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Where to Stay near SM Seaside Cebu: Best Hotels, Condos, and Nearby Areas

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Where to Stay near SM Seaside Cebu: Best Hotels, Condos, and Nearby Areas

SM Seaside Cebu is one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia—featuring panoramic views of Cebu Strait, iconic architecture, Ocean Park Cebu, and proximity to the new entertainment destination NUSTAR. While this area offers world-class retail and leisure, the options for accommodation right around it are still developing.

However, select condominiums like Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Oasis at City di Mare now give travelers unique residential-style stay opportunities—just across from SM Seaside and IL Corso.

In this updated guide, we cover the best places to stay near SM Seaside Cebu, including hotels, serviced condos, and nearby districts.


Why Stay Near SM Seaside Cebu?

  • Direct access to Cebu’s premier mall and seaside promenade

  • Walking or short ride to Cebu Ocean Park, IL Corso, and NUSTAR

  • A peaceful, ocean-facing location ideal for families and weekenders

  • Short access to South Road Properties (SRP), airport connector (CCLEX), and ferry terminals


The Challenge: No Traditional Hotels “Next Door”

While SM Seaside is massive, it sits in the SRP zone, which is still under heavy development. Most commercial hotels are located in Cebu City proper, IT Park, or Fuente. However, City di Mare, a large mixed-use residential area, offers the best in-between solution.


The Best Places to Stay Near SM Seaside Cebu

1. Sanremo Oasis at City di Mare (Serviced Condo Option)

  • Type: Residential condominium

  • Distance to SM Seaside / IL Corso: 3–5 minutes by car or 10–15 minutes on foot

  • Available via: Airbnb, Booking, Facebook Marketplace

Why Stay Here?
Sanremo Oasis is a mid-rise, Mediterranean-inspired condo community inside Filinvest’s City di Mare. It offers a secure, quiet environment with resort-like amenities:

  • Swimming pool

  • Clubhouse and gym

  • 24/7 gated security

  • Units with kitchen, washing machine, Wi-Fi

Ideal for: Families, long-stay travelers, couples looking for independence and space


2. Amalfi Oasis (City di Mare)

  • Type: Higher-end residential condo (also available via Airbnb)

  • Distance: Slightly farther inside City di Mare—approx. 5 minutes from Sanremo

Why Stay Here?
Amalfi Oasis is larger and more upscale than Sanremo, offering:

  • Larger floor plans (2BR+ options)

  • Better privacy

  • Lush green courtyards and walking paths

  • Access to Sanremo’s amenities if registered

Great for: Families or groups seeking space and elegance


Nearby Hotels (5–15 minutes from SM Seaside)

Since the SM Seaside zone lacks traditional hotels, here are the top nearby alternatives:

★★★★ Luxury

1. Fili Hotel – NUSTAR

  • Located at the NUSTAR integrated resort

  • 5 minutes by car from SM Seaside

  • Casino, fine dining, sea views, spa

  • Premium 5-star experience

2. Summit Galleria Cebu

  • ~12 minutes drive via SRP

  • Direct mall access + pool + breakfast buffet

  • Business traveler-friendly


★★★ Mid-Range

1. One Central Hotel

  • Colon area, 10–15 minutes to SM Seaside

  • Rooftop pool, buffet breakfast, city views

  • Near historical sites like Magellan’s Cross

2. Southpole Central Hotel

  • Great value near the city core

  • A/C rooms, elevators, good Wi-Fi

  • Ideal for solo or short-stay guests


★★ Budget Stays

1. GV Tower Hotel

  • Basic but central hotel in downtown Cebu

  • 10–15 mins to Seaside via taxi

  • Great for ferry travelers or tight budgets

2. RedDoorz near South Bus Terminal

  • Strategic for onward travel to Oslob, Moalboal

  • Budget rooms with A/C and Wi-Fi


Travel Style Guide

Traveler Type Recommended Stay
Family Sanremo Oasis, Amalfi Oasis, Fili Hotel
Couple Amalfi Oasis, Fili Hotel, Summit Galleria
Solo Traveler Southpole Central, RedDoorz
Digital Nomad Amalfi Oasis (with Wi-Fi), Summit Galleria
Event Guest / Casino Fili Hotel at NUSTAR
Ferry Passenger GV Tower Hotel, One Central Hotel

