Hotel Soloy & Casino Panamá by Faranda Express

A busy place even in low season, and the price is fair for a budget stay. Breakfast was really good, with a different menu each day.

The room, number 823, is very spacious and has a separate bedroom, though the TV is only in that bedroom. Everyone, including the staff, is very nice. But we arrived Tuesday and it’s now Friday, and my husband and I still haven’t had a good night’s rest because the room is extremely cold. The air conditioning won’t turn off, and turning it up does nothing. We’re booked for eight nights and want to change hotels. I’m wearing two pairs of socks, my husband’s parachute pants, two shirts, a hoodie, and a bonnet to keep warm. My husband has jeans, shirts, socks, and a hoodie on. I didn’t pack for cold weather in Panama. I spoke to the front desk several times, but nothing changed. We won’t come back or recommend this hotel, especially to older adults who may be sensitive to cold, given the hot climate here.

I arrived at 3 a.m. after a 14-hour bus ride to Panama City and needed a rest. Jon greeted me with a smile and explained where I could find food and what to expect at the complimentary breakfast, which was definitely nice and included fresh fruit. At breakfast, Emma was busy but still made time to help make sure my stay was comfortable. Thanks for starting my vacation off with a 10 out of 10 experience!

Our friends were staying here, so after dinner we went back to visit and sit by the empty rooftop pool. We’re visiting from the USA and staying at the Hyatt regency. As we came in, the woman at reception stopped my friend, who was staying there, and said I’d have to pay $20 to visit. I was mad and told her I wasn’t a “working girl,” we were just hanging out for a minute. Then she asked for my passport. We paid $45 for the two of us and went upstairs. I was pissed. I’ve never had to pay just to visit a friend’s hotel room.