Torres de Alba Hotel & Suites

Like many downtown Panama City hotels, Aparthotel Torres de Alba first opened its doors as an apartment building. With little rental demand, it evolved into an all-suite hotel. The result is a property that feels more like a highrise condo building than a purpose-built hotel. The lobby is awash in marble, mirrored columns, and chrome accents, but ultimately feels uninspiring and functional. It’s not an area most guests would linger. Nearby, a chic cafe/bar offers a bit of social space, but the tiny, cramped size, limited alcohol menu, and overall coffeeshop (versus cocktail lounge) feel means the atmosphere winds down by nightfall. The rooftop deck is spacious and would be an ideal social hub. But, the lack of a bar makes for a minimal social scene once the sun goes down. A mix of families and couples stay here, and business travelers also appreciate the self-catering rooms. 

The surrounding Cangrejo District buzzes day and night with tourists and locals. It’s considered the city’s unofficial Red Light district and the center of nightlife. In Panama, gambling and prostitution are both legal and this fact becomes quite evident after dark. While the area is rarely dangerous, petty and property crimes can both be an issue. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are within a short walk, and the El Carmen metro station (a central hub for the subway system) is five minutes away on foot. Guests seeking a cultural escape will find the Panama Canal Museum within a 15-minute drive. Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is reachable in less than 40 minutes by car. The hotel does not provide airport transportation. However, Uber and regulated taxi service are both cheap and ubiquitous throughout the city.

Rooms are divided between two distinctly designed towers. The older tower, which houses the Standard Rooms, was built in the 1990s. While it’s well-maintained, it shows its age with a bland, monochromatic color scheme, generic beige seating, and older appliances. The newer tower opened in the late 2000s, so rooms are substantially more modern with bright walls and flooring, stainless steel appliances, and leather furnishings.

In both towers, rooms feature similarly spacious 750-square-foot (70-square-meter) floor plans with either one king or two double beds. Expected essential amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and in-room safes are standard in every category. A full, separate kitchen is available in every room and comes with a stove, cooktop, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and basic dishware, cookware, and utensils. Washers and dryers are provided as well. Technology amenities are solid for a mid-range property and include flat-screen TVs and fast, free Wi-Fi (with a dedicated router in each room). Superior Rooms upgrade to electric window shades.

Bathroom layout and decor corresponds to each respective room category. Standard bathrooms are small and have tiny walk-in glass shower stalls. Superior bathrooms are larger, brighter, and offer upgraded stone flooring, plus wood and granite vanities. Generic bath toiletries are standard throughout.

Features are surprisingly generous for an aparthotel. The large rooftop deck is the hotel’s greatest asset. The sundeck area is spacious and furnished with lounge chairs and umbrellas, all situated near a small, sparkling pool. A mixed open-air/alfresco terrace nearby provides seating via several dozen standard patio sets. Unfortunately, the space is only staffed during the free daily breakfast and offers no food or drink service (and therefore no social scene) after noon. Off the lobby, a small, swanky cafe and bar serves cocktails, specialty coffees, and a limited menu of snacks and finger foods. The atmosphere is conducive to a coffeeshop and it's not an area where guests tend to linger for long.

The fitness center is bright and large, particularly by Panama City standards. Rows of LifeFitness treadmills and elliptical machines face floor-to-ceiling windows that afford lovely panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Universal machines and free weights offer additional strength-training opportunities. Free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable throughout the hotel. Free parking is available in a secure garage.