Hotel Doral

I was very happy with what I got for the price during my two weeks here in February. The room was clean, with a pretty good view of the city and sea, and the staff were consistently friendly and helpful. I felt safe, and having laundry facilities on site was handy. There are lots of little shops nearby for drinks, snacks, and other things, plus cheap, good meals at the nearby fondas. They cost much less than the touristy restaurants in Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo and its nightlife are within easy walking distance, and 5 de Mayo bus and Metro station is close. Taxis were easy to find right outside or around the corner. I’d be glad to stay here again when I can travel.

The area felt rough, and it was noisy nearly all the time, even from the 9th floor. There was plenty of honking and shouting outside, and I wouldn’t recommend going out at night. We chose the hotel for the budget and facilities. The room itself was clean, with lots of daylight and a large, comfortable bed. Staff were friendly. The phone wouldn’t connect to the WiFi because it flagged it as unsafe, so I had no WiFi during the stay, including at reception. Hot water worked for the first three days, then stopped. On the first floor, the washing machines cost $1 per load and the dryer $1.5, which came in handy. There was a cafe at reception, but it wasn’t open. A soft drink vending machine was tucked behind a closed door nearby.

Cheap and clean, though I spotted two small cockroaches. Central Ave is close by, with plenty of shops and activity in the daytime, but it shuts down at night. Casa Viejo and its attractions are also an easy walk away, without paying those places’ prices. It’s a no-frills stay.

I only needed a place to sleep before heading out each morning, and the room did serve that purpose, but the stay still fell short. The WiFi kept kicking us off, the cable froze, and there was no hot water. Nobody told us about being able to do laundry, or about the stove, which we only found out while looking around for the vending machines. Still, there were no pots to use, so we couldn’t cook. The room had a water pitcher and two small glasses, but no ice machine, fridge, or microwave. We stayed ten days. After about four, the dirty surroundings were getting depressing, and the urine smell hit as soon as we went outside. I also saw lots of little roaches in our room. It was clean inside, and one woman at the front desk was kind and helpful with directions and information, but guests should be told about these issues. If I hadn’t prepaid, I would have gone elsewhere. I hate writing bad reviews because I know people need to earn a living, but not everyone is wealthy. We save up to get away and want to enjoy the trip, not regret it. I love visiting Panama and had been there five times. This was the only visit when I didn’t enjoy myself. Sad.