Hotel Baluarte Boutique Panama

The location is great for partying, and the staff are nice. Rooms are clean, but there's no hot water, so expect a cold shower. The rooftop bar next door will probably be audible until 2 a.m. Bring earplugs.

I got a warm welcome and was well looked after when I arrived. Later, a strong storm caused leaks in my room. The receptionist on the night shift didn't seem to know how to handle the situation and didn't speak English, so I didn't feel comfortable explaining the problem. Another woman at reception was unsympathetic and even rude to guests who reported the same issue. Both shifts need trained staff.

We had a pretty small room, but it was really clean and had everything we needed, including a fridge and TV. A coffee maker in the room would've been nice, though there was one we could use, along with tea and a kettle in the dining and lobby area. Breakfast was good. It wasn't a buffet, but you could order what you wanted. I'd stay again for the location in Casco Viejo, the price, and the service.

The location is good, and one staff member helpfully suggested using InDrive to get taxis. But there was no hot water in the shower, and the Wi-Fi only worked in the hallway and on the balcony. There was no milk or powdered creamer for the coffee. Staff were usually too busy on their phones to help.