LET me tell you why I love Waterfront Airport Mactan—again. This is retelling a story but with a few more points that add up to why this Waterfront by the Cebu Mactan International Airport can impress any traveler.
For some reason, Cebu has been a frequent destination in the last two years, and somehow, Waterfront Mactan always ends up in the picture. I believe it’s fated.
Four trips to Cebu to catch up with colleagues plus a trip to Boracay and Korea that goes through Cebu airport. Either the trips had hours of layover, or I had to be at the airport earlier than the required check-in time because of some event that will cause heavy traffic in the city, I had Waterfront Mactan to run to.
What I do is check-in my baggage at the airport and walk to the hotel. I go back at the designated boarding time. More often, I have two hours or more on my hands. Waterfront is definitely a better place than the pre-departure lounge to kill time before a flight. The hotel is cooler (not just the temperature), less crowded, and most importantly, the food is great. The buffet with a wide variety of choices is truly value for money.
I love about Café Uno’s spread and its surprises. I always check the Filipino spread for the specialty—Pinoy pizza, Pinoy burger (the chef loves putting a twist to his dishes), the chicharong bulaklak and chicken skin (forget the cholesterol). At the dessert table, I check the “kakanin” first. Each and every time I catch my all-time favorite—binignit, turon, cassava cake. But of course, there’s always the chef’s specialties.
There are times that you need to stay a night in Cebu to catch the next flight. Imagine Cebu City traffic? Why go through it when you enjoy the comforts of the “next-door home”? Sleep is longer, no travel time worries and checking-in at the airport is a breeze. Plus, you can head back to your hotel room like you have your own VIP Lounge or enjoy the resto’s sumptuous fare while you wait for your flight. Check-out the hotel when you’re ready to board.
Waterfront Mactan is busy, but it’s getting busier with the new international Terminal 2 open and the refurbished Terminal 1 nearing completion. I bet Cebu Mactan International Airport will be adding more flights on its roster. The hotel is ready for the airport’s upgrades. I heard that the hotel will be doing its own upgrades and expanding soon.
I have another trip to Cebu soon. I guess you already know what’s going to happen on my way back home to Davao.
P.S. I am always impressed with the Cebuano hospitality and efficiency of the hotel staff. It’s five apples for the hotel and the team.
Follow ofapplesandlemons on Facebook
For more photos about this story and other lifestyle features, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com
For travel stories, visit www.jeepneyjinggoy.com
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com