Where to Stay in Carcar, Cebu: Hotels, Pension Houses and Nearby Resorts

Carcar is a 3rd-class city about 40 km from Cebu City, with around 140,000 residents in the 2024 census. In January 2022, Republic Act No. 11644 declared the whole city a heritage zone, to promote and preserve its cultural and historical landmarks, including all century-old architecturally significant houses. Its fiesta, the Kabkaban Festival in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria, runs from November 23 to 25.

In August 2023, the Department of Tourism also turned over a Tourist Rest Area to the city, with restrooms, a lounge, a tourist information area and a pasalubong center that sells local products such as Carcar's famous chicharon.

Ashley and Bill's Suites 'N Garden Hotel and Vacation Homes is on Padre Burgos Street, a short walk from the Carcar Rotunda, so it is the easiest base for the church, plaza and market. Booking.com lists rooms from about US$48 per night with air-conditioning, balconies, private bathrooms, free WiFi, free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a coffee shop, with a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10.

Pirate Galeon Resort is listed in Carcar with sea views, private balconies, a restaurant, a bar, an indoor play area, picnic areas and free parking, which makes it a good fit for families. Booking.com shows rooms from about US$39 per night and a guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. Since the listing gives no street address, check the exact location and the route with the resort before you travel.

• K and R Apartment (aircon room): on Barili Road, from about US$10 per night, with air-conditioning, a terrace, free parking and a shared bathroom. Guests rate it 8.1 out of 10.
• K and R Apartment (fully furnished home with balcony): a one-bedroom unit with a kitchen, private bathroom and parking, from about US$18 per night.
• JSS Pension House: in Barangay Can-asujan, from about US$35 per night, with a kitchenette, private bathroom, garden and free parking. Guests rate it 9.5 out of 10.

For apartments and pension houses, ask about check-in times, deposits and whether the bathroom is shared, because arrangements vary.

If Carcar's choices are full, the neighboring towns have more.

• Las Terrazas de Barili Private Resort (Barili): a private resort-style stay with a pool, garden and kitchenette, from about US$46 per night, rated 9.7 out of 10 on Booking.com.
• Bellissimo Minolos (Barili): a family-friendly resort with pools, including one by the beach, from about US$37 per night.
• BJs by the Sea (Argao): on M. Abear Street in Poblacion, Argao, with a Tripadvisor rating of 4.9 from 18 reviews and rates around US$27.
• Baluarte de Argao Beach Resort (Argao): in Suba, Poblacion, Argao, around US$30 on Tripadvisor.

For what to see in Argao, read our guide to Argao's torta, Mount Lantoy and old town. If you plan to dive or snorkel, Moalboal is about an hour or so further along the coast.

• Book early if you plan to visit during the fiesta on November 23 to 25.
• Some properties have only a few reviews, so read recent ones and confirm what is included in the rate.
• Ask whether breakfast, parking and air-conditioning are included, and whether there is a deposit.
• Bring cash for small meals, tricycles and local pasalubong.
• Carcar is only about 40 km from Cebu City, so a day trip by bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal is also an easy option if you prefer to stay in the city.