Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City

From the busy city street, the Radisson’s tall glass building fits into an area full of skyscrapers and hotels. But on the inside, the chic, contemporary feel is refreshing and energizing. The modern design makes use of concrete, steel, and glass indoors, and softens the look with warm wood accents and colored lighting. Traditional Panamanian elements are peppered throughout, including artwork with brightly colored patterns and devil masks behind the front desk. All around the hotel, the design blends modern and historic elements. Fusion restaurant is dominated by a giant statue reminiscent of Easter Island, while swimmers in the glass-bottomed pool float high above. The chic Martini Bar combines hip furnishings and neon lighting with artwork incorporating traditional mola patterns. A glass elevator and floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of the city and ocean. Travelers of all sorts enjoy this hotel for its convenient location and quality offerings, though there's little for kids.

Radisson Decapolis Panama City sits on the edge of the bustling financial center of Panama City, in the Punta Paitilla district. A glass-enclosed walkway crosses over from the third floor of the hotel to a large casino and the Multicentro Mall across the street, where there are a movie theater, supermarket, food court, and lots of shops. There’s also a public bus stop right outside the mall. A small park with a playground is a five-minute walk away. The hotel is an 11-minute drive from Casco Viejo, a vibrant part of the city, full of history and an active nightlife. It is a 15-minute drive to Panama Viejo, the ruins of the old Panama City. The Miraflores Locks are a 17-minute drive away, offering guests a view of ships crossing the locks of the canal and a small museum detailing the history of the canal. Tocumen International Airport is a 22-minute drive from the hotel.

Standard rooms are simple, but clean and spacious. Rooms are largely white, with tile floors and plain walls, and bright white linens on the two double beds. The two wardrobes and desk are a dark wood, and ivory fabric on the chairs and curtain break up the white space. Two oversized photographs of indigenous people in traditional dress (some topless) provide pops of vibrant, eye-catching color. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffeemaker, and iron. A bright orange accent wall holds a large, etched picture window looking into the bathroom, which lacks a door, and has a clear plastic curtain on the shower/tub combo. Overall, some guest may find privacy lacking, or at least wish for a door into the toilet. Hairdryers are provided and free toiletries include soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Upgraded rooms offer living rooms with a sofa bed, walk-in closets, wet bars, robes, and access to an exclusive lounge. Some also have separate bathtubs and showers. 

This hotel has a solid list of quality services, though little to keep children occupied. Food at the three restaurants is well-reviewed by guests. A free breakfast buffet includes a good variety of hot and cold choices and a juice bar. Fusion Restaurant offers gourmet seafood, pasta, and chicken dishes with a combination of international flavors, as the name suggests. There’s also a sushi bar off the lobby with excellent reviews. The rooftop is a pleasant spot, surrounded by taller buildings and featuring a whirlpool tub and a small glass-bottom pool. There are plenty of blue padded loungers and sofas -- some under a shade tent. The pool bar offers drinks, snacks, and music at times. There are a couple of potted trees, but the hotel scheme of concrete, steel, and glass fit in with the city vibe rather than creating a relaxing getaway. A spa offers a range of relaxing services from massages to facials, and includes a beauty salon and Turkish bath. There’s also a fitness room with a good amount of equipment, including individual TVs at many of the cardio machines, and an assortment of weight-training equipment. There are several meeting rooms with more than 12,000 square feet of space altogether, and a business center with a few computers and a printer. The hotel provides free valet parking for guests. Free, reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.