The 147-room H2O is an upscale hotel offering the one-of-a-kind experience of, literally, sleeping with the fishes. Most rooms have striking views of Manila Bay, but Aqua Rooms are the highlight here, with huge wall-to-wall aquariums full of fish and jellyfish. There is a nice fitness center, relaxing spa, extensive meeting space, stylish lounge, and average restaurant. The property is in the same complex as the family-friendly Ocean Park, which means it can get loud with kids running around. Those traveling with kids will probably enjoy their stay; business travelers may find the property lacking in attention to detail and its location a bit out of the way.

The 97-room Amorita Resort is a modern, upscale property with a peaceful clifftop location overlooking Alona Beach. Rooms have a chic, minimalist style, as well as showers, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Some, but not all, units add separate bathtubs and furnished balconies. Extensive features consist of two outdoor infinity pools, free non-motorized water sports such as kayaks, free yoga, a spa offering a variety of treatments, and an on-site PADI dive center. Dining options include an all-day restaurant serving Filipino and international fare, and a tapas bar, both of which receive positive reviews. On the downside, there isn't much to do in the immediate area, and the hotel lacks an elevator (ground-floor rooms available). For something a little cheaper but still upscale, consider The Bellevue Resort Bohol.

Quest Cebu is a 427-room three-and-a-half-pearl hotel with sharp and simple interiors that make it a nice step-up from other middle-of-the-road hotels nearby. Highlights include a small outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, and a large restaurant. One of the main reasons to stay here is the location, which is just across from the Ayala Mall. The rooms are nice, too, and feature sharp decor and modern amenities like air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. For travelers in search of an affordable alternative to the city’s upscale business hotels, Quest is an excellent base. Even so, for travelers wanting something with more boutique charm, it's worth considering The Henry Hotel Cebu, though rates may be higher and it's not as central.

The 329-room three-pearl Marco Polo Plaza Cebu sits in a scenic hillside spot overlooking the mountains and the city. This historic high-rise hotel was once the place to be for VIPs visiting Cebu. Today, after acquisition by the Marco Polo group, it’s more of a business hotel, but retains some classic charm (though it's dated in spots). There’s a good range of above-average facilities, including a smart Club Lounge, outdoor pool, and romantic rooftop restaurant with terrace. Rooms are spacious but tired and could do with a refresh, though they include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Business travelers looking for a more convenient central location might consider the Radisson Blu Cebu instead -- although offerings there are otherwise similar. 

The 400-room Radisson Blu Cebu is an upscale corporate hotel that’s joined to Cebu’s SM City mega-mall, close to the port and Mactan Channel. This is one of Cebu’s most dependable hotels and while it’s certainly a big-name base, the contemporary decor is often only functional. Spacious rooms have memory foam mattresses and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and iPod docks, while higher room categories have access to the 20th-floor Business Class Lounge. Highlights from the facilities? An outdoor pool, attractive all-day dining restaurant, and a tea bar. This four-pearl hotel is geared toward business travelers and is arguably the best corporate hotel in the city. Even so, it’s worth comparing rates at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu -- a historic business hotel in a quieter hillside setting.

The 350-room Mandarin Plaza Hotel is a mid-range property centrally situated in Cebu City's business district, a four-minute walk to Ayala Mall and the Grand Convention Center. It's a bit bland in terms of decor and interiors have a corporate vibe, but rooms are large and clean. A solid set of amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee/tea facilities, and free Wi-Fi, while suites add separate living rooms. The hotel has an outdoor pool as well as a gym and sauna, plus there's a restaurant and bar. Breakfast is included, but gets mixed reviews. Three meeting rooms round out the features at this property that caters mainly to business travelers. For something more stylish and with more character, check out the hip boutique The Henry Hotel Cebu, though it doesn't offer as many features.