Victoria Hotel and Suites Panama

The bustling two-story lobby -- with a dramatic curved staircase, polished marble flooring, and microfiber upholstered furniture -- looks crisp, bright, and modern. There’s a whiff of sophistication, and indeed the hotel is marketed as a four-pearl property. However, the upscale veneer is literally and figuratively thin, never allowing it to rise above its mid-range status. Budget IKEA-esque laminate furniture, a beige-on-white color palate, and generic decorative accents are all vaguely contemporary and mostly cold and sterile. By day, the lobby hums with business folks feeding their smartphones and laptops with free Wi-Fi. At night, the tiny lobby bar keeps the scene going but it never gets lively. The rooftop provides a bit more space for gathering but, with only a tiny pool and nothing else to hold guests’ interest, it rarely stays busy for long.

As Panama City’s unofficial Red Light district, the surrounding neighborhood of El Cangrejo is one of its busiest districts. By day, it feels gritty and distinctly urban (though not unsafe); by night, it can transform into a bawdy, un-family-friendly spectacle. A shopping mall, several pharmacies, and dozens of bars, casinos, nightclubs, and restaurants (almost every international cuisine is represented) are within a short walk. Andres Bello Park, arguably the city’s best park, is also just 10 minutes away on foot. The Panama Canal Museum and popular Casco Viejo historic district are both less than five miles away. To travel farther afield, taxis and Uber remain the cheapest, easiest way to traverse the city and to make the 30-minute trek east to Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

The vaguely executive IKEA-esque decor found in the hotel's common areas carries through to each of the three room categories. The monochromatic color scheme is punctuated with a few bold pops of color, and photos of famous Panamanian monuments provide the only local sense of place in each space. Every category is virtually identical except for the size. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms feature 355-square-foot (33-square-meter) layouts with a studio configuration; while 452-square-foot (42-square-meter) Executive and 581-square-foot (54-square-meter) Premium Suites step up to separate living/dining areas or rooms.

Dual pane, floor-to-ceiling windows provide excellent noise dampening from the streets of the El Cangrejo district below. However, the in-room air conditioners can prove noisy. The list of modern amenities is solid, including iPod docks, minibars/mini-fridges, and large (32- or 42-inch) flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property and we found the service fast and reliable. Bathrooms are crisp and modern with stone vanities and large glass shower stalls. Generic bath amenities are standard.

Like many mid-range hotels in Panama City, the rooftop deck at Clarion Victoria offers a pool and sweeping views of the downtown skyline. Although, the pool looks more like a large hot tub and, without a bar or anything else to anchor the space, it's all like an afterthought. A tiny gym on the top floor offers just a handful of machines with excellent views through large, floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel’s sole dining space, Restaurant Carménère, is bright, bold, and airy with decor akin to an cafeteria. It looks utilitarian and lacks any vibe that would encourage most guests to linger. Free hot buffet breakfast is provided in every room rate. The selection is a typical mix of Western selections, plus traditional Panamanian dishes like spiced pork and cassava. Lunch and dinner are both served a la carte and room service is available for a fee.

Fast, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Valet parking is also free for hotel guests.