Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis

Standing 66 floors high, the huge Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis stands out amongst the surrounding landscape. The interiors are similarly expansive, with a large marble lobby that houses a bar, seating arrangements, and a gift shop. Similar to other Hard Rock properties, there's music paraphernalia throughout -- such as a drum set, guitars, and encased outfits worn by artists that include Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Cher. Cheeky song lyrics are posted around the property, such as "Baby You Can Drive My Car" over the valet stand. The property has mostly contemporary furnishings, plus some over-the-top glam rock decor, such as the bedazzled bar at Bling Nightclub and metallic tufted ottomans at Bits Roof Lounge. Due to the extensive bars and lounges available, the hotel is often packed with both guests and locals; this is particularly true at Bits Roof Lounge, a 62nd-floor with excellent panoramic views. Note that past guests have complained of long wait times for elevators and many staff members do not speak English. The property mostly sees vacationing couples, while the several meeting spaces bring in a fair number of business travelers. 

The Hard Rock hotel Panama Megapolis is centrally located in Panama City, near plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping. In fact, a walkway connects the hotel to Multicentro Mall and a casino. Calle Uruguay, an area popular for nightlife, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The historic district Casco Viejo is about a 20-minute drive away. The Hard Rock Hotel has views of Panama Bay and the surrounding city, the best being from the higher floors. Tocumen International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. There are plenty of cabs at the entrance, but past guests have reported being charged more than cabs found down the street. There's also free valet parking.

The 1,463 rooms and suites at the hotel are all decorated in a similar contemporary, albeit somewhat generic, style -- think dark wooden furniture, purple accent walls, and tile floors. Pops of color, mostly orange and purple, can be found in chairs, throw pillows, and various objects such as the bathroom tissue box. Some rooms also have colorful artwork of musicians. Standard amenities are flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, safes, bathrobes, and ironing facilities. All rooms have water and snacks for sale, while suites also have a minibar. Modern bathrooms have large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, a full range of toiletries, and hairdryers. Suites have separate living areas, and some have furnished balconies with excellent views. Note that some guests have complained that noise from the street-level and 62nd-floor nightclub can reach nearby rooms. 

Though it's small for the size of the property, the infinity pool is sleek and has scenic views of the neighboring buildings. It has an adjacent shallow kiddy pool, and is surrounded by purple-cushioned loungers and a pool bar with ample seating. On the same level are five above-ground hot tubs next to shaded couches. The full-service spa has pretty mosaic tiling, hot tubs, and an extensive treatment menu -- the more unique options being chromatherapy and facials for kids. There's also a beauty salon for hair and nail treatments. The spacious 24-hour fitness center has ample modern equipment, including cardio and weight-training machines, free weights, and bikes used for spin classes. One of the more popular features is the Bits Roof Lounge, located on the 62nd floor; it has excellent panoramic views and sees both locals and guests. However, it's sometimes closed for private events. The other nightclub, Bling, has glam rock decor and is located on the lower level. For children and teens, there is a kids' club with a Wii station, foosball tables, and small drum set. A business center has multiple computers and a printer, and Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property. There are also multiple meeting and event spaces for business groups or weddings. 

There are four restaurants at the property, and all-inclusive packages are available. A varied buffet spread is available at Bazaar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The upscale Tauro steakhouse is filled with framed portraits of musicians and is open for lunch and dinner. The modern restaurant Soy serves a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, such as miso grouper and soy barbecue ribs. Ciao is a casual eatery serving tapas-style plates and pizzas. Additionally, a juice bar is open all day and Express-o serves coffee and grab-and-go food items.There are multiple bars throughout the hotel, including at the previously mentioned nightclubs. Other options include Base Bar in the lobby and Stage, which has live entertainment.