Diamond Suites & Residences: Cebu Hotel Guide

Overview

Diamond Suites & Residences is a business-friendly hotel located in the heart of Cebu City, just a short walk from Ayala Center Cebu. Known for its spacious rooms, convenient location, and practical amenities, this hotel is a reliable choice for travelers who prioritize accessibility and comfort without the high cost of luxury accommodations. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or a quick city staycation, Diamond Suites offers a balanced experience with solid value for money.

This guide covers everything you need to know about staying at Diamond Suites & Residences—room types, amenities, dining options, nearby attractions, pros and cons, and who this hotel is best suited for.

Location and Accessibility

Diamond Suites & Residences is situated on Apitong Street, just behind the Cebu Business Park. Its location is one of its biggest advantages, especially for guests who want to stay close to shopping, dining, and commercial establishments.

Key distances:

• Ayala Center Cebu: 3–5 minutes on foot

• Cebu Business Park: 2 minutes on foot

• IT Park Cebu: 10 minutes by car

• SM City Cebu: 10–12 minutes by car

• Airport (Mactan-Cebu International Airport): 35–50 minutes by car depending on traffic

Its placement near Ayala makes it easy for guests to access restaurants, cafés, banks, bars, and transportation options such as taxis and Grab.

Room Types and Features

Diamond Suites offers a range of rooms designed for comfort and functionality. The décor is simple and traditional, appealing to guests who prioritize practicality.

1. Superior Room

• Comfortable queen or twin beds

• Writing desk

• Minibar and electric kettle

• Flat-screen TV

• Suitable for solo travelers or couples on a budget

2. Deluxe Room

• Larger than Superior

• Added seating area

• Perfect for guests wanting more space

3. Suite Room

• Separate living area

• Ideal for business travelers, longer stays, or small families

4. Residential Units

Some units are designed for extended stays and include extra amenities like small kitchenettes or enhanced storage.

General In-room Amenities:

• Air-conditioning

• Hot and cold shower

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

• Safety deposit box

• Room service (limited hours)

While the rooms may show signs of age, they are clean, spacious, and well-maintained.

Amenities and Facilities

Diamond Suites offers a mix of practical amenities suited for both business and leisure.

Swimming Pool

• Rooftop pool with city views

• Not large, but great for a quick dip or relaxation

Fitness Center

• Basic gym equipment

• Good for maintaining your workout routine during your stay

Meeting Rooms & Business Facilities

• Several function rooms available for corporate events

• Business-friendly environment with good location

Wi-Fi

• Complimentary throughout the hotel

• Stable enough for streaming and remote work

Parking

• Free parking for in-house guests with limited slots

Service

• Friendly and approachable staff

• Housekeeping available daily

Dining Options

Restaurant: Podium Restaurant

Offers local and international dishes in a casual setting. The breakfast buffet is simple but sufficient, offering Filipino and Western breakfast selections.

Lobby Bar & Lounge

A nice spot to unwind with coffee, cocktails, or light snacks.

Nearby Dining (Walking Distance from the Hotel):

• Ayala Center Cebu restaurants and cafés

• Coffee shops like Starbucks, Bo’s Coffee, and Toby’s Estate

• Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Italian, and Western dining options

Guests who prefer variety will appreciate how close the hotel is to Ayala’s wide dining selection.

Who Is This Hotel Best For?

Business Travelers

The central location, availability of meeting rooms, and proximity to Cebu Business Park make it highly suitable.

Solo Travelers or Couples

Affordable rates and accessibility to shopping and dining areas are major advantages.

Shoppers and City Explorers

Being near Ayala means easy access to malls and city attractions.

Budget-conscious travelers

Diamond Suites offers good value without compromising convenience.

Nearby Attractions

Ayala Center Cebu

A top lifestyle destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Cebu Business Park

Corporate offices, parks, jogging paths, and cafés.

IT Park Cebu

A nightlife hotspot with numerous restaurants and bars.

Museo Sugbo

A museum showcasing Cebu’s rich history and heritage.

Colon Street / Downtown Cebu

Historic landmarks such as Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Basilica del Santo Niño, and Magellan’s Cross.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent location near Ayala Center

• Spacious rooms at affordable rates

• Rooftop pool and gym

• Friendly staff

• Practical for business travelers

Cons:

• Rooms and interiors may feel dated

• Breakfast selection is limited

• Pool is small

• Wi-Fi can fluctuate during peak hours

Tips for Staying at Diamond Suites & Residences

1. Choose a Deluxe or Suite for better comfort

The Superior rooms are fine but can feel compact for longer stays.

2. Request rooms on higher floors

These tend to be quieter and offer better views.

3. Take advantage of its proximity to Ayala

You can walk to many restaurants instead of relying on room service.

4. Book early during peak seasons

Holidays and long weekends can cause price increases.

5. Expect practical rather than luxury facilities

This hotel is more about convenience and location than upscale amenities.

Overall Verdict

Diamond Suites & Residences is a solid choice for travelers who want to stay close to Cebu’s business district and Ayala Center without spending too much. It provides comfortable rooms, a central location, and essential amenities that make it a dependable accommodation option in Cebu City. While it may not be the most modern or luxurious hotel in the area, it offers real value, especially for business travelers and guests who prioritize accessibility.

