Our un-rainy staycation at Quest Hotel Cebu

We expected a rainy staycation at Quest Hotel and Conference Center, a 3-star hotel in Cebu City. But for some strange case of good fortune, the sun was up during that fateful weekend.

I'd be lying if I'd say that I did not welcome the drastic change in the weather. Aside from taking bright and un-gloomy photographs, it also fueled my nostalgia for the recent summer season that seemingly went by so fast.

I remember that it was a perfect lazy Sunday morning when RJ, Issa and I sat by the kiosk near the hotel pool. It was not as crowded as last night, but none of us took a dip that time. We just watched the few guests taking their mid-morning swim while we sipped our cocktails.Great bang-for-the-buck buffet restaurantDrinking a mojito might qualify as a rather anti-climatic end to our memorable stay at Quest. But it was in certain respects, what we needed to prepare us for the upcoming Monday blues.You see just awhile ago, we had a sumptuous breakfast at the Puso Bistro and Bar. Like most hotel breakfast spreads, this in-house restaurant offers a variety of Western dishes and some beloved local fares to choose from.They even had a roaming 'vendor' offering taho (soft tofu with brown sugar syrup and tapioca) which reminded me of the laidback mornings I had back in my hometown.

A rather upscale taho (soy/bean curd pudding) for breakfast, only at Pusô Bistro and Bar. Maayong Buntag from Cebu! #questhotelcebu #coolcleancomfy #staycation #taho #breakfast #foodblogger #foodblog #foodie #instafood #igfood #delicious #eatoutnow #eat #buffet #hotel #restaurant #cebu

A photo posted by Brennan Mercado (@brennan_mercado) on Jul 11, 2015 at 6:24pm PDT

But unlike most hotel buffets, Quest's Puso Bar offers great bang-for-the-buck. It's not as pricey compared to those in its category, but it has a decidedly better and wider array of dishes on display than most buffet places in the city.During dinner, I feasted on sashimi, sushi rolls, salads and seafood. We ended the evening with sugar-free desserts and coffee.Cool, clean and comfy roomsWe initially requested for a room with a 'pool view' during check-in. The hotel staff apologetically informed us however that all such rooms were still occupied. She then offered us a Deluxe Room with beautiful mountain views and the quiet neighborhood along Escario street.

The afternoon's natural light beautifully complimented our room's predominantely neutral hues.

Our 25 sqm room has the usual modern hotel amenities - a desk, coffee-making facility, mini-bar and safe. Over-all, it was clean, the bed was comfortable and the interiors were contemporary yet cool."If you want a room with a view, you might consider the corner rooms next time," Ian, one of the hotel's officers, told us as we visited Quest's various facilities.We can only agree with him when we entered one such accommodation. Aside from the illusion of space, the corner room exuded a sense of sophistication and even, success.

You certainly wouldn't mind getting cornered, if only for this view.

Strategic location for conventionsThe hotel also has conference halls for business meetings, weddings and conventions. Each is aptly named after Matthew Henson, Neil Armstrong, Meriwether Lewis, Sir Edmund Hillary and Ferdinand Magellan. They are adventurers, pioneers, explorers - all questors if you will, in their own fields.The MICE sector would really like the fact that Quest is strategically located right across Ayala Center in Cebu. This means that everywhere else in the city is just a jeepney or a cab ride away. But if you are not yet in the mood to explore the rest of the metroplis, you can visit the mall - try the local food scene, watch a movie perhaps and buy last-minute pasalubongs.At the end of the day, you can simply walk back to the hotel - take a long shower, order a drink by the pool and call it a night. Which was what my friends and I did, although in a different order, during our un-rainy staycation at Quest.

Summer drinks by @questhotelcebu's pool. This is not how our rainy staycation should have looked like but hey, we are not complaining. #questhotelcebu #coolcleancomfy #foreversummer #igtravel #instatravel #mojito #travel #travelPH #staycation #luxury #vacation #wander #travelnow #hotel #cocktail

A photo posted by Brennan Mercado (@brennan_mercado) on Jul 11, 2015 at 8:35pm PDT

It was already close to noon when we left the pool. We then packed our bags and proceeded to check out of Quest. As we walked towards the lobby, I entertained the thought of staying at the hotel on an actual rainy or even stormy weekend. It would probably be a different experience and I'll most likely ditch the mojito for a chocolate drink.Either way, I know that I will still have a memorable and comfortable stay here - its proximity to everywhere else, clean rooms and a buffet restaurant that provides a better value for my money.Indeed, for just a 3-star hotel, Quest Hotel has exceeded all my expectations.----------The blogger would like to thank Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebu for his complimentary stay. For booking, promos, and other inquiries, please contact:Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebucebu.questhotels.comArchbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City, 6000 PhilippinesTel: +63-32-402-5999 or 63-32-230-5888Fax: +63-32-402-5998 | E-mail: CebuInfo@Quest-Hotels.com