Hotel Ramada Plaza Panama Punta Pacifica by Wyndham

The towering lobby is bright, bold, and modern. Disparate, but tasteful elements including tufted lounge chairs, zebra-pattern wallpaper, a large crystal chandelier, and a marble water fountain all look upscale and thoughtfully designed. By day, the rooftop terrace with a pool and hot tub serves as the main social space, offering lovely skyline and bay views. By mid-afternoon, Fontanella lounge adjacent to the lobby attracts an equal number of hotel guests and local executives who tend to linger around the bar. The atmosphere is typically reserved, but lively. Like most Panama City hotels, it caters to a mix of travelers that depends on the day of the week. Weekends bring in families and vacationing locals, while weekdays see a flood of business executives.

The surrounding neighborhood won’t win any awards for charm. While it’s not especially drab or dangerous, it's mostly functional and commercial. One of the city’s largest, most upscale shopping malls, Multiplaza Pacific Mall, with a movie theater, numerous retail stores, and a handful of chain restaurants is less than five blocks away. The ruins of Casco Viejo (Panama City’s historic district) and the wildlife refuge at Metropolitan National Park are both 20 minutes away by car. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is reachable in 25 minutes and the hotel offers paid shuttle service. However, official taxis and Uber service are both cheaper options.

Room decor is surprisingly bright and contemporary for the Ramada brand. Hardwood laminate flooring, bold accent walls, and glass shower stalls with a cool, blue glow all combine to create a modern look. Every room is similar in size with a studio floor plan. The list of technology amenities is solid, including fast, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and optional iPod docks in some rooms. All feature mini-fridges and laptop safes, while a few upgrade to furnished, city-view balconies with limited views of Panama Bay. However, the proximity to a busy street and lack of shade means the balconies can be loud and unbearably hot. Stand-up shower stalls are standard in every category, along with generic bath products set on granite vanities.

The list of common amenities here is similar to mid-range hotels found throughout the city. The rooftop pool -- with bright, blue tile walls, an integrated hot tub, and a wraparound glass railing -- is this hotel’s greatest asset. Limited poolside drink and snack service is available depending on season and occupancy. An adjacent room houses a tiny fitness center with limited workout equipment and free weights, set in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows with lovely skyline views.The on-site restaurant and bar, Fontanella, is located just off the lobby in a bold space. Deep, tufted purple chairs, marble and hardwood flooring, and neon pink mood lighting create a look that borders on nightclub-esque. A free, hot breakfast buffet is served daily. The large number of selections is mostly Western-friendly (pancakes, eggs, coffee/tea service, and fresh fruit) with a few local dishes like dumplings and empanadas. Lunch and dinner are served a la carte and feature a more diverse selection that includes some authentic Panamanian dishes. The attached lounge is likewise classy, even swanky, with a full menu of beer, wine, and cocktails. Room service is available for a fee that’s more expensive than most area luxury hotels.A small third-party spa on the top floor provides basic massage treatments. Free valet parking is provided, as is fast, reliable Wi-Fi in every common area.