We were put here by COPA due to a schedule change. We expected a good hotel based on majority of the reviews we saw. However several things made us say "Never again". We asked for extra towel since we only got one. It took several calls before after 4 hours we finally got one. The food was horrible. Not only the food pay for by COPA but also on the regular menu. Meat was not available. Fish was cold and kept probably "au bain marie". To get a wine they needed 3 persons. wine selection was : White only one type, Red only one type. This is a international hotel ? the airconditioning was filled with what i would call airfreshner scent. horrible. some positive points: the bed was tremendous, TV and Wifi Good.
All hotel staff made this such an amazing experience. We lack in our Spanish language but they all went above and beyond to help us out. Hotel is in a great location with walking distance to pretty much everything. Pool is beautiful and extremely well kept.
A hotel to avoid if you are traveling with kids or planning early morning activities. Be aware that the policy of this hotel is to play super load music in the pool until 1 am, even on weekdays. So loud that we could sleep in the cabanas, next to the pool. One addition the hotel personnel is poorly trained, not familiar with the amenities of the hotel and unable to answer questions. Only the bell boy is capable.
My issues with this hotel: 1. Who wants to see their travel partners take a dump? Seriously, a glass door for the toilet going straight into the room is insane. Other design issues in the bathroom equally so. 2. Extremely busy with lots music until late (not great when you're traveling with a baby!) 3. Very slow service, both at the pool and in the (very pricey) restaurants. Waited 45 minutes for a pizza to be made, while our other order came out in 10 minutes... Positives: the staff may be slow, but they are friendly. Pool is very nice
The El Panama is my new favorite hotel. The pool deck is incredible and it was truly QUIET. The sounds of traffic do not penetrate the area and it truly is a respite. The rooms are a bit dated (the hotel is historic so it gets a little bit of a pass) and could maybe use a bit of a renovation but at the price point, its a minor factor. With that said, the rating is based on the incredible, dedicated service we received. From valet parking to check-in, the staff was professional and welcoming. Later in the night, the service we received from Orlando is why I am writing this review. We were a group of 9 and not once did he miss a beat. He was there refreshing chilled glasses for beer, remembered what everyone was drinking, was prompt to offer water, and provided the same service for those not drinking alcohol. He was able to serve food from multiple menus (different restaurants on the property) to "choosy" eaters and did so with a smile. We definitely made him put his service to the test and there wasn't a moment that a smile wasn't on his face. Also worth a mention was the breakfast staff--smiling while making custom omelettes for hungry guests and quick to refill platters and fill water. It is easy these days to find an airbnb or to go budget with a hotel. I understand the draw, but least we forget the true value of a hotel--the staff and the service you recieve. Based on those factors, El Panama gets a 5. Will return.…
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