Not much is written about The Republic Of Panama.  While its Central American neighbour Costa Rica sees a lot of tourism coverage in international media, the same cannot be said for this isthmus of a country that nevertheless offers savvy visitors a variety of interesting attractions and exciting activities to make for a most satisfying experience.  In the cosmopolitan capital, Panama City, there is, thankfully, accommodation to meet the needs of travellers accustomed to high standards found in other parts of the world.

Hilton Panama’s Niba restaurant.

Positioned directly on the waterfront Cinta Costera in Panama City’s Marbella financial district, Hilton Panama provides its guests with stellar accommodation, exquisite dining experiences, and evening entertainment, all in a convenient urban location with views of the Pacific Ocean.  The ground-floor lobby, more a living room than a hotel lobby, is a precursor to the Reception lobby several floors above.  Another large sitting area flanks the vast Reception area. An enormous glass wall affords unimpeded views of the water, the coastline, and the ships awaiting transit through the country’s famous canal.  Some people surprised by the many skyscrapers of Panama’s financial district come to realise the city is a major banking centre and are reminded of its importance as the location of the Panama Canal, the vital waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans that has facilitated shipment of products across the world for more than 100 years.

Hilton Panama Presidential Suite bedroom.

The Cinta Costera is a kilometres-long ribbon of a park following the coastline of Panama Bay.  Although daytime temperatures and levels of humidity may discourage midday outings, the Cinta Costera is a favourite path for morning jogs and promenade for late-afternoon strolls to enjoy the balmy breezes that rise up as the sun sets over the Pacific—a novelty for those of us accustomed to seeing the morning sun over that body of water.  Not that would-be athletes need to leave the hotel to exercise; Hilton Panama’s gym is huge and well-equipped.  It is adjacent to the hotel’s spa, where various treatments can soothe aching muscles.

Hilton Panama’s rooms and suites come in various sizes and configurations. Still, all provide the anticipated spaciousness and services of a five-star hotel with the added bonus of the views and some unexpected facilities on the premises.  Among them is Room 2425, the Alienware Room designed down to the last detail specifically for gamers.

Hilton Panama pool.

The giant video screen, laptop, and dedicated gaming chair are the Alienware Room’s most apparent attributes, and the Alienware logo found on everything from the bed linens to the glass wall of the shower adds to the meticulous attention paid to this exceptional room.  Hilton Panama’s expansive Presidential Suite is a private haven of comfort and exclusivity that epitomises the same qualities throughout the property.

Elsewhere in the building, the casino is popular with visitors, and so is the Emotions theatre, where shows are presented several times per night, several nights per week.  The dinner theatre concept is well known in other parts of the world, but Emotions is unique in Panama.  For a more epicurean dining experience, Hilton Panama’s Niba restaurant offers a menu of appealing Panamanian and international dishes complemented by an adept team of attentive servers to ensure all is well from start to finish.  Come morning, an extensive breakfast buffet offers diverse local and international options in the hotel’s Society Café.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

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