NUSTAR Hotel, the first ultra-luxury hotel in Cebu recently earned a place in the coveted Michelin Guide list of recommended hotels this 2025.
This distinction places NUSTAR Hotel among an elite collection of hotels worldwide, each recommended by the prestigious Michelin Guide for excellence in design, architecture, service, personality and exceptional guest experiences.
Michelin Guide inspectors are themselves seasoned travellers and experts in design, service and hospitality. They travel the globe and inspect hotels anonymously to ensure an unbiased evaluation. Hotels are assessed based on these five criteria and those which excel are recommended for the Michelin Key, a distinction that recognizes exceptional hotels.
A Landmark Moment for Cebu and Philippine Tourism
The addition of the NUSTAR Hotel into the 2025 Michelin Guide Hotel List marks a major achievement for the Philippine hospitality industry, which has long been dominated by international hotel brands.
“The NUSTAR Hotel’s presence in the prestigious Michelin Guide is a proud and significant milestone not just for NUSTAR Hotel, but for Cebu and the entire Philippine hospitality industry,” said Sean Knights, Chief Operating Officer of NUSTAR Resort and Casino Cebu. “This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional hotel product, allowing us to promote world-class experiences that celebrate Filipino culture, elevate service excellence and redefine the boundaries of luxury in the region.”
Along with the Fili Hotel which opened earlier in 2022, the NUSTAR Hotel opened in 2025 as the second of three hotels rising above the NUSTAR Resort & Casino, a prominent icon on the southern coast of Cebu City. The integrated resort complex is operated by Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI), the hospitality and development arm of Gokongwei Group. Since opening, the hotels have distinguished themselves as hallmarks of modern Filipino hospitality at its finest, blending premium accommodation, world-class service and deep cultural identity.
The NUSTAR hotel has 223 spacious rooms and suites and three expansive sea-facing villas. A defining feature of hotel is personal butler service, provided by a team of butlers trained by Heilbron Hospitality, one of the world’s most respected institutions in hospitality training.
This recognition by the Michelin Guide resonates beyond the hotel itself, heralding a breakthrough for Philippine tourism and the country’s confidence and readiness to welcome discerning luxury travelers seeking authentic and meaningful travel experiences delivered with genuine Filipino warmth.
More information and reservations are accessible from the hotel website www.nustar.ph or thru the Guest Services Center (+63 32 888 8282).
