Murals Hostel & Café IT Park: Cebu Hotel Guide

Overview of Murals Hostel & Café IT Park

Murals Hostel & Café IT Park is one of the most popular budget-friendly accommodations in Cebu City, especially among digital nomads, backpackers, solo travelers, and young professionals. Located inside Cebu IT Park—a modern, secure, and walkable district filled with cafés, restaurants, BPO offices, and lifestyle hubs—Murals stands out with its creative interiors, community-focused spaces, and affordable nightly rates.

This hostel blends comfort, design, and convenience. Whether you are visiting Cebu for a short stay, planning a workation, or looking for a lively social environment, Murals Hostel offers a unique accommodation option that feels modern and welcoming. Its artsy aesthetic, coworking-style common areas, and in-house café create a relaxing environment in the center of one of Cebu’s busiest business districts.

This guide covers everything you need to know about staying at Murals Hostel & Café IT Park, including room types, amenities, pros and cons, nearby attractions, location tips, and who this hostel is best suited for.

Location and Accessibility

Murals Hostel is located on W. Geonzon Street inside Cebu IT Park, one of the safest and most walkable areas in the city. IT Park is known for its 24/7 security, wide sidewalks, nightlife options, and growing community of expats and travelers.

Key Accessibility Highlights

• Airport Access: Only 20–30 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, depending on traffic.

• Taxi & Grab Availability: Very easy to book Grab or hail a taxi within minutes.

• Walking-Friendly: Nearly everything within IT Park—restaurants, gyms, cafés, and convenience stores—is just 2–5 minutes on foot.

• Public Transportation: MyBus stops and jeepney routes are available outside IT Park, connecting you to Cebu City’s major districts.

Nearby Landmarks

• Ayala Center Cebu: 8 minutes by car

• SM City Cebu: 12 minutes by car

• Cebu Business Park: 10 minutes

• Lahug & Escario Area: 5 minutes

• Cebu Downtown (Colon/Santo Niño): 20–25 minutes

Murals is in a prime location for food, shopping, nightlife, and coworking—making it an excellent choice for both tourists and remote workers.

Room Types and Beds

Murals Hostel offers stylish, minimalist accommodations suitable for different types of travelers. Rooms are air-conditioned and designed with clean lines, functional layouts, and artistic murals.

Dormitory Rooms

Dorms are a popular option for backpackers and solo travelers looking for a budget stay.

Common Dorm Features

• Secure, spacious bunk beds

• Privacy curtains

• Personal reading lights

• Lockers for valuables

• Air conditioning

• Shared bathrooms (clean and well-maintained)

Female-Only Dorm

Some guests prefer a quieter and more secure space—Murals offers dedicated female-only dorms with the same amenities but more privacy.

Private Rooms

For couples or travelers who prefer their own space, Murals provides private rooms featuring:

• Queen or double bed

• Air conditioning

• Desk and chair

• Private or shared bathroom options

• Minimalist décor with stylish accents

Room rates are competitively priced, making Murals one of the best-value choices in the IT Park area.

Amenities and Facilities

Murals Hostel blends hotel-like comfort with hostel-style community vibes. While it doesn’t offer luxury features, the amenities are practical, modern, and well-designed.

Key Amenities

• In-House Café: Offers breakfast, coffee, snacks, and light meals. A workspace-friendly environment.

• Common Lounge Areas: Bright, cozy spaces perfect for reading, working, or chatting with other guests.

• Fast WiFi: Reliable internet suitable for remote work.

• 24/7 Security: Located in IT Park with CCTV and controlled entry points.

• Daily Housekeeping: Dorms and common areas are kept clean throughout the day.

• Coworking-Friendly Environment: The café and lobby offer multiple seating choices for laptop users.

• Community Events (Occasional): Yoga sessions, art activities, or social nights depending on schedule.

Additional Services

• Airport transfers (on request)

• Laundry services

• Tour arrangements for island hopping or city tours

• Luggage storage

Murals strikes a balance between affordability and quality, making it a standout hostel in Cebu City.

Dining Options at Murals and Around IT Park

Murals has an on-site café where guests can enjoy:

• Coffee and espresso drinks

• Smoothies

• Breakfast plates

• Sandwiches and bowls

• Light snacks

However, one major advantage of staying in IT Park is the incredible variety of dining options around you.

