DoubleTree By Hilton Panama City

The wide lobby sets the stage for the hotel’s entire aesthetic. Polished marble flooring, faux leather seating, and polished laminate columns are all mostly modern with a generic executive feel typical of similar mid-range chain hotels. The look is crisp, bright, and clean, although some decorative elements show signs of wear. The expansive rooftop deck serves as the de facto social hub where guests gather by sunset to enjoy a cocktail. The vibe is often lively but never rises to an all-out party. Views of the downtown skyline from the adjacent pool and hot tub are fantastic. A small bar in the lobby serves specialty coffee drinks and a full liquor menu. However, the layout and small size of the nearby seating area hardly encourages guests to linger. Guests are a solid mix of families, couples, and business travelers, both locally and from abroad. 

The surrounding neighborhood of La Cresta is an upscale area with a mix of homes, condo buildings, hotels, and services. With dozens of restaurants, shops, banks, and businesses nearby, the vibe is bustling -- even frenetic -- but safe. The El Carmen subway station (one of the city’s busiest) is just three minutes away on foot. Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo district is reachable in 10 minutes by car, while the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal are within a 20-minute drive. The nearest major airport, Tocumen International (PTY), is roughly 30 minutes east by car via a modern highway. The hotel can arrange paid shuttle transportation. However, the city’s ubiquitous cabs and Uber cars are often the cheapest transportation options.

Room decor is typical of many mid-range chain hotels. Crisp white bed linens, a muted color palette, and simple, clean-lined furniture all provide a look that’s inviting but forgettable. Entry-level Standard Rooms offer studio layouts with either one king bed or two full beds. Flagship Suites upgrade to a 534-square-foot (50-square-meter) floor plan with dedicated living and sleeping quarters. The list of essential amenities in every category: flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers is as expected. The lightly stocked minibars include a handful of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. iPod docks and Wi-Fi are also provided, although the latter is only available via a paid daily plan. Bathrooms are bright and surprisingly spacious for a mid-range property. All feature generic bath toiletries and large, walk-in showers (some Standard King Rooms upgrade to a separate bathtub).

The hotel’s only restaurant, City Cafe, is modern and almost chic. Leather seating, glossy hardwood and marble flooring, and bold, blue lighting fixtures all add hints of sophistication and style. The atmosphere hums all day from breakfast until after dinner with a mixed clientele of hotel guests and local businesspeople. Every menu features a blend of mostly Western-friendly foods, with a handful of Panamanian dishes as well. Breakfast can be booked as part of a package, but it doesn't come standard with the room rates. Room service is available for a fee.

Like many hotels in downtown Panama, the rooftop deck offers a pool and a small hot tub. Only a handful of lounge chairs are provided, which is insufficient given the hotel’s size. A spacious outdoor lounge area nearby affords plenty of room to relax, however, with a drink from the small rooftop bar. Views of the city’s skyline are near-panoramic in every direction.

A large fitness room near the pool provides a decent selection of Technogym cardio- and strength-training machines. However, the room is dark and drab with drop ceilings. Wi-Fi is only available via a paid, daily plan. There's a simple business center with two desktop computers, a printer, and a photocopy machine. Free valet parking is provided in a staffed garage.