Las Clementinas Hotel

This wedge-shaped, three-story building stands out from its neighbors with a fresh, white exterior, balustrades lining each floor, and greenery dripping off the roof. The tiny lobby offers little comfort and there are no elevators, but the highlight of the hotel is the spacious, modern rooms. Guests rave about Las Clementinas for the excellent, personalized service and intimate atmosphere. The neighborhood has a party vibe -- especially at night -- making sleep difficult for some, even with the earplugs provided. The lack of on-site entertainment and dining lures primarily couples, though some families come as well. 

Las Clementinas is in the vibrant Casco Viejo, in a UNESCO World Heritage site. The neighborhood is in southern Panama City, on a tiny peninsula jutting into Panama Bay. It is an area with a rich cultural and historic vibe, and guest can easily find restaurants, shops, and sites within steps of the hotel. The hotel is a two-minute walk from Iglesia La Merced, a beautiful church and one of the oldest in the city. It is also a two-minute walk to a supermarket, a casino, and several nightclubs. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the National Theater of Panama, six minutes from the Panama Canal Museum, and a 10-minute walk from the National Culture Institute. 

It is a 12-minute walk to the nearest bus stop from the hotel. Those with a car can use valet parking at the hotel, and take the 17-minute drive to the Miraflores Locks, where they can see ships traversing the canal locks and visit a small museum on the history of the canal. Albrook International Airport is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and Tocumen International Airport is a 30-minute drive away. 

There are three typical hotel rooms, plus six spacious apartment-style units called Chambers with kitchens, dining and living areas, and separate bedrooms. Hardwood floors, brick wall accents, and neutral tones create a warm and relaxing backdrop, while pops of colorful design in artwork and a few pieces of furniture make for a lovely, contemporary look. Every unit except for the Standard Room has a furnished balcony. On the downside, several past guests have complained of late-night outside noise reaching the rooms and being an issue. All rooms offer modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and minibars, while Chambers add kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Bathrooms have stunning colorfully tiled shower stalls and a bidet showerhead next to the toilet. Robes, slippers, and hairdryers are provided, as are free soaps, shampoo, and lotion.

The central location of this hotel makes it convenient to restaurants and sites, but on-site features are limited. A lovely rooftop terrace with patio tables and chairs makes for a relaxing spot. There’s also an interior courtyard with seating for small gatherings. A newly renovated restaurant, Casa Bruja, opened in summer of 2017. Wi-Fi is free everywhere in the building. 

There are a variety of services that guests may purchase to suit individual needs. Wine baskets, entertainment or babysitting for kids, extra towels, and in-room massages are a few of the options that can be arranged. Pets are also welcome with a deposit.