Global Hotel Panama

Since the hotel shares a building with several commercial spaces, it doesn't look like much from the outside. But every square foot of Grace Panama’s interior is sleek and stylish. The intimate lobby opens to an expanse of polished marble flooring, frosted glass lighting fixtures, and transitional furniture, all in tasteful, muted tones. It’s sophisticated and upscale, but there’s nothing flashy about the decor. Given the hotel’s relatively small size, 54 EAST Restaurant and Bar is surprisingly large with a relaxed and quiet vibe at every meal. The rooftop deck is small, but there’s a purposeful feel to its design that’s more intimate than cramped. The deck houses a pool, a hot tub, and a small bar -- all with a chic, hushed vibe reminiscent of an outdoor nightclub lounge. Given the upscale appointments throughout and the fact that most rooms include only a single bed, the hotel is squarely aimed at couples.

At street level, the neighborhood seems like any other in downtown Panama City. The rows of office and commercial buildings nearby guarantee that it’s always busy, bustling, and urban, but not gritty. A few blocks in any direction, guests will find numerous restaurants, shops, and services. The El Carmen metro, a major stop on the city’s subway system, is eight minutes away on foot. The museum and ruins of Museo De Panama Viejo are 15 minutes away by car. The nearest major airport, Tocumen International Airport (PTY), is reachable in 30 minutes along a modern highway by car. The hotel can facilitate shuttle service for a fee. However, regulated taxi service and Uber rides are often cheaper and just as easy to arrange.

Room decor is soft and contemporary with an understated sophistication typical of the Grace brand. Transitional style furniture, white leather seating, tasteful use of wood and marble, and decorative gold accents all create a relaxed, upscale look and feel. Rooms in every category are spacious -- between 385 square feet (36 square meters) and 847 square feet (79 square meters) -- and offer similar amenities. Well-stocked minibars with premium liquor, large, flat-screen TVs with satellite service and Nespresso coffeemakers are all standard. In-room Wi-Fi is fast and free. Electronic do-not-disturb panels replace typical door hangers and add a touch of high-tech class. Wall safes large enough to accommodate a laptop are provided. Bathrooms are bright, spacious, and luxurious with separate private spaces for the toilet and walk-in glass shower stall. Upgraded rooms offer large soaking tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows for city views. Salvatore Ferragamo luxury brand amenities are standard.

For a 60-room property, Grace Panama offers an excellent list of amenities including a swanky rooftop pool deck, a bright contemporary restaurant/bar with authentic Panamanian fare, and surprisingly free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. The roof deck is small but spacious enough given the hotel’s small size. The entire floor accommodates an intimate pool and hot tub area, plus a tiny fitness room with modern equipment and spa with a limited treatment menu.

Off the lobby, 54 EAST Restaurant and Bar is in a large, bright space awash in beige marble, contemporary, nature-inspired accents, soft upholstered seating, and a muted gray-on-brown color palette. Breakfast (fee) is served buffet-style, while lunch and dinner are both a la carte. The menu includes Western-friendly fare, plus authentic local seafood dishes like grilled octopus, smoked Caribbean lobster, and seafood paella. Room service is available for a fee.

The business center is a single computer workstation in a closet-sized room clearly designed for printing boarding passes. Wi-Fi is free and fast in every common area; we found the service reliable. Free valet parking is a nice touch.