During my most recent visit to Panama City, I was a guest for three nights at the Hilton Panama, which opened in 2014 as one of the city’s newest luxury hotels. I’m predicting that this Panama City hotel will become one of the most popular with upscale travelers. Here’s why.
WHAT I LIKED BEST ABOUT THE HILTON PANAMA HOTEL:
• Scenic location on Panama City’s Avenida Balboa and Cinta Costera
• Amazing views from the lobby, fitness center, swimming pool and ocean-view rooms
• Handsome, contemporary yet subdued decor
• Great rooftop pool with excellent views
THE STYLE: The view is a big deal at the 347-room Hilton Panama — and with good reason, since this recently opened Panama City hotel has one of the most scenic locations in the city, along Avenida Balboa and the waterfront Cinta Costera. From the high-ceilinged lobby to the multiple restaurants, from the expansive fitness center to the ocean-view rooms, Panama’s magnificent coast and soaring skyline are a recurring décor element.
••••••
DON’T MISS: A Ride on the Panama Metro, Central America’s First Subway (VIDEO)
••••••
Contemporary yet not overpowering in its overall style and décor, the high-rise Hilton Panama opened its doors in 2014 and will likely become one of the more popular properties, thanks to its location, views and amenities. Like the nearby Waldorf Astoria — which was developed by the same company, marking the brand’s first foray into Central or South America (read my review of the Waldorf Astoria Panama here), the Hilton Panama is yet another example of Panama City’s continued upscale hotel boom.
••••••
DON’T MISS: 2014 LF Awards: The 10 Best Hotels in Panama City (watch for the Hilton Panama’s ranking in the 2015 awards)
GUEST ROOMS: I stayed in 2007, an ocean-view king room that was spacious, with a king-size bed and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unforgettable views of the Panama bay and skyline. The room featured a large glass work desk, a large sofa and coffee table, minibar, flatscreen TV and a spacious bathroom with glass-enclosed shower, vanity table and Peter Thomas Roth bath amenities. I especially liked the sophisticated lighting system, which allows guests to control all lighting in the room, as well as the temperature and “do not disturb” sign. WiFi costs $12 a day.
For a bigger splurge, consider the Executive level rooms, which are the hotel’s nicest accommodations, and come equipped with Hilton Suite Dreams bed by Serta, the Hilton Clock Radio with mini plug for MP3 player, turn down service each evening, bottled water replenished daily, terry robes, and access to the Executive Lounge. The Executive Lounge offers private check-in and check-out on the 14th floor, personal concierge service, free daily continental breakfast, and evening hors d’oeuvres and beverage service. (I was not on this floor, so I can’t weigh in personally on Executive level rooms.)
••••••
DON’T MISS: Panama Travel Tips: The Best Shopping, Restaurants & Hotels in the Casco Antiguo
••••••
HOTEL FEATURES: The hotel has three restaurants and four bars/lounges, including a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, and Society Café, which serves breakfast lunch and dinner and offers outdoor terrace seating with stunning views. A third restaurant is to open soon.
The hotel also has a spa and a large fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows and inspiring views. Business travelers can make use of the 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 1,100-person ballroom.
The rooftop pool is spacious and has lots of seating, as well as a great view of the bay.
A casino is to open on the first floor within the next few months.
••••••
DON’T MISS: Panama City: A Guide to Central America’s Best Bars & Nightlife (PHOTOS)
••••••
BEST FOR: Upscale leisure travelers looking for lots of amenities, great views and one of Panama City’s more scenic hotel pools, as well as business travelers in need of meeting and entertaining space, in a central location.
RATES: About $159 and up.
INFO & RESERVATIONS: www.hilton.com
HOW I GOT THERE: I flew Copa Airlines nonstop to Panama City from New York’s JFK airport. Read my review of the Copa Airlines flight here.