A metre is about 40 inches, and an inch is about 2.5 cm. So, first into total inches, then take out as many 40s as you can, then multiply what's left.

5' 7" -> 5 * 12 + 7 inches -> 67 inches -> 1 metre 27 inches -> 1 metre 67 centimetres

Which isn't quite right, but is close-ish! And not really easy enough to call a shortcut either!