Hilton Panama

LOCATION: This hotel is located on Balboa Avenue, one of the most exclusive areas in Panama City, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It is about two miles from Casco Viejo (the old city) and located an easy walk from numerous restaurants and stores. GETTING HERE: If flying into Tocumen International Airport, the best way to get to the Hilton is via Uber or a pre-booked shuttle. While the city’s subway goes to Tocumen, there is no stop located within an easy walk of the hotel. Taxis in Panama City have a reputation for overcharging. Uber is both reliable and less expensive than a taxi. (Indeed, during my visit to Panama City, when I could not walk to a location, I used Uber.) THE STAFF: The staff of the hotel is amazing. Those who work at the front desk were exceptionally helpful, the breakfast staff are diligent in taking care of patrons, and the restaurant staff – more on the restaurants coming up – are wonderful. ROOMS: The rooms are roomy and comfortable. Mine had a king size bed, large, flat-screen TV, a big shower, a chair and footrest, and a refrigerator. I loved the shower, which had a rain shower head coming off the ceiling. I found that housekeeping tended to stop by in the afternoon (between 3-5 pm). This was not an issue for me but could be for those persons who prefer to have their rooms made up earlier. I have no doubt that the staff would accommodate those who would like housekeeping to come by earlier. EATS: I guess the best place to begin is breakfast. I have stayed at numerous Hiltons, and this one easily has one of the most amazing breakfasts I have seen. Trying to do it justice is virtually impossible, but the huge variety of choices includes made-to-order omelettes, all kinds of hot items – some of which changed daily (including scrambled eggs, vegetables, chorizo, and bacon) – fruits, cheeses, breads, cold deli meats, yogurts, juices, cereals, and milk. There are several restaurants in the hotel (though one of them was closed when I was there). Niba offers Panamanian food (much of which is seafood-based) and Society Café is more American insofar as fare. Then there is the Emotions Dinner Theater. In addition to a terrific menu that includes sushi, Emotions has a theater aimed at giving patrons a taste of Las Vegas. You will want to make reservations in advance if you decide to go to Emotions. If you want room service, the hotel offers it. I found the price of meals comparable to what I paid in the restaurants. WORKOUT FACILITY: I always work out when I travel, and the Hilton Panama City has what I would regard as among the top three fitness centers I have used at any hotel. There is a wide array of Life Fitness equipment that allows one to work every part of the body. For those who like free weights, there is a leg press, a Smith machine, and dumbbells up to 50 pounds (plus a pair of dumbbells weighing 75 pounds). In addition, one can use standard and/or recumbent bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, kettle bells, and ropes. There are also men’s and women’s locker rooms. The gym is open 24 hours. The only recommendation I would have for the gym is the addition of some kind of stretching equipment, such as that made by Precor or TRUE Stretch. For those who enjoy a swim, the hotel has a heated outdoor pool surrounded by lounge chairs. Next to it is a bar for those who want a drink. From the pool, one can get a nice view of the city and the ocean. While I did not use it, the hotel also has a spa where one can get a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, and/or body wrap, and enjoy a sauna and whirlpool. FINAL WORD: This hotel, whether talking about the staff, the rooms, or the amenities, is simply wonderful. I plan on returning to Panama City, and I intend to stay here again.