I've been Kiwi Lodge (now Kiwi Hotel) loyal for nearly 10 years. It was my 'go-to' in Cebu. Safe, clean and with an open bar atmosphere wehere you could chill, talk to "knowledgeable" long term expats, shoot some pool and laugh along with the awesome friendly staff.The beer was always cold and the food tasty, cheap and plentiful. Even just for a long lay over (eg. ferry-flight) it was just so comforting to have such a reliable place at your disposal. Well, that has changed. The rooms are still basic & clean .... ya needed nothing more! But the hotel has undergone some changes via the new owners. Gone is the old bar, replaced by a starchy little modern concept that opens 6am-3pm (Yes - U read right - 0600-1500). After 3pm .... do ya best !!!! The new entry and closed in courtyard have some real ventilation problems ... I love this country's climate - but a closed in stuffy courtyard is not the ideal. The breakfast (which now comes included) is 'just' a small little menu ..... and be careful what u order. Juice, yes concentrate will cost u extra - but the dirty ice tea is free! Overall, I am disappointed with the direction the new owners have taken, Even the ever reliable friendly staff are a little confused as to just what is going on. There is nothing 'Kiwi' about this hotel, save for the NZ wall hangings ....... and any self respecting Kiwi or Aussie would be left wondering just why they kept the name. I have no idea what market the new owners are chasing ........... but sadly they have lost a long time supporter.

Staff allways helpful and smiling, bar and resteraunt with good service serving foods and cold beers. Nice clean rooms with room service every day. I would stay there again but unfortunately, 3 guests there who stay there regularly, were in the bar every day and evening useing the F word continiously, so I, and some of the other guests I spoke to will not go back to that hotel.