Holiday Inn PANAMA CANAL

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1018 reviews

• 

  Great hotel overlooking the Panama Canal, super friendly staff!

  After a first weekend in Casco Viejo, we spent nearly two weeks at this property and couldn't recommend it enough. First, its location (very peaceful by Ciudad del saber) is quite unique as we could watch the ships go by the Miraflores Locks from our room, which in itself is very special. The rooms are large and well appointed, the views are great and despite being close to the main road, you can't see nor hear traffic. My partner had to work on some of the days so I would just go on a tour or grab an Uber and go into town which is only 10 min away. The hotel pool area is nice, there is also a gym and the restaurant is pretty good. You can also spot wildlife around the hotel (toucans, woodpeckers, parrots etc.) however, what makes this hotel special is its staff. The personnel in the restaurant were very nice and friendly, and so was the team behind reception. I'd like to thank Astrid and Briana who were the stars of the show! Both very helpful, full of energy and always willing to go the extra mile for their guests. They recommended some great excursions and places to visit, and their smiles really made us feel like home away from home, muchas gracias!

  Apr 09, 2025
• 

  A great option for travelers looking for a well-run, mid-sized hotel with easy access to Miraflores.

  The Holiday Inn Panama Canal is a comfortable and well-maintained hotel near Miraflores, offering a convenient location and a pleasant stay. While the advertised canal views are mostly obstructed by trees and buildings, the hotel makes up for it with a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the Miraflores Visitor Center—just a 10-minute Uber ride away. Panama City itself felt surprisingly Americanized, with clean streets, little crowding, and a noticeable U.S. influence. A cab driver even pointed out old army posts and mentioned a recent 1,000-flag installation for Senator Marco Rubio’s visit. This added an interesting layer to the experience, highlighting the city's unique mix of history and modernity. Hotel Experience Check-in was smooth and efficient, with a friendly front desk agent who also offered a breakfast add-on for $12 per day. The lobby was clean, quiet, and polished, with mirrored elevators adding a unique touch. The room was comfortable, with well-functioning AC and everything in good condition. The bed was cozy, though I did notice a faint scent in the linens—it wasn’t a major issue, just something I picked up on. Safety was never a concern, as the hotel felt secure and well-run. Housekeeping was generally good, though it wasn’t as proactive as I expected. On the first two days, I returned to an untidy room, but the staff quickly accommodated my request when I asked for cleaning. The team was responsive, and while I would have preferred more consistency, it didn’t detract from my overall stay. Concierge services were minimal, but the front desk was helpful. When I inquired about booking tours, they provided a WhatsApp contact for a local service. While the prices were higher than Viator options, it was useful to have a local recommendation. Amenities & Room Features The hotel’s sustainability efforts were evident, with large refillable dispensers for shower gel and lotion—a great touch for eco-conscious travelers. The room included a mini fridge, a coffeemaker, and a large icebox, though there was no easily accessible ice machine on the floor. No complimentary bottled water was provided, but tap water was safe to drink, and a dispenser with chilled water was available near reception. After mentioning this in a hotel survey, a front desk agent personally followed up to explain the hotel's commitment to reducing plastic waste, which I appreciated. Dining & Food Experience The hotel restaurant closed at 10 PM but offered room service. Ordering required a quick trip to the front desk to set up a credit card hold, which was a minor inconvenience but not a dealbreaker. The menu was simple, with pizzas, burgers, pastas, and a few mains. The pizza was decent, and the grilled shrimp was flavorful, though I had to improvise with eating utensils when none were provided. The highlight? The fresh pineapple juice—naturally sweet and refreshing. Breakfast was the best meal of the day, featuring hot options like eggs, sausages, and corn dumplings alongside pastries, breads, and cereals. The buffet selection was good, though the fruit was milder in flavor than I expected for a tropical region. I tried the lunch buffet once, and the arroz con pollo stood out as a comforting and well-prepared dish. For outside dining, Uber Eats was a reliable option, with quick delivery to the front desk. While I didn’t find much in the way of bold, spicy flavors, there were plenty of choices. Room & Facilities The bathroom was clean, with good water pressure, though the hot water wasn’t particularly strong. Storage space was well thought out, with a closet that included hangers, an iron, and a foldable suitcase holder—small details that made a difference. The TV had mostly Spanish-language channels, but CNN and HBO were available in English. Final Verdict While the canal view wasn’t as direct as I had hoped, the overall experience at the Holiday Inn Panama Canal was enjoyable. The location near Miraflores was a major plus, the staff was friendly and responsive, and the hotel provided a clean, safe, and comfortable stay. Overall Stay Experience: A great option for travelers looking for a well-run, mid-sized hotel with easy access to Miraflores. Food: Simple but satisfying, with a standout breakfast. Service: Friendly and accommodating, though housekeeping could be more proactive. Concierge Services: Limited, but the front desk was helpful with recommendations. Hotel Appearance: Classic exterior with a well-maintained, modern interior. Would I stay again? Yes, especially for the location and overall comfort. Just don’t expect a direct canal view!

  Mar 17, 2025
• 

  Good location

  We spent our last few nights of a 17 day trip to Panama at this hotel. I use a wheelchair and travel with a strong husband. Panama is really far behind in regard to accessibility so holiday inn was the only hotel we stayed in that even offered a wheelchair accessible room. I give them credit for at least trying but the bathroom was poorly designed and showed no common sense. The seat was placed out of reach of the shower controls and the portable shower head was mounted almost at ceiling level making it difficult for a standing person to reach and impossible for someone in a wheelchair to reach. I have to say reception was receptive to our suggestions on how to improve functionality. Otherwise there are dehumidifiers running in the halls as they have carpet in a tropical climate. The location is very good as was breakfast

  Mar 16, 2025
• 

  Overall good!

  Overall good but room not dusted, they could be a little cleaner; room was dusty. Very lil cleaning done each day - trash cans emptied and they spread up the bed. Good breakfast each morning - fresh and wonderful. Took a long time to checkin my group!

  Mar 03, 2025
• 

  Awesome!

  Super clean rooms, cozzy and the view is amazing, I definetely reccomend it! I was here with my family and all of us are satisfied with the whole service of the hotel. Facilities are safe and beautiful, the personnel is very kind and the service is great.

  Jan 12, 2025