by Edge Javier |  photography Ian Javier

Checking into Mezzo Hotel Cebu this year felt like returning to a familiar rhythm—calm, steady, and quietly assured. In a city that’s often in a rush to impress, Mezzo offers something else: thoughtful and warm Cebuano hospitality with a sense of ease. Tucked in the Kasambagan-Mabolo district, the hotel has long been a trusted place for business travelers and weekenders alike. But this time, it felt different. There was a renewed sense of direction. Mezzo is leaning in—not louder, just clearer. And I came to see what that looks like.

This year, the hotel marked its 8th anniversary—not with fanfare, but with a quiet moment of reflection. It was a reminder of how far it has come. During the height of the pandemic, Mezzo didn’t disappear into silence. It opened its doors as a quarantine facility for returning OFWs and frontliners. The choice was simple but significant—service first. That decision stayed with the team, and now you see it in the little things: the way a welcome is offered, how a request is remembered, how nothing feels rushed. At their anniversary gathering, the atmosphere felt grounded and grateful. It was about people, growth, and the choice to keep showing up.

The hotel has always spoken this quiet language of elegance. The lobby, with its earth tones, curated textures, and gentle, ambient light, has long offered a warm nod to comfort—never a spotlight, always a welcome. The 186 rooms have undergone a quiet refinement. My Deluxe Room offered soft, breathable linens, reliable and practical tech (complimentary high speed internet access), a soothing color palette that invited me to settle in rather than simply pass through, and a gentle view of the city that framed the skyline without demanding attention. Even the standard rooms carry the same quiet dignity: functional, comfortable, and intentionally understated. Mezzo is no longer trying to be everything at once. It’s content with being well-designed, well-kept, and welcoming.

And then there’s the food. Dining at Mezzo used to be a complement to the stay. Now, it’s part of the story. Our meal was curated by Executive Chef Berkely Ng himself, a select collection of dishes that reflected both confidence and restraint. Café Mezzo’s new elevated menu is a thoughtful blend of flavors that span familiar and inventive. We started with the Fish Soup in Spicy Lemongrass—clean, warming, and subtly bold—and the Vegetable Miso Soup, a quiet comfort. The Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce was delicate, while the Sizzling Gambas brought just enough heat to wake up the palate. Mezzo’s signature take on the classic Pinoy beef pares—the Urban Beef Pares—delivered rich, flavorful broth and tender meat, yet remained surprisingly light and comforting. Meanwhile, the Crispy Pork Kare-Kare brought familiar flavors with a more refined edge. For something more continental, the Beef Stroganoff Bliss delivered creamy, unfussy warmth and ultimately became my personal favorite. The Banh Mi had just the right contrast of crunch and spice. We ended with three desserts that didn’t overdo it—a crowd-pleaser and a must-try, the Avo Crème Deluxe, the playful Coffee Jelly Bomb, and a comforting Brownie à la Mode. With prices between ₱160 and ₱420, the dining here is accessible, intentional, and satisfying without trying to impress for the sake of it.

Over at the Piscine Pool Bar, I found myself settling into an early evening drink under the last light of day. A cocktail in hand, a playlist that leaned mellow, and a space that didn’t ask anything of me. It was easy. Relaxed. Nicely done. Mezzo doesn’t try to manufacture a vibe—it simply lets one unfold.

Events still play a key role in Mezzo’s identity, supported by thoughtful upgrades that meet today’s evolving needs. The hotel houses two spacious ballrooms with flexible configurations and a total seating capacity of up to 1,000 guests. Adorned with classy chandeliers and soaring ceilings, these venues offer a setting that feels both contemporary and refined—striking the right balance between formal and inviting. Complementing these are four additional function rooms of varying sizes, nestled across the first and tenth floors, designed for more intimate gatherings, boardroom sessions, or breakout discussions. With upgraded tech for hybrid meetings and ambient lighting, Mezzo has evolved from being a venue of convenience to a space of intention.  

And this year, in line with its eighth anniversary, Mezzo launched “8 Ways to Celebrate, 8 Ways to Enjoy Mezzo”—a year-long lineup of offers and activities that feel considered rather than promotional. There’s “Last Fridays,” a monthly themed dinner buffet at Café Mezzo. “Stay and Savor” includes breakfast and dining credits at Café Mezzo or Piscine Bar with every overnight stay. The “Breakfast Specials” cater to professionals with weekday buffet discounts. Kids are included too, with “Artful Summer” workshops from April to May, and the upcoming “Spooktacularly Mezzo” Halloween party in October. In December, “9 Mornings at Mezzo” offers a special 9-day holiday breakfast spread in celebration of Simbang Gabi. Then there’s the Mezzo 8 Gift Card, a simple way to gift bookings and stays, and the Mezzo Exclusive Card, a loyalty program that includes access to member-only perks and seasonal discounts. It’s not loud marketing. It’s lifestyle made lighter, easier, more deliberate.

The location remains one of its strengths. Just minutes from Ayala Center, SM City, and key access roads, Mezzo stays close to the action without being right in the thick of it. At around ₱2,000 per night, it continues to be a practical choice that gives more than it asks in return.

And perhaps no one encapsulates Mezzo’s renewed identity better than its General Manager, Eve Marie Grace “Con-Con” B. Kintanar, who shared:

“After eight years, Mezzo Hotel stands as a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and refined hospitality in Cebu. We’ve weathered the challenges of a global pandemic and emerged with a renewed focus—not just on providing a place to stay, but on creating meaningful experiences that reflect the heart of Cebuano warmth and innovation. Today, Mezzo is more than a hotel, it’s a dynamic space where local culture meets modern comfort, where domestic and international business and leisure travelers alike can find a sense of purpose, connection, and belonging. Everyday is a challenge for us to do the best we can for the joy and comfort of our guests. Moreso, each day spells motivation to be the best that we can be in this broad spectrum in the industry. In Cebu’s ever-evolving hospitality scene, Mezzo Hotel continues to redefine what it means to focus on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and that is to serve with integrity, adaptability, sustainability and heart. Mezzo will continue to move forward with passion and dedication as long as we can while we can.”

So how do you make it Mezzo? You slow down. You lean into the rhythm. You order the kare-kare, take a long dip, sip something citrusy by the pool, and just let the day play out. Because at Mezzo, hospitality doesn’t shout—it listens. And in a city full of big gestures, that’s exactly the kind of presence that quietly stays with you.

Mezzo Hotel Cebu is located at F. Cabahug corner President Quezon Street, Mabolo, Cebu City, Philippines. For inquiries or reservations, you may contact them at (032) 231 0777 or email info@mezzohotel.com. Follow their latest updates on Instagram and Facebook via @mezzohotelcebu or visit www.mezzohotel.com.