Within 3–5 Minutes Walking Distance

• Starbucks

• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

• Banapple

• Watsons & 7-Eleven

• Shaka (Healthy food)

• Biryani House

• Burger King

• Night Market (Sugbo Mercado, though schedule varies)

IT Park is a food haven, ensuring that you never run out of dining choices.

Who Should Stay at Murals Hostel & Café IT Park

Murals caters to a variety of travelers thanks to its unique mix of affordability, comfort, location, and social atmosphere.

Best For:

• Digital Nomads: Fast WiFi, café workspace, IT Park location.

• Backpackers: Budget-friendly beds, social environment.

• Solo Travelers: Safe area, common spaces for meeting people.

• Young Professionals: Convenient access to BPO offices.

• Couples on a Budget: Private rooms available.

• Students and Short-Term Visitors: Reasonable prices and great access to everyday conveniences.

Not Ideal For:

• Travelers seeking luxury hotel amenities

• Families with young children (rooms are compact)

• Guests who prefer very quiet environments (hostel atmosphere can be lively)

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent location inside Cebu IT Park

• Affordable rates

• Clean and stylish interiors

• Close to many restaurants and cafés

• Good WiFi for work

• Secure area with 24/7 activity

• Private room options available

Cons

• Limited parking

• Some rooms may feel small

• Shared bathrooms for dorm users

• Can be noisy during peak hours

Tips for Staying at Murals Hostel & Café IT Park

• Book early: Especially during Sinulog, holidays, or peak season.

• Choose private rooms if you prefer a quieter stay.

• Explore IT Park on foot: Everything is close and walkable.

• Try Sugbo Mercado: If available during your stay, it’s one of Cebu’s best food markets.

• Use Grab for easy transportation to malls and tourist spots.

• Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise in shared dorms.

• Take advantage of the café for work or casual meetings.

Nearby Attractions and Things To Do

1. Ayala Center Cebu

A premier lifestyle mall with shopping, dining, gardens, and entertainment.

2. SM City Cebu

Large mall offering a wide range of shops and food choices.

3. Tops Lookout / Busay

A scenic viewpoint overlooking Cebu City—perfect during sunset.

4. IT Park Night Market

A lively night market (depending on schedule) with local and international food stalls.

5. Cebu Business Park

A nearby business district popular for jogging, coffee shops, and upscale dining.

6. Temple of Leah or Sirao Garden

Easily accessible via taxi from IT Park for half-day trips.

Overall Review

Murals Hostel & Café IT Park is one of the top-value accommodations in Cebu City for travelers who want modern design, a social environment, and unbeatable access to dining and lifestyle spots. With excellent pricing, clean facilities, creative décor, and strong community vibes, it remains a favorite among backpackers, digital nomads, and young travelers.

If you’re looking for a stylish yet affordable base in Cebu, Murals Hostel is an excellent choice.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where is Murals Hostel & Café IT Park located?

Murals Hostel & Café IT Park is located inside Cebu IT Park, a modern business and lifestyle district in Lahug, Cebu City. It is typically found along or near W. Geonzon Street, surrounded by office buildings, cafés, restaurants, and convenience stores. From this location, you can easily reach other key areas like Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu, and Cebu Business Park by taxi or Grab within a short ride, making it a very convenient base for both business and leisure travelers.

How far is Murals Hostel & Café IT Park from Mactan-Cebu International Airport?

Travel time from Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Murals Hostel & Café IT Park is usually around 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions and time of day. You can use Grab for a more convenient and predictable ride, or take a regular airport taxi from the arrival area. For budget travelers, you may also combine a bus or MyBus ride with a short taxi or Grab trip once you reach Cebu City. Always allow extra time during rush hours and weekends.

What types of rooms are available at Murals Hostel & Café IT Park?

Murals offers a mix of dormitory beds and private rooms. Dorm options typically include mixed-gender dorms and female-only dorms, each with bunk beds, privacy curtains, lockers, and shared bathrooms. For guests who prefer more privacy, there are private rooms that usually come with a double or queen bed, air conditioning, a work desk, and either a private or shared bathroom. This mix of options allows solo travelers, couples, and groups to choose a setup that matches their budget and comfort level.

