Torres de Alba Hotel & Suites

This place gives you a good sense of everyday life in Panama, from the noise to dealing with the humidity. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and housekeeping is a real treat. It's in El Cangrejo, close to lots of restaurants and Rey’s Grocery Store, and Uber pickups are easy. Breakfast is included in the hotel price, and there’s also dinner on site and parking if you need it. It feels like having your own apartment, since the rooms are Amobaldo, fully furnished with a stovetop, microwave, some dishes, and a washer and dryer. If you're getting used to Panama or planning to make it home, this seems like an ideal place. Recommended.

Breakfast and dinner were fantastic, and the views were a real plus. Our room got a little warm in the daytime, but we found it stayed cooler with the shades down and the bedroom door shut. We bought two small fans to help, too. The gym was decent, better than most hotel gyms.

The guest community was the biggest surprise and something we really valued. This is THE hub for black expats in Panama. We had breakfast and met friendly retired expats from the USA, Canada, Ukraine, and Israel, some of whom had been staying at Torres de Alba for a month or two. As a senior gay couple, we found it a hugely helpful way to meet people and make friends. It's in the safe, central El Cangrejo neighborhood, two blocks from the Iglesia del Carmen stop on Panama's excellent metro. We took the train from Tocumen Airport, changed lines, and got here in what felt like world-class train time. The hotel has three towers linked by a lower floor with the pool, workout area, and a large terrazza. That's where the generous breakfast buffet is served and guests gather each morning to eat and talk. There’s an omelette station, fresh fruit, and local dishes, and breakfast runs all morning. The rooms are spacious, though spare and unfussy. Ours had a full kitchen and its own washer and dryer.

Last night, Sunday March 15th, we had a room problem and the evening staff fixed it right away with real care and kindness. Everyone working at the Torres de Alba is wonderful. One gentleman was especially pleasant, though I can't remember his name. I blame the Balboa’s! Very grateful to him.