ceebee100

I just came back from Panama tonight. I stayed 2 nights at the HGI, and one night at the DT. There isn't an EL and I wasn't offered an upgrade as a Diamond and I didn't ask. YMMV.

siliconflyer

Thanks for the feedback.
Will be there later this month. I got 2 nites on a 72 hour special dirt cheap on HH. So I will stick to it this time even w/o EL. BTW, was the breakfast decent?

siliconflyer

Stayed here 2 nites last week.
Breakfast buffet was in restaurant on 1F.
Selection was limited and no eggs to order. But quality was ok.
The restaurant was crowded even on a Monday after 9 am.

Have to ask for Diamond benefit including even bottled water and room UG. Otherwise you'll get zilch. Staff is polite but not communicative.

tormapleaf

I've never been to Panama. Planning a weekend trip, 2 or 3 nights.

Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn are 10,000 points. As a first time leisure visitor (Gold) which is best for a weekend stay?

Thanks.

ceebee100

My personal preference is the HIlton Garden Inn. The staff was very friendly, the breakfast was very good too and my room was clean.

arlflyer

Well, location isn't a big deal because they're all within 1 KM of each other. That said, the DT is technically the furthest in the direction that you're gonna want to be going in as a first-time tourist.

I'd go with either the DT or the HGI because as a Gold you'll get a good, full breakfast. Hampton will be Hampton breakfast. I have not stayed at the HGI but I stayed at the DT and one thing I really liked was the rooftop pool.

For 10,000 points I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the three, though do check cash rates because I have seen them dirt cheap sometimes - $60 with MVP etc. That's still a good 10,000 point redemption even at that price but if you have another upcoming need for the points where they could be put to even better use (C+P at an expensive property, putting you over the top on a fancy place, etc.) then that might be something to keep in mind.

Is this on one of those cheap AA F fares by any chance?

l3arefoot

Myself and a colleague are traveling to Panama at the end of the month for work. We both have Diamond through Centurion. Hilton Panama is relatively brand new about a year I believe. The Waldorf is a little older. Anyone have experience with upgrades at either hotel?

I have friends in the tourism down there, Panama has excessive hotel room supply and are dropping rates all over the place but of course these two properties don't seem to that much lower than what I usually see them for.

Thanks

jerry a. laska

You can read reports about the WA and the Hilton in their threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...ama-pan-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...ama-pan-2.html

There are also reports in the diamond upgrade thread from last year.

xenole

Getting into PTY around lunchtime on a Sunday next month and not flying out until the following afternoon.
Looking at prices and:

Hilton Garden Inn $69
Doubletree (El Carmen) $63
Hampton $69
Hilton or Waldorf $154 (or 16000 points + $65)

Is it worth paying 2.5x the price for the Hilton over the top 3 as they don't seem that far apart?

craigthemif

With a taxi $30 each way to/from the airport, you might just want to stay at the Crowne Plaza near the airport.

Assuming you are planning to do some sightseeing - the old town, the canal, etc. - you're taking taxis no matter what so you might as well save money on the room.

Panama City isn't really "walkable". The area around the three cheap HHonors hotels seems fine but it has never inspired me to walk down to the waterfront area where the more expensive hotels are. (even though Google Maps suggests it isn't far)

xenole

Well, I'm in Panama at the start of Nov for a day or two so will be seeing the canal then.
Basing myself at the airport then as I've an early flight out and it seems better to be in close proximity.

Was looking at being in the city for the Sunday / Monday morning as I can get out and about rather than being stuck at an airport with probably nothing around - nice to see something of the country as well! Spend too much time in airport hotels for overnights or in transit.

Budgeted for cabs after reading reports etc. Going to need to get to the canal on my first visit anyway (although still need to look at options for this).

kapitan

I have stayed at the Doubletree, Waldorf as well as the Hilton (which is quite new).

Doubletree is a rather basic hotel, which explains the price... but it is near to some shopping... I always felt unsafe walking along the main street facing the DT.

Waldorf is classy, very elegant, staff friendly and the last time I stayed there, they upgraded me to a large suite.

Hilton is right in front of the Waldorf, this was recently opened and comes with a casino in house. Everything about this hotel is new, can't remember much about this hotel except that I lost money at the casino.

satman40

If it's like the Veneto there should be plenty women around lose money on

sbams

Traffic from the city to PTY can be hell, that may also be a reason to just stay near the airport if your flight is early.

xenole

Planning on doing just that for the beginning of November stay.
Get in at 8:20pm on the Thursday and leave around 6am on the Saturday.
Hoping to get to see the canal on the Friday morning.

The second stay, 2 weeks later, gets me into PTY around 1pm on the Sunday and I'm not flying out until 4:50pm on the Monday which is why I would prefer being closer to civilisation.