Is Murals Hostel & Café IT Park suitable for digital nomads and remote workers?

Yes, Murals is particularly attractive for digital nomads and remote workers. The hostel has an in-house café with tables and seating that function well as coworking-style spaces. Combined with reliable WiFi and a calm, creative atmosphere in the common areas, it is easy to set up your laptop and work for several hours. The surrounding IT Park area also has many cafés, fast-food outlets, and 24/7 establishments, so you can alternate between working at Murals and exploring other work-friendly spots nearby.

What amenities can I expect during my stay?

Guests can expect essentials such as air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, and daily housekeeping in common areas. The hostel provides fast WiFi, an on-site café for coffee and meals, common lounges for relaxing or working, and lockers for securing valuables in dorm rooms. Depending on availability and their current offerings, Murals may also assist with laundry services, tour arrangements, and airport transfers. While it does not aim to be a luxury property, it delivers a well-balanced combination of comfort, function, and style.

Are there food and dining options near the hostel?

There is an on-site café at Murals where you can enjoy coffee, breakfast, and light meals. Beyond that, one of the biggest advantages of staying here is the sheer number of dining options within a short walk. Cebu IT Park is full of local and international restaurants, fast-food chains, dessert shops, and coffeehouses. You can easily find Filipino food, Western dishes, Japanese, Korean, and more. There are also convenience stores and pharmacies nearby for quick snacks, drinks, or basic necessities.

Is the area around Murals Hostel & Café IT Park safe?

Cebu IT Park is considered one of the safest and most secure areas in Cebu City. The district has 24/7 security personnel, CCTV cameras, and a constant flow of employees, residents, and visitors throughout the day and night. While petty crime can happen anywhere, the environment is relatively safe for walking, dining out late, or working in cafés. As always, practice standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid flashing expensive items, and use reputable transport options like Grab or official taxis.

What kind of travelers is Murals Hostel & Café IT Park best for?

Murals is ideal for backpackers, solo travelers, digital nomads, and young professionals who appreciate a creative, social, and budget-friendly environment. It works very well for people who value location and convenience over luxury amenities. Couples on a budget may also find the private rooms a good fit. However, families with very young children or travelers seeking a resort-style experience with pools and extensive facilities may be happier choosing a more traditional hotel or serviced residence.

Can I work or study comfortably inside the hostel?

Yes. The café and common lounge areas are designed to accommodate guests who want to work, study, or read. There are tables, chairs, and power outlets where you can set up a laptop, and the WiFi is generally strong enough for emails, calls, and streaming. If you prefer variety, you can easily move between Murals and other coffee shops inside IT Park. Many guests stay here specifically because it offers an environment that supports both productivity and relaxation.

Are there quiet hours or noise concerns I should be aware of?

As a hostel with shared spaces and dormitory-style rooms, some level of noise is normal, especially during check-in times or evenings when guests socialize in common areas. Many hostels, including Murals, encourage respectful behavior and may observe informal quiet hours at night, but you should still expect occasional hallway or dorm sounds. If you are sensitive to noise, consider booking a private room and bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to ensure better rest.

How can I get to major malls and tourist spots from Murals?

From Murals Hostel & Café IT Park, it is very easy to reach popular malls like Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu via Grab or regular taxi, usually within 10 to 15 minutes. For tourist attractions such as downtown Cebu, Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, or viewpoints like Tops Lookout, you can also book a Grab car or arrange a city tour with local operators. Public transportation like jeepneys is available outside IT Park, but first-time visitors often prefer app-based rides for convenience and clarity.

Is it necessary to book in advance?

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during weekends, long holidays, special events, and peak travel seasons in Cebu. Murals is popular with both local and international travelers, and dorm beds or private rooms can sell out quickly. Booking ahead helps you secure your preferred room type, get better rates, and avoid the hassle of walking in and finding limited availability.

What should I bring for a comfortable stay at Murals?

In addition to your usual travel essentials, bring a padlock for dorm lockers if one is not provided, a reusable water bottle, and a small toiletry kit. Earplugs and a sleep mask can be useful if you are staying in a shared dorm. If you plan to work, do not forget your laptop, chargers, and possibly a small extension cord. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to Cebu’s warm climate, and a compact rain jacket or umbrella can be helpful during rainy months.

Cebu Hotel Guide