Murals Hostel & Café: Cebu Hotel Guide

Murals Hostel & Café is one of the most stylish, modern, and community-driven hostels in Cebu City—perfect for digital nomads, backpackers, and travelers who want an affordable yet design-forward place to stay. Located in Lahug, a prime spot near IT Park and major commercial centers, Murals blends creative interiors, a welcoming social atmosphere, and a cozy café that serves as both a hangout and co-working space.

This guide explains everything you need to know before booking: rooms, pricing, location, facilities, nearby attractions, and tips based on traveler intent.

Overview of Murals Hostel & Café

Murals Hostel & Café stands out among Cebu’s modern hostels because it combines artistic design, comfort, and convenience in one place. The interiors are filled with murals, minimalist wooden furniture, warm lighting, and communal spaces that encourage meeting other travelers.

Its location in Lahug puts it near key business, nightlife, and dining areas, especially IT Park, which is only a short walk away. For digital nomads, the café and work-friendly common areas make it easy to stay productive. Meanwhile, backpackers enjoy the friendly vibe and affordable beds.

Murals leans toward the “boutique hostel” category—affordable but aesthetically elevated.

Location: Right in Lahug Near IT Park

Murals Hostel & Café is located in:

Lahug, Cebu City
A strategic area known for its mix of restaurants, cafés, offices, and universities.

Key Distance Guide

• IT Park – 3 minutes away (walking or quick ride)

• Ayala Center Cebu – 10 minutes by taxi

• SM City Cebu – 15–20 minutes by taxi

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport – 25–35 minutes depending on traffic

• Fuente Osmeña Circle – 12 minutes by taxi

• Cebu Business Park – 10 minutes by taxi

If you prefer a safe and lively area with easy access to food spots, coworking, bars, and transportation, Lahug is one of the best neighborhoods in Cebu.

Room Types and Bed Options

Murals Hostel & Café focuses on shared accommodations but with high comfort and cleanliness standards.

Dorm Rooms

Murals offers:

• Mixed Dormitory Beds

• Female-Only Dorms (available depending on season)

• 8–12 Bed Configurations

• Curtained Privacy Pods (common in newer dorm rooms)

Bed Features

Each dorm bed usually includes:

• Privacy curtain

• Soft mattress and clean linens

• Individual lighting

• Personal power outlet

• Small shelf for gadgets

• Locker for valuables

Rooms are air-conditioned, well-ventilated, and cleaned daily.

Private Rooms (Depending on Availability)

Murals occasionally offers private rooms for couples or solo travelers, though these are limited. These rooms include:

• Full or queen-sized bed

• Air-conditioning

• Minimalist design

• Private bathroom or shared bathroom depending on room type

If you need a private room, it’s best to book early because these sell out quickly.

Prices and Budget Guide

Murals Hostel & Café is known for being affordable while offering premium design.

Here is the general price range (actual rates vary by season):

Dorm Beds

• ₱450 – ₱700 per night (USD 8–13)

Private Rooms

• ₱1,500 – ₱2,500 per night (USD 27–45)

What Affects Pricing

• Peak travel seasons (December, Holy Week, summer)

• Weekend vs weekday rates

• Early booking

• Demand from digital nomads and long-term guests

For travelers in Cebu looking for great value for money, Murals consistently ranks among the top hostels.

Facilities and Amenities

Murals may be a hostel, but its facilities are well-designed—an important factor for digital nomads and long-term guests.

Common Lounge

The main lounge is spacious, artistic, and cozy. It’s suitable for:

• Working remotely

• Socializing with other guests

• Relaxing with coffee or snacks

Café and Workspace

The café is a highlight of Murals, offering:

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Comfortable seating

• Specialty coffee

• Breakfast meals

• Pasta, rice dishes, sandwiches, and snacks

Many guests book Murals specifically because of its café, as it doubles as a convenient workspace.

Kitchen (Depending on Availability)

Some branches or room types offer access to:

• Shared kitchen

• Basic cooking equipment

• Common refrigerator

Bathrooms

Dorm bathrooms are:

• Clean and well-maintained

• With hot and cold showers

• Gender-separated depending on dorm type

Security

Murals takes security seriously:

• Keycard access for dorm rooms

• CCTV cameras

• Lockers for personal belongings

• Staff available at the front desk

Additional Amenities

• 24-hour front desk (varies by day but usually available late)

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel

• Airport transfers (arranged upon request)

• Event nights or social activities depending on season

Who Should Stay at Murals Hostel & Café?

