Summit Rainforest & Golf Resort

The Radisson Summit Hotel and Golf is named for its location on the Summit Golf course, which has been open for many years, but is it also surrounded on all sides by rainforest. In fact, it is one of the only hotels in close proximity of Panama City that is also located in the rainforest. This property creates an experience that’s close to nature, allowing guests to get a glimpse of the jungle atmosphere and unique wildlife of the region. For example, next to the outdoor pool there is a large wall mural showing photos of dozens of the exotic animals that live in the nearby forests. Some -- including sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and several varieties of exotic birds -- can even be seen ambling around the golf course or outside the hotel.

This family-friendly property includes two pools -- with a more shallow one that’s geared toward kids -- a kids' club ,and an outdoor playground. Business travelers, wedding guests, and golf enthusiasts also frequent the hotel. The light, modern lobby features soaring ceilings and a full wall of floor-to-ceiling picture windows that peer out onto the jungle foliage, creating a natural backdrop to the contemporary style of the lobby. The hotel’s simple (sometimes generic) decor reflects the rainforest, with natural woods and colors of orange and tan; the front desk is covered with bamboo siding. This hotel does its best to deal with the humidity and extreme weather that comes with being in the rainforest, but in several places the paint is faded and other updates are due.

The Radisson Summit Hotel is located on a golf course about a 30-minute drive from central Panama City, which could be shorter or longer depending on the city’s notorious traffic. It is situated northeast of the city, which places it in the middle of miles of uninhabited rainforest, close to Soberania National Park. It is only about a 10-minute drive from the famous Milaflores Locks of the Panama Canal. This Radisson sits in a very, quiet secluded location that’s not close to any other resorts or restaurants. There is a free area shuttle provided to take guests to places like the Albrook Mall. It’s a 45-minute ride from the Tocumen International Airport to the hotel.

The 103 rooms are bright and contemporary, with all the touches of modern-day technology, including flat-screen TVs, iHome stereos, extra power outlets, and input docks including HDMI connections. The decor is simple and a tad generic, with a neutral base of colors in beige and white, as well as dark wood furniture and pops of lime green and a signature orange shade seen around the hotel. Locally-inspired folk art hangs on the walls. Every rooms has a mini-fridge and coffeemaker.

The bathrooms are new and sleek, with modern subway-style tiles and granite countertops. The natural stone floors in the spacious walk-in showers with rainfalls showerheads lend an element of the outdoors. Further, most rooms have small balconies -- not large enough for furniture, but just big enough to stand and admire the views of the miles of tropical rainforest.

The executive rooms and suites on the upper floors have added amenities like vaulted ceilings, more square footage, and soft bathrobes. The Presidential Suite, the largest room in the hotel, includes a spacious living room and dining room area featuring a marble dining table, a wet bar, and abstract modern art pieces. The suite also features a walk-in closet and an extra-large master bath with a soaking tub.

The hotel offers two outdoor pools in a large pool deck area. The main pool is a sleek, infinity-style pool in a long rectangular shape. It is quieter and geared towards adults. Several nice padded lounge chairs with the hotel’s signature orange color are lined up along its edge. Next to the main pool, a large shaded area offers a number of outdoor couches and tables for guests to relax and hangout. The second pool is a medium-sized free form pool with a shallow section that is great for kids and toddlers to play in. The area is generally louder, with more games and kids splashing around. Outside, just past the family pool, there is a small outdoor playground with a slide. There is also an indoor kid’s club and game room close by. Overlooking the pool, there’s a small fitness center with a good selection of machines, though some are old and updates are needed.

The resort features nine meeting rooms and event spaces of different sizes for banquets, meetings, or weddings. Outside, a large gazebo can be set up for special events or private dinners. Perched on the edge of a hill, it overlooks the surrounding rainforest and the valley below. On one side of the lobby, there’s a business center with a few computers and a copier/printer.

One of the coolest features of the property is a lovely Butterfly Garden, housed in a large net just a short walk behind the hotel, at the edge of the jungle. There are several varieties of butterflies, some as large as your hand, and the staff can show you the process and where the butterflies grow. Nearby is a small Frog Garden where over 30 little frogs live, including the exotic Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and a few other species from the local jungles. A few jungle trails are available for self-guided walks.

The Summit Golf Course is a major feature of this property. The sprawling golf course cuts through the jungle in some places, where rainforest sits right alongside the greens. At less busy times, golfers might see some local jungle animals ambling along the course. There’s also a driving range and a kids' golf area. Connected to the hotel there is a nice pro shop with lots of golf-related goods.

Next to the pool, one of the hotel’s four restaurants, the Pool View BBQ Grill, is only open seasonally or for big groups. It offers casual barbecue fare in an outdoor setting by the pool. The hotel’s main restaurant is called La Jacana Restaurant, located next to the pool deck area. The complimentary breakfast buffet is included for all guests. The setting is contemporary and casual and the food is a mix of local flavors and continental fare. Next door, a favorite hangout of golfers who’ve just come in from the course is Mulligan’s Bar & Restaurant. This casual spot serves pub-style fare in a sports bar atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Bright lime green chairs brighten up the space, which offers several TVs and a pool table. Lastly, the Wasabi Sushi Bar in the lobby is open in the evenings, with cocktails and sushi served in a small, modern space.