Transportation Access

Destination Distance from SM Seaside Travel Time
Mactan-Cebu Airport 16 km via CCLEX 25–35 mins
Cebu Pier Terminals 7–9 km 15–20 mins
Fuente Circle 5 km 15–20 mins
IT Park 9 km 25 mins via tunnel

Getting Around:

  • Grab or private car is the most efficient

  • MyBus has stops at SM Seaside and IL Corso

  • Walkability inside City di Mare is excellent


What’s Inside SM Seaside Cebu?

  • Vikings Luxury Buffet

  • Ocean Park Cebu

  • IMAX Theater

  • TimeZone & Kids Play Centers

  • Fashion + tech + groceries + banks

  • Cube Promenade (great for photos!)


What Else Is Nearby?

  • IL Corso Mall – Waterfront mall with cafés, restaurants, events

  • Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod – A serene modern chapel

  • Nustar Resort & Casino – Cebu’s newest entertainment complex

  • CCLEX Bridge – Scenic rides or walks to/from Mactan Island

  • Heritage Sites – ~15 minutes away (Fort San Pedro, Basilica)


Sample Itinerary (2D1N)

Day 1

  • Check-in at Sanremo Oasis via Airbnb

  • Brunch and aquarium visit at Ocean Park

  • Stroll IL Corso Boardwalk

  • Dinner at NUSTAR’s Il Primo or Seaside’s Vikings Buffet

  • Optional casino night or live show

Day 2

  • Morning coffee at Seaside or the Cube

  • Final shopping or sightseeing at Chapel and Fort San Pedro

  • Check out and depart via Grab or MyBus


Pros and Cons of Staying Here

✅ Pros

  • Close to major new attractions (SM, IL Corso, Ocean Park, NUSTAR)

  • Quiet and scenic compared to city center

  • Options for condo-style living with kitchens

  • Ideal for south-bound travel or ferry transitions

⚠️ Cons

  • Limited walkable dining outside the mall

  • Grab or car needed for most outings

  • Fewer nightlife options compared to Ayala/Fuente


Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a stay near SM Seaside Cebu, your best options are not typical hotels—but residential-style accommodations like Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Oasis, or luxury stays at Fili Hotel inside NUSTAR. These properties are close enough to enjoy the best of SRP and the bayfront, while also giving you privacy, space, and convenience.

Whether you’re a family, couple, solo traveler, or long-stay guest, this part of Cebu now offers a growing range of well-placed, smart accommodation choices.


Frequently Asked Questions about Staying near SM Seaside Cebu

Are there hotels directly beside SM Seaside Cebu?

No, there are currently no traditional hotels directly beside SM Seaside Cebu. However, several accommodations are located within a 5–15 minute drive, including Fili Hotel at NUSTAR, Summit Galleria Cebu, and residential-style stays such as Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Oasis at City di Mare.

What is Sanremo Oasis and can I stay there as a tourist?

Sanremo Oasis is a residential mid-rise condominium located across the street from IL Corso Mall and close to SM Seaside Cebu. Many unit owners offer their condos for short-term rentals via Airbnb and Booking.com. These units typically include Wi-Fi, kitchen, and pool access, making them ideal for tourists or long-stay guests.

What’s the difference between Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Oasis?

Both are located in City di Mare and developed by Filinvest. Sanremo Oasis is more affordable and compact, while Amalfi Oasis offers larger, more upscale units and more privacy. Amalfi is better suited for families or guests seeking a more elegant and spacious stay.

Is Fili Hotel close to SM Seaside Cebu?

