HotelChatter - pa

Art Appraisal: The Octopus Room at Tantalo Hotel

ASchechter — 2013-04-17T09:05:43-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/Tantalo_Panama_Art_Octopus_Front.jpg" class="top">It was sheer luck that we happened to catch up with the General Manager of <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2012/3/13/92338/6636/hotels/The_Tantalo_Hotel_Will_Satisfy_Your_Hunger_For_Art_and_Killer_Views"><a href='http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel/local/5336'>Tántalo Hotel</a></a> in <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/city/Panama%20City">Panama City</a> several months ago. We were visiting Casco Viejo for lunch, and when we ended up (on the recommendation of several locals) at Tántalo Kitchen, the hotel's ground floor restaurant, we figured we'd better ask for a tour. A few of the things Tántalo has going for it are: an excellent location right in the heart of Casco Viejo; a hip, young crowd constantly streaming through the doors all day long, and, most importantly, a truly tantalizing collection of murals, photographs, paintings and quirky furniture scattered around the entire hotel. There are only 12 rooms total,

Will Panama's Antiguo Club Union Ever See the Light of Day?

ASchechter — 2013-03-20T09:17:27-05:00

Lately we've been taking a closer look at abandoned hotels, and recently on a walk through Panama's historic Casco Viejo district, we spotted a place in desperate need of some ~~loving~~ deep-pocketed investor to get the ball rolling again.

The crumbing Antiguo Club Union on First Street was built in 1917 and functioned for years as an exclusive members-only club for Panama's elite—former dictator Manuel Noriega even took over the club during his reign in the 1980s. However, since then, the historic building has fallen into disrepair, and these days, its shabby, weed-choked exterior is mostly just an eyesore along one of Panama's most scenic streets.

So, what's the deal?

Confessions of a Hotel Bartender, Vol 1: Trump Panama

ASchechter — 2013-03-12T09:32:37-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/Trump_Panama_Cava_15_Bartender.jpg" class="top"> We recently saddled up to Cava 15 at the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Trump+Ocean+Club+International+Hotel+%26+Tower/local/4809">Trump Ocean Club</a> in Panama. While sipping on a (what else?) Panama beer, we struck up a conversation with the bartender, who went by Jack the Ripper. Out chat went something like this HotelChatter: So, being a hotel bartender and all, we're guessing you like to drink? Jack the Ripper: Yes, but I don't like to overdo it. I only drink to enjoy. HC: That's very wise. When did you decide that? JTR: Well, I used to work on cruise ships, quite far from Panama, far from my country. I'd be gone eight months at a time, and when I came home, I discovered that after two

Digging for Gold At the New Waldorf-Astoria Panama

ASchechter — 2013-03-11T12:32:59-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/Waldorf_Astoria_Panama_Guest_Room_Gold.jpg" class="top">We've been waiting on this one for a while, and now, <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2011/1/26/82617/2716/hotels/Waldorf_Astoria_Will_Also_Open_in_Berlin_and_Panama_in_Late_2011">over a year</a> behind schedule, the <a href="">Waldorf Astoria Panama</a> is finally here. The 130-room hotel is in its soft opening phase right now (meaning, fancy private parties for rich people), but that'll all change by the end of this week when the hotel officially opens on Friday. The hotel is located on a quiet little side street in the center of the city, just two blocks from Cinta Costera, a popular pedestrian strip that hugs the Pacific coastline. Close to it are other hotel neighbors like the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/Intercontinental%20Hotels">InterContinental</a> and <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Le+Meridien+Panama/ian/326406">Le Meridien</a>, though in terms of luxury service and design, this place is definitely

Do a Raindance at The Westin Playa Bonita's New Spa

ASchechter — 2013-02-27T09:03:45-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/Westin_Panama_Playa_Bonita_Spa.jpg" class="top">The 611-room <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/Panama%20Hotels">Westin Playa Bonita</a> got plenty of attention when it opened in 2011 as Panama City's newest beach resortno thanks to an all-night, Carnival-style grand opening party on the beach, complete with fireworks, Latino pop stars, and an estimated 3400 guests (<a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2012/1/29/172057/673/hotels/Guests_Got_A_Taste_of_Carnival_This_Weekend_At_The_Westin_Playa_Bonita_">ourselves included!</a>). The biggest reason to head back there now, however, is the resort's new Sensory Spa by Clarins, which debuted in October and has spent the last four months living up to its name by offering guests what it calls the "Tropical Rainforest Circuit," an hour-long hot-and-cold treatment featuring herbal saunas, ice fountains, an amethyst crystal steam room, and a Raindance Rainmaker shower. In fact, the whole thing is supposedly so relaxing, the