This Boutique Hotel in Mandaue Turns Cebu's Industrial Hub Into a Travel Destination
As the first outpost in the Philippines, Radisson RED Cebu makes a case for an artsy stay in Mandaue.
Published on Jun 10, 2026
For travelers who find their way to the Queen City of the South, its neighbor, Mandaue City, might be unmarked territory for a potential vacation. After all, the city sandwiched between Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City is best known for its industrial roots and business district, making it an unlikely choice for those seeking a leisurely escape.
But rising beside the growing Astra Lifestyle Center is a hotel that offers a different perspective on Mandaue. Rendered in a striking scarlet hue, Radisson RED brings a more playful energy to a city in transition. Here’s what to expect when checking in.
What Is Radisson RED?
While many Cebu regulars are already familiar with Radisson Blu, Radisson RED is its younger, more rule-bending sibling. Defined by its personality, it brings together the international hotel brand with a design-leaning approach rooted in art, music, and social spaces.
The property marks the first Radisson RED in the Philippines, joining a portfolio that includes locations in cities such as Vienna, Glasgow, and Cape Town. Yet despite sharing the same global DNA, the Cebu outpost makes a point of grounding itself in its surroundings.
“What makes Radisson RED Cebu unique is its strong connection to Cebu’s culture, creativity, and warm hospitality,” general manager Prakash Ganesan told Preview in an interview. “While every Radisson RED property shares the same bold, lifestyle-driven DNA, each is designed to reflect its local destination.”
The timing also feels intentional. Mandaue continues to evolve beyond its industrial reputation, and Prakash noted that both Radisson Hotel Group and property developer Cebu Landmasters saw an opportunity in the city's changing landscape and growing young population.
“The ideal Radisson RED Cebu guest is a modern, experience-driven traveler who values creativity, connection, and authenticity,” Prakash said. “Unlike the traditional luxury traveler who may prioritize formality and exclusivity, the Radisson RED guest prefers a more relaxed, expressive, and lifestyle-focused experience.”
Staying at Radisson RED
Radisson RED sits directly beside Astra Lifestyle Center, a mixed-use development that’s still gradually taking shape. Against the neutral tones of its surroundings, the hotel’s pops of bright red in its facade are difficult to miss–and so is the cheerful mascot standing by the entrance.
If other Radisson RED hotels across the globe have their own mascot indicative of their culture, Cebu has Piggy Boy, a guitar-wielding, crown-wearing anthropomorphic pig that mixes the best of Cebu’s symbols, like Lapu-Lapu City’s famous guitars, the moniker “Queen City of the South,” and, of course, lechon.
Inside the lobby, another distinctly local touch commands attention: a sculptural jeepney installation by Cebuano designer and furniture maker Vito Selma. Positioned at the corner, the life-size piece reimagines one of the country’s most recognizable modes of transportation as a lounge area.
According to Prakash, the hotel intentionally sought out works that tell stories about Cebu. “We look for artists and artworks that reflect the spirit of Cebu,” he said. “The jeepney installation by Vito Selma is a strong example. It reimagines an iconic Filipino symbol through contemporary design and aligns with the personality of the brand.”
The local storytelling continues throughout the property. Artwork by Cebu-based creatives lines corridors and public spaces, while photography inspired by local culture appears in guest rooms. Even before heading upstairs, guests can stumble upon a playful surprise in a little nook near the elevators—a digital camera left out for visitors who feel compelled to snap a quick selfie.
The Accommodations
I stayed in a Deluxe King Room on the ninth floor, where large windows offered sweeping views of Mandaue City and Cebu’s distant highlands.
The hotel's visual identity carries through to the rooms. Splashes of red appear throughout the space, alongside the familiar Radisson RED iconography of the woman in the hat. Here, however, she receives a local makeover, often depicted wearing a Filipiniana.
In the corner of the room, a Nespresso machine sits beside the minibar, while the television comes equipped with mirror-casting capabilities. Complimentary bottled water, bathrobes, slippers, and reliable Wi-Fi round out the essentials.
One of the room’s more memorable details, however, is the vintage-style telephone perched on the desk. Designed to resemble an old rotary phone, it’s one of the signature elements found across Radisson RED properties worldwide.
As Prakash explained, the telephone is part of the brand’s design DNA across the globe. It may look old-school, but instead of spinning a dial, guests simply press modern buttons hidden within the retro silhouette.
Room rates: Starts at P7000
The Amenities
Dining
Sitting at the core of the dining experience is OUIBar, the property’s all-day restaurant and social hub.
Over the course of our stay, we sampled everything from breakfast to dinner buffets, where familiar Asian favorites mingled with Filipino staples. One lunch spread included everything from spicy Korean chicken to local comfort food, reflecting the hotel’s broader mix of international and local influences.
The restaurant’s interiors remain unmistakably RED, with bold colors, graphic artwork, and playful design details throughout. On a large canvas is a photograph of a woman diving into the famous sardine run in Moalboal—which, according to the Radisson RED team, is actually Cebu native and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Gomez.
The atmosphere also reflects what sets the brand apart. During a group interview, Prakash described how the hotel aims to blur the line between dining and entertainment. On select evenings, DJs provide the soundtrack while bartenders perform flair routines, which are small touches that keep with the social, energetic identity.
Pool, Gym, and Social Spaces
Some exploration led us to the third floor, the leisurely spot of the property that could be described as the hotel’s playground. Exiting the elevator, we’re greeted by a foosball table, and further on, steps lead to The RED Deck, the property’s bar beside a pristine blue pool overlooking Astra Lifestyle Center and the surrounding cityscape. There’s a crossroads here, as some can choose to have a drink or two, while others can venture further into another room where the gym is located. Upstairs, by the spiral staircase, we even found the space where yoga classes are set to be held.
Of course, it's not all play and no work. On the fifth floor, meeting rooms and event spaces cater to everything from corporate gatherings to smaller celebrations. It’s one reminder that while Radisson RED embraces a more casual personality, it hasn’t abandoned the practicalities expected of a city hotel.
Radisson RED Cebu is located at Astra Centre, A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines. For more information and bookings, visit its official website.
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.