We were pleasantly surprised when a “red man†received us at the charming lobby of the latest boutique hotel to open in uptown Cebu. Without a doubt we knew then it was going to be an evening of fun and lots of innovative surprises.
The Henry Hotel transported us into another era where European, vintage, industrial and rustic elements intertwine seamlessly in every corner and turn with a visual feast accentuated by snaps of colors, furniture, wall murals and pop-art paintings.
The Henry definitely lives up to its slogan of being a hotel “Like No Other,†full of personality and charm, and being the only design forward boutique hotel in Cebu to date.
Welcoming guests to its official launch that evening were The Henry’s chairman Hanky Lee, general manager Mirro Reperuga and the executive committee of its management company Hospitality International Inc. (HII), headed by HII founder and CEO Luis C. Monserrat. Hosting the event were Tessa Prieto-Valdes with Cebuano radioman Jiggy Jr.
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Free-flowing wine and canapés were served throughout the night with a side dish of soulful blues music on stage. Guests were also given a delightful tour of some of the 38 spacious and cozy rooms, which feature unique décor and distinctive in-room details. Astounding wall murals ranging from Marilyn Monroe, Moroccan windows, a lady posing on her vintage convertible, brick rooms, to pastel or brightly colored walls, impressed and enlivened the guests.
As the night progressed, invitees spilled over in batches to the different areas of the hotel that were conceived to deliver distinct satisfaction. The Reading Room, filled with books and magazines, was the perfect place to relax in between lots of wine and spirits. Laughter permeated at the in-house Rica’s restaurant where gustatory delights were served. Some opted to cap off the evening with cocktails and good music at the other facilities open during the day — Salon Lohas for some pampering and for those who need a bit of shopping fun, there’s the Virus Boutique located on the ground floor, which carries a variety of fashionable pieces. At the ground level is The Qube Art Gallery, which features works of contemporary artists from the Visayas and Mindanao.
The vision behind The Henry was of creating a revolution in the experience of the guests, making the accommodation an important part of the trip rather than just a place to sleep at night. The hotel’s visual appeal, compelling design and intimate service make it a place worth staying in and going back to. It is definitely becoming a must-stay place when visiting Cebu.