During my recent trip to Panama City, Panama to research material for the 2016 edition of the Fodor’s In Focus Panama guide book, I stayed at the Hampton by Hilton Panama, which marked the Hampton brand’s debut in Panama when it opened a few months ago.
This is the latest of Hilton’s openings in Panama; the Hampton provides a noteworthy, value-priced alternative to the company’s other properties here, including the Hilton Panama and the Waldorf Astoria Panama (click on the names to read my reviews of those properties). Here’s a detailed review of my experience at the Hampton by Hilton Panama.
THE STYLE: In Latin America, Hilton’s limited-service Hampton Inn & Suites hotel brand is slightly different from what you might expect in the United States (right down to the name; in Panama, it’s called Hampton by Hilton). This Panama City hotel, which opened in the centrally located El Cangrejo neighborhood in 2014, features a rather stylish modern lobby with high ceilings, eye-catching photography and an attractive bar and restaurant area that’s also the setting for the free daily breakfast buffet.
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GUEST ROOMS: The hotel has 108 guest rooms, including 12 suites. I stayed in suite 902, which was spacious and comfortable, with a large living room, one and a half bathrooms and flat-screen TVs in both the living room and bedrooms, both of which were large and benefitted from nearly floor-to-ceiling windows that let in lots of natural light (especially in the bedroom, which is a corner room). Bathrooms are furnished with Neutrogena bathroom amenities, and the rooms have safe deposit boxes and free WiFi. Two of my favorite features in Hampton guest rooms: the lap desk, which is great for working in bed, and the list of cable TV channels, so I don’t have to blindly shuffle among dozens of channels looking for something good to watch (of course I love the free WiFi too).
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HOTEL FEATURES: As mentioned, the Hampton brand in Latin America is not quite the same as what you get in the states. Unlike most Hampton Inns in the United States, the Hampton by Hilton Panama has a restaurant and bar with a limited menu in the contemporarily styled lobby area, as well as room service. A buffet-style breakfast is included, with a variety of hot and cold food choices (including the ever-popular Hampton waffles, as well as some Panamanian specialties like carimañolas). Free property-wide WiFi and free indoor parking are additional selling points, as is the rooftop swimming pool and fitness center.
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BEST FOR: Business and leisure travelers looking for a reasonably priced hotel with a central location, within walking distance of dining, shopping and the Metro. It’s also good for travelers who are members of the Hilton HHonors program who are looking to accrue or redeem points.
ROOM RATES: $79 and up.
MORE INFO: www.hilton.com
HOW I GOT THERE: I flew Delta Air Lines nonstop to Panama City from Atlanta (and I loved the first-class service). Read my review of the Delta Air Lines flight here.