotels, and Red Planet did a good job in that area.
Now, let’s talk about the price. The rate is $41 per night without breakfast, or $48 per night with breakfast included. For Cebu City, where hotel prices can shoot up quickly, this felt reasonable. You get the essentials covered—a good bed, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a clean bathroom.
Another big plus is the location. Red Planet is right in the heart of Cebu City, which makes it super convenient for travelers. It’s only a few minutes away from Ayala Center Cebu, perfect if you want to shop, eat, or just hang out. It’s also close to IT Park, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés that stay open until late.
During my stay, the experience was mostly smooth, but I did notice a few things worth mentioning.
First, the hotel provides free drinking water, but you need to bring your own tumbler or bottle to refill. Since I forgot mine, I had to keep going down to the 2nd floor whenever I needed hot water, which got a bit inconvenient. Another thing is that the hotel doesn’t offer freebies—you won’t find bottled water, toiletries, or slippers waiting in the room. It’s really a no-frills setup, so make sure to bring your own essentials.
On the plus side, if you request that your room be cleaned, they also replace your towels along with the cleaning. I found that convenient because you don’t need to ask separately for fresh towels—they take care of it during housekeeping.
Aside from these little things, the overall stay was positive. The staff were polite, approachable, and quick to help whenever I had questions. The hotel felt safe, the environment was peaceful, and it gave me exactly what I needed.
Would I stay here again? Yes, definitely. For what I paid, I got a clean and comfortable room in a convenient location. As long as you manage your expectations—no freebies and a self-service approach to water—it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants something practical and budget-friendly in Cebu City.
They also had a section in the registration area for posted sticky notes, where guests shared how Red Planet provided them with a pleasant and comfortable stay. These notes were displayed alongside a drawing of a red fox, which symbolizes the Red Planet.
At the end of the day, Red Planet isn’t about luxury, it’s about giving travelers the essentials at a fair price. And honestly, that’s more than enough for me.