If you want a convenient, budget-friendly stay in a prime location, Diamond Suites is a strong contender.

What is Diamond Suites & Residences best known for?

Diamond Suites & Residences is best known for its practical, business-friendly location just a short walk from Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Business Park. It offers spacious, comfortable rooms at reasonable rates, making it a solid option for business travelers, solo guests, and couples who prioritize convenience and accessibility over luxury. Guests often choose this hotel because they can easily walk to malls, restaurants, banks, and offices while still enjoying hotel facilities like a rooftop pool, gym, and on-site dining.

Where is Diamond Suites & Residences located?

The hotel is located on Apitong Street in Cebu City, behind Cebu Business Park and near Ayala Center Cebu. From the lobby, it usually takes only 3–5 minutes on foot to reach the mall. By car, it takes around 10–12 minutes to get to SM City Cebu and about 35–50 minutes to reach Mactan-Cebu International Airport, depending on traffic. The central location makes it easy to use taxis, Grab, or public transportation for getting around the city.

What types of rooms are available at Diamond Suites & Residences?

The property offers several room categories to match different budgets and needs. Common categories include Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites, and some residential-style units designed for longer stays. Superior Rooms are good for solo travelers and couples, while Deluxe Rooms provide more space and a small seating area. Suites typically have a separate living area and are ideal for business travelers who need room to work or entertain, as well as for small families. All rooms generally come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, work desk, minibar, and private bathroom with hot and cold shower.

Is Diamond Suites & Residences suitable for business travelers?

Yes, this hotel is particularly suitable for business travelers. Its location near Cebu Business Park allows easy access to offices, banks, and corporate buildings. There are also function rooms and meeting spaces that can be used for small conferences, presentations, or corporate gatherings. Rooms are equipped with work desks and Wi-Fi, and the hotel’s proximity to coffee shops and restaurants in Ayala Center makes it convenient for business meetings outside the hotel as well.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool and gym?

Diamond Suites & Residences features a rooftop swimming pool where guests can relax, cool off, or enjoy a short swim. While the pool is not very large, it is a pleasant bonus for a mid-range city hotel. There is also a fitness center with basic equipment such as treadmills and weights, which is sufficient for simple workouts while traveling. These facilities help guests maintain their routine without needing to leave the property.

What dining options are available at Diamond Suites & Residences?

The hotel has an in-house restaurant that serves a mix of Filipino and international dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast may be offered as a buffet or set meal depending on occupancy and season, typically featuring both Western items and Filipino favorites. There is also a bar or lounge area in or near the lobby where guests can enjoy coffee, cocktails, or light snacks. For more variety, guests can easily walk to Ayala Center Cebu, where countless restaurants, cafés, and fast-food options are available.

How is the Wi-Fi and internet connection at the hotel?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is generally available in both the rooms and public areas. For many guests, the connection is adequate for regular browsing, social media, and basic remote work such as emails and video calls. However, as with many city hotels, speed and stability can vary during peak hours when many guests are connected at the same time. If you require very high-speed or highly stable internet, it is a good idea to test the connection upon arrival and have a backup option such as mobile data.

Is Diamond Suites & Residences a good choice for families?

While the hotel is more commonly chosen by business travelers and adults, it can also work for families, especially those who plan to spend most of their time outside exploring the city. Suites and larger rooms can accommodate parents and children more comfortably, and the rooftop pool is an added attraction for kids. However, this is not a resort-style property, so families looking for extensive children’s facilities or a beach setting might prefer a resort in Mactan. For a city-based family stay focused on shopping and sightseeing, it remains a practical choice.

What are the pros and cons of staying at Diamond Suites & Residences?

The main pros include its excellent location near Ayala Center, spacious rooms, reasonable pricing, and convenient facilities like a pool, gym, and meeting rooms. Staff members are generally described as friendly and helpful, and the hotel works well as a base for business or city exploration. On the downside, some guests may find the interiors a bit dated compared to newer hotels, and the breakfast selection can feel limited for those expecting a large buffet. The pool is relatively small, and Wi-Fi performance may fluctuate during busy periods. Overall, it offers good value for money if you prioritize location and practicality.

How far is the hotel from the airport and major attractions?

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is usually around 35–50 minutes away by car, depending on traffic and time of day. For shopping and dining, Ayala Center Cebu is within a few minutes on foot, while SM City Cebu is about 10–12 minutes by car. IT Park, another popular area for dining and nightlife, can be reached in roughly 10 minutes by taxi or Grab. Historical attractions such as Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño, and other landmarks in downtown Cebu can typically be reached within 20–30 minutes by car.

Who is Diamond Suites & Residences best suited for?

This hotel is best suited for business travelers, solo visitors, and couples who want a convenient city base near a major mall and business district. It is also a good option for budget-conscious travelers who want hotel facilities without paying luxury prices. Guests who plan to spend most of their time outside—working, shopping, or exploring—and mainly need a comfortable place to rest will find the value proposition attractive. Those looking for a modern, high-end or resort-style experience may prefer other properties, but for practicality and location, Diamond Suites & Residences is a reliable choice.

Cebu Hotel Guide