Guests staying in our unit are treated like regularly-paying hotel guests. I would let them know you are coming, and when you arrive you would check in at the front desk to register and receive your key. You'd need to provide a credit card for any incidentals above and beyond the room (room service, charging the room at the restaurants/bars/shops, etc). Other than that, you'd be able to use all the hotel amenities for free, just like any guest, including the pool and the gym, which are both gorgeous. The hotel has a stunning spa, which you’d be able to enjoy if you purchase spa services. Additionally, the hotel offers yoga classes (they charge).
The hotel property is a one bedroom and all its furnishings are appointed and maintained by the hotel. Daily maid service is included. The bedroom is very comfortable, with a king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen tv, and sleek decor. The living room is a spacious place to relax, also boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, another flat-screen, and an L-shaped couch that folds out to accommodate these more people. There is an eating area and a kitchenette at the far end of the room. Wifi is available for free throughout the hotel. Here is the hotel's description of our room type (Rock Suite Gold Class: http://www.hrhpanamamegapolis.com/accommodations/rock_suite_gold.php)
The hotel is very secure; you need your room key to access guest floors for instance. It is a very safe place for people choosing to travel alone.
The hotel is a destination in and of itself. Imagine a popular resort, only in the middle of the city. There are many excellent restaurants, a very popular nightclub, and an open air rooftop bar. The open air rooftop bar is really special; it is the highest in the world.
Attached to the hotel is Multicentro, a mall with lots of nice shops, a grocery store, cafes, and a movie theater. Also attached to the hotel is the Paitilla Medical Center. Medical tourism is very popular in Panama; many people choose this particular hotel in order to be able to recover, post-op, in their luxury hotel room right next to their doctor’s office.
The hotel is in walking distance of plenty of sights… Among the most special is the newly renovated Cinta Costera, a stunning waterfront park that extends for miles along the city. It is a lovely place to retreat to, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cabs are easy to catch from the hotel for close jaunts around the city. Panama City has plenty to keep one occupied; watching huge ships pass through the canal at the Miraflores Locks; touring Gatun Lake; taking in the city vista at the top of Ancon Hill; meditating at the Bahai Temple; spending time meandering Casco Viejo, the old city, admiring the centuries-old buildings, eating in some of the best restaurants, visiting the theater; strolling the Amador Causeway; exploring Soberania National Park, a chunk of rainforest bumping up against the city.
Panama City is also a great jumping off point for plenty of day-trips. The hotel concierge would be happy to help arrange day tours of nearby towns, beaches, and forests. The rest of the country has so much to offer: stunning waters, interesting towns, beautiful mountains.
All that being said, visitors need to keep in mind that tourism is just now taking off in Panama. Sometimes customer service (or lack thereof), even in the best hotels and restaurants, can be mind boggling and frustrating. Visitors who are accustomed to truly world-class service need to know ahead of time that Panama is can be chaotic and confusing. You have to have a pretty laid back attitude and be willing to take hiccups in stride in order to truly enjoy yourself. It is worth it to set aside any type-A tendencies when you arrive in Panama, because the country’s beauty and culture are pretty amazing.
It is worth mentioning that the hotel reserves the right to enforce their conduct rules. In the case of loud or unruly behavior, they could refuse you access to the hotel entirely. Guests are required to be tidy, respectful, and quiet, not only by me, but by the hotel.
I hope you find this info helpful and that I've piqued your interest to do your own research on visiting Panama, and that you’ll choose our property for your stay!
Let me know if I can answer any other questions you may have.
