First Marriott-branded city hotel opens in Mactan

CEBU, Philippines — AppleOne Group has opened Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan, the first Marriott-branded city hotel on Mactan island, adding capacity to Cebu’s hospitality market as developers position the province for a gradual tourism recovery.

The 196-room hotel, which officially opened on Dec. 19, forms part of Mahi Center, a mixed-use commercial development owned and developed by AppleOne.

The opening reflects the group’s continued push into branded hospitality following the launch of the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.

Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan features 196 rooms across standard and deluxe categories, two flexible meeting spaces spanning about 256 square meters, an all-day dining restaurant and a fitness center.

The property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, reflecting a broader industry shift toward “bleisure” travel that blends work and short stays.

Located about five minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the hotel targets transit passengers, corporate travelers and short-stay visitors seeking proximity to commercial hubs and beach destinations. Its airport-adjacent location is seen as a competitive advantage as airlines gradually restore international and domestic routes.

“Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan represents more than just a new hotel,” said Dottie V. Würgler, multi-property general manager for Sheraton Cebu Mactan and Fairfield by Marriott Cebu Mactan. “It’s about creating a space that balances comfort, convenience and authentic Filipino hospitality at the gateway to Cebu.”

The opening marks the first operational milestone for Mahi Center, which is being positioned as a lifestyle and commercial hub in Lapu-Lapu City. Tenants include the city’s first ABACA Baking Company outlet, S&R New York Style Pizza and the return of KFC, alongside a growing mix of retail, food and service brands.

AppleOne Vice President for Hospitality Samantha Manigsaca said the project signals the company’s long-term commitment to Cebu. “We wanted to create a place that mirrors Mactan’s resilience and optimism—a space where people feel welcomed and connected,” she said.

Fairfield’s debut comes as Cebu’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to navigate uneven recovery, with developers betting that improved connectivity, branded accommodations and mixed-use developments will help sustain demand and support the province’s broader economic momentum.