Given its atmosphere and design, Murals is ideal for:

Digital Nomads

• Fast Wi-Fi

• Café workspace

• Close to IT Park coworking spaces

Solo Travelers

• Friendly, social vibe

• Safe dorm environment

Backpackers

• Budget-friendly beds

• Easy access to city hotspots

Long-Term Travelers

• Comfortable common spaces

• Networking with other expats

Business Travelers on Budget

• Near Cebu IT Park and Cebu Business Park

• Good for affordable long stays

What Sets Murals Hostel & Café Apart?

Murals stands out in Cebu’s hostel scene for several reasons:

1. Design-Focused Interiors

The murals, wood accents, open ceilings, and neutral color theme give it a premium yet relaxed vibe.

2. Strong Community Culture

The hostel often hosts:

• Art events

• Meetups

• Café gatherings

Travelers often praise Murals for its warm atmosphere.

3. Café + Co-working Hybrid

This feature sets Murals apart from many budget hostels in Cebu.

4. Strategic Location in Lahug

Safe, walkable, and full of restaurants and nightlife options.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, guests can easily access many Cebu City landmarks.

IT Park

A major business district filled with:

• Restaurants

• Bars

• Cafés

• Night markets (Sugbo Mercado)

Ayala Center Cebu

One of the best malls in Cebu for:

• Shopping

• Dining

• Cinema

• Supermarkets

Tops Lookout / Tops Cebu

A scenic viewpoint overlooking the entire city.

Temple of Leah

A popular tourist attraction featuring Roman-style architecture.

Cebu Business Park

Another major commercial district.

Sugbo Mercado

A weekend night market in IT Park offering local food, drinks, and live music.

Dining Options Near Murals

Lahug and IT Park have one of Cebu’s best restaurant scenes. You’ll find:

In IT Park:

• Shaka

• Baguio Craft Brewery

• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

• Abaca Baking Company (ABC)

• Bonchon

• Jollibee

• Vikings Buffet (nearby)

In Lahug:

• A Plus Resto

• The Pig & Palm (if operational)

• Lola’s

• Local barbecue stalls

• Japanese, Korean, and Filipino restaurants

Cafés and dessert shops are scattered throughout the area, making it convenient for all types of travelers.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Murals Hostel & Café

Pros

• Stylish and artistic interiors

• Affordable and great value

• Excellent location near IT Park

• Community-focused atmosphere

• Comfortable beds with privacy curtains

• Café serves good meals and coffee

• Work-friendly environment

• Good for solo travelers and nomads

Cons

• Private rooms are limited

• Can get fully booked during peak seasons

• Not ideal if you prefer luxury amenities

• Dorm noise may occur depending on guests

Best Tips for Staying at Murals Hostel & Café

Book early during weekends and holidays

Murals is extremely popular among digital nomads and backpackers.

Request a lower bunk if you prefer easier access

Upper bunks offer more privacy but can be less convenient.

Use the café for work during off-peak hours

Morning and early afternoon are quieter.

Walk to IT Park for dinner

There’s a huge selection of dining options.

Use ride-hailing apps like Grab

This makes transportation easy and affordable.

Is Murals Hostel & Café Good for Long-Term Stays?

Yes. Murals is a favorite among expats, remote workers, and long-term visitors because:

• It’s near IT Park (jobs, coworking, nightlife)

• It has a coworking-friendly café

• The environment is calming and community-oriented

If you’re staying in Cebu for a week or more, Murals is one of the best-value options.

Final Verdict: Is Murals Hostel & Café Worth It?

Absolutely. Murals Hostel & Café is ideal for travelers who want:

• A stylish, creative space

• Affordable rates

• Walkable access to IT Park

• A safe and social environment

• Good Wi-Fi and café convenience

Whether you’re a solo traveler, nomad, or backpacker, Murals delivers everything you need in Cebu City.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Murals Hostel & Café located in Cebu?

Murals Hostel & Café is located in Lahug, a vibrant neighborhood in Cebu City close to Cebu IT Park. This area is known for its mix of restaurants, cafés, offices, and nightlife options. From the hostel, you can usually reach IT Park in just a few minutes by walking or taking a short ride, while Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Business Park are about 10–15 minutes away by taxi or Grab, depending on traffic.