Yes, Fili Hotel is located at NUSTAR Resort & Casino, which is about 5 minutes away from SM Seaside by car. It’s a luxury 5-star hotel with casino access, fine dining, and scenic sea views. It’s ideal for high-end travelers or guests attending events at the resort or SM Seaside.

Are there budget accommodations near SM Seaside Cebu?

While the immediate area is more upscale, budget travelers can stay at places like RedDoorz near South Bus Terminal or GV Tower Hotel near Colon. These are 10–15 minutes away by Grab or taxi. For groups, renting an Airbnb unit at Sanremo Oasis can also be cost-effective.

How far is SM Seaside Cebu from Mactan-Cebu International Airport?

SM Seaside Cebu is about 16 km from the airport. Travel time via Grab or private car through the CCLEX bridge is around 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. MyBus and public transport options are limited and slower.

Is the area around SM Seaside walkable?

The mall itself and IL Corso promenade are walkable, but accommodations like Sanremo Oasis require a 10–15 minute walk along main roads. It’s generally safer and more convenient to use Grab or a private car when commuting between lodging and the mall area, especially at night or with luggage.

Is it safe to stay in Sanremo Oasis or Amalfi Oasis?

Yes, both Sanremo and Amalfi are gated communities with 24/7 security, private access, and controlled visitor entry. These developments are quiet and family-friendly, offering a secure environment for tourists, couples, and long-stay guests.

Can I find food and restaurants outside the mall?

Dining options outside SM Seaside and IL Corso are limited, as the SRP area is still developing. Most visitors rely on the mall’s restaurants or cook in their Sanremo/Amalfi units. For a broader range of food, you may need to travel to Fuente Osmeña or IT Park.

Is this area recommended for families with kids?

Yes. SM Seaside, IL Corso, and Ocean Park Cebu offer excellent family-friendly attractions. Sanremo Oasis also features a swimming pool and open spaces for kids. Fili Hotel and Summit Galleria provide upscale family rooms, and most Airbnb hosts at Sanremo offer full kitchens and child-friendly layouts.

How can I reach SM Seaside if I’m staying at Sanremo or Amalfi?

You can walk (approx. 10–15 minutes), take a short Grab ride (3–5 minutes), or drive. There are no official shuttles, so Grab is the most reliable choice. If you’re driving, both developments offer parking spaces, and SM Seaside has ample parking.

Are there coworking or work-friendly areas nearby?

There are no major coworking spaces in the SRP area yet. However, Sanremo and Amalfi Airbnb units often come with Wi-Fi, tables, and quiet environments suitable for remote work. If you need a professional setup, consider Summit Galleria or IT Park-based coworking spaces.

Can I use amenities like the pool at Sanremo Oasis?

Yes, if you’re renting a unit through Airbnb or directly from an owner, most include amenity access. Some buildings may require guests to register at the admin office. Pools, gyms, and function areas are reserved for residents and registered guests only.

What attractions are close to SM Seaside?

Nearby attractions include Ocean Park Cebu, IL Corso Mall, Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod, the Cube, and NUSTAR Resort. You’re also a short ride from Fort San Pedro, Magellan’s Cross, and the Cebu Heritage Walk in downtown Cebu.

Are there long-term stay options in this area?

Yes. Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Oasis are ideal for long-term guests. Units with full kitchens, laundry, and internet can be booked monthly via Airbnb or through local agents. NUSTAR’s Fili Hotel also offers extended-stay packages for business and leisure travelers.

What transportation options are available?

Grab is the most convenient and safest option. MyBus also serves SM Seaside but runs on limited schedules. Jeepneys and V-hire (van) options are not tourist-friendly from this area. Private vehicles or hired cars are recommended, especially if carrying luggage or traveling as a group.

What’s the best time to book accommodations near SM Seaside?

Book early if you’re visiting during Philippine holidays, weekends, or peak travel seasons like Holy Week and Christmas. Sanremo Oasis and Amalfi Airbnb units are limited, and Fili Hotel often fills during conventions and casino events at NUSTAR.