Where to Stay near SM City Cebu: Best Hotels, Areas, and Tips for All Travelers

SM City Cebu is one of the largest shopping malls in the Visayas and a central point for travelers visiting Cebu City. Located near the port, airport access roads, and major transit hubs, the area surrounding SM City Cebu is ideal for business travelers, ferry passengers, tourists, and shoppers alike.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best hotels near SM City Cebu, walkable areas, price ranges, and how to choose the perfect place to stay based on your needs.

Why Stay Near SM City Cebu?

Choosing to stay near SM City Cebu gives you:

• Immediate access to one of Cebu’s biggest malls

• Close proximity to Cebu Port (Pier 1–4) and the North Bus Terminal

• 15–25 minute ride to Mactan-Cebu International Airport

• Direct connections to MyBus routes and jeepneys

• Affordable to mid-range accommodations with convenient transport access

Nearby Areas and Their Appeal

Top Hotels by Price Range

★★★★☆ Luxury Hotels (₱4,000+ per night)

1. Radisson Blu Cebu

• 2-minute walk from SM City Cebu

• 5-star service, pool, spa, and a massive buffet

• Ideal for business, luxury, and family stays

2. Bai Hotel Cebu (North Reclamation – Mandaue side)

• Modern hotel with rooftop bar, infinity pool, gym

• About 10 minutes from SM City Cebu via Grab

• Great for business travelers and staycations

★★★ Mid-Range Hotels (₱1,500–₱3,500 per night)

1. Bayfront Hotel Cebu – North Reclamation

• Right across from SM City Cebu

• Business-class rooms, in-house café, and function halls

2. Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo

• Budget-friendly with clean rooms and friendly staff

• 10–12 minutes walk to SM Mall

3. Big Hotel (near Parkmall, 10–15 mins ride)

• Artsy boutique hotel with good breakfast and coworking vibe

4. Leope Hotel

• Affordable hotel 5 mins away via taxi or 15-min walk

• Clean, secure, with parking and in-house dining

★★ Budget Options (₱500–₱1,400 per night)

1. Sugbutel Family Hotel

• Dorm beds and private rooms

• Near the port and SM City Cebu (8-min walk)

• Ideal for backpackers and ferry passengers

2. Express Inn Cebu Mabolo

• Low-cost hotel with basic rooms and A/C

• Around 10–15 minutes walking distance to SM

3. Alicia Apartelle (extended stays)

• Slightly further out, but good for long-term travelers

• Includes kitchenette and pool access

Travel Style-Based Recommendations

For Business Travelers

• Radisson Blu Cebu: Walking distance to mall and business centers

• Bayfront Hotel Cebu: Great value and conference-ready

• Bai Hotel: Executive vibe, strong Wi-Fi, gym

For Couples

• Radisson Blu Cebu: 5-star amenities for romantic stays

• Big Hotel: Modern rooms with stylish flair

• Cebu R Hotel: Affordable and cozy with nearby dining

For Solo Travelers

• Sugbutel Family Hotel: Dorms for social stays

• Leope Hotel: Quiet and simple, with affordable rates

• Express Inn Cebu: Central and no-fuss

For Families with Kids

• Radisson Blu Cebu: Pool, breakfast buffet, walking distance

• Bayfront Hotel: Spacious rooms and kid-friendly options

• Alicia Apartelle: Has kitchenette and pool for longer family stays

Walking Distance Guide from SM City Cebu

Nearby Transportation Hubs

• Cebu Pier Terminals (1–4) – 5–10 minutes via taxi or Grab

• North Bus Terminal – 3 minutes away by taxi or jeep

• MyBus Terminal – Located at the SM City Cebu parking area

• Mactan-Cebu International Airport – 20–30 minutes by Grab

Advantages of Staying in This Area

• Accessibility: The most well-connected district for intercity and inter-island travel

• Shopping: SM has supermarkets, cinemas, global brands, banks, clinics, and food courts

• Food choices: From fast food to buffet restaurants and Korean BBQ

• Safety: North Reclamation Area has security, lighting, and Grab availability

Alternatives Nearby if SM Area Hotels Are Full

• IT Park: More lifestyle-focused with cafes and co-working spaces; 15 mins by taxi

• Ayala Center Cebu: More upscale options like Quest, Seda, and Red Planet; 10 mins drive

• Mandaue City: Bai Hotel and other mid-range options closer to Parkmall

Local Tips

• Book in advance during holidays, ferry peak times, and Sinulog Festival

• Use Grab for convenience and pricing transparency

• Check ferry schedules early if you’re heading to Bohol, Leyte, or Negros

• Avoid walking late around portside streets; use transportation at night

• ATM access is easy at SM Mall and nearby banks

Dining Options Around SM City Cebu

• Inside the Mall: Vikings Buffet, Mesa, Bonchon, Coffee Bean, Chowking

• Nearby: Rico’s Lechon (for Cebu-style roasted pork), Harbour City (Dimsum)

• Local Eats: Carenderias and BBQ stalls within 10-min walk from the hotel zone

What’s Nearby Besides SM City?

• Robinsons Galleria Cebu – Upscale shopping + office complex, 5 mins away

• Cebu Port Authority – For ferry connections

• Mactan Bridge – For airport or island hopping trips

• Fort San Pedro – 15–20 mins away, Cebu’s oldest colonial military defense

• Casa Gorordo Museum – Cultural heritage stop in Parian area

Sample Itinerary (2 Days near SM City Cebu)

Day 1

• Check in at Bayfront Hotel

• Lunch and shopping inside SM

• Sunset coffee at Radisson Blu lobby

• Dinner at Rico’s Lechon or buffet at Vikings

Day 2

• Early breakfast and checkout

• Quick visit to Casa Gorordo or Fort San Pedro

• Grab ride to the ferry terminal or airport

Final Thoughts

Staying near SM City Cebu is the perfect choice for travelers who value location, convenience, and transport access. Whether you’re heading to the port, airport, or just need a shopping day before your island getaway, this area offers something for every budget and travel style.

With a mix of high-end hotels like Radisson Blu and budget favorites like Sugbutel, the SM City area is one of Cebu’s most strategic and traveler-friendly places to stay.