Is Murals Hostel & Café a good choice for digital nomads?

Yes, Murals Hostel & Café is very popular with digital nomads and remote workers. The on-site café offers comfortable seating, power outlets, and generally reliable Wi-Fi, making it easy to work on your laptop for several hours. The atmosphere is creative but not overly noisy during the day, and if you need more formal workspaces, several coworking spaces in Cebu IT Park are just a short walk or ride away.

What types of rooms and beds are available?

Murals mainly focuses on shared accommodations with stylish dormitory rooms. You will find mixed-gender dorms and, depending on availability, female-only dorms. Most beds are in 8–12 bed rooms and come with privacy curtains, individual reading lights, power outlets, and personal lockers. Some branches or seasons may also offer a limited number of private rooms with either a double or queen bed, which are ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking more privacy.

How much does it cost to stay at Murals Hostel & Café?

Rates vary depending on the season, demand, and how early you book, but generally dorm beds range from around ₱450 to ₱700 per night, making it a budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travelers. Private rooms, when available, are more expensive, usually starting from around ₱1,500 up to ₱2,500 per night. Prices can rise during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons such as Christmas, New Year, and summer vacation.

Is Murals Hostel & Café safe for solo travelers and female guests?

Murals is considered a safe and comfortable option for solo travelers, including solo female guests. The hostel typically uses keycard or controlled access to rooms, and there are lockers available for storing valuables. The Lahug and IT Park area is regarded as one of the safer and more developed parts of Cebu City. As always, it is wise to use common sense: keep valuables secured, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and use trusted transport like Grab.

What amenities and facilities can I expect?

Murals Hostel & Café offers a good mix of practical and social facilities. You can expect air-conditioned dorms, shared bathrooms with hot and cold showers, a stylish common lounge, an on-site café, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Some locations may also offer shared kitchen facilities or pantry areas. The café serves coffee, breakfast, light meals, and snacks, which is convenient if you do not want to go far for food or a quick drink.

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

Breakfast policies can vary depending on the booking platform and the type of room or promotion you choose. Some rates may include a simple breakfast, while others may not. It is best to double-check your booking details or contact the hostel directly to confirm whether breakfast is included. Even if it is not, you can easily order coffee, sandwiches, or breakfast plates from the on-site café at an additional cost.

How do I get to Murals Hostel & Café from Mactan-Cebu International Airport?

The most convenient way to reach Murals from the airport is by using a ride-hailing app such as Grab. The travel time is usually around 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also take a regular taxi from the airport, but make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fair fare before departure. If you are arriving late at night or with heavy luggage, booking a Grab or arranging an airport transfer through the hostel is recommended for comfort and safety.

Are there good food and nightlife options near the hostel?

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of staying at Murals is its proximity to numerous dining and nightlife spots. Within a short walk or ride, you can reach IT Park, which is full of restaurants, cafés, bars, fast food chains, and the popular weekend food market Sugbo Mercado (when operating). Around Lahug, you will also find local eateries, Korean and Japanese restaurants, and small bars, making it easy to explore Cebu’s food and nightlife scene.

Is Murals Hostel & Café suitable for long-term stays?

Murals is a solid choice for longer stays, especially for digital nomads, interns, or travelers who plan to spend several weeks in Cebu. The combination of comfortable dorms, a friendly community, a work-friendly café, and a convenient location near IT Park makes it easy to settle into a routine. If you plan to stay long-term, it is worth contacting the hostel directly to ask about possible weekly or monthly rates, as they may offer discounts depending on season and occupancy.

Does Murals organize tours or activities?

Many guests use Murals as a base for exploring Cebu City and nearby attractions such as Kawasan Falls, Oslob, Moalboal, and Bohol. The hostel may partner with local tour operators or can recommend trusted agencies for island hopping, whale shark watching, canyoneering, or city tours. It is a good idea to ask the front desk or staff at the café for updated information on tours, schedules, and prices when you arrive.

How early should I book my stay at Murals Hostel & Café?

Because Murals is popular with both locals and international travelers, rooms and dorm beds can sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit Cebu during holidays, long weekends, or major events, booking at least a few weeks in advance is highly recommended. For regular weekdays or low season, you may find last-minute availability, but early booking still helps you secure better room options and rates.

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