Hotels
Crowne Plaza Panama Airport Review
Leaving the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport Hotel early AM last week in a somewhat sleepy haze, I briefly wondered if I was being kidnapped. The airport shuttle, on which I was the only passenger, was headed away from the airport and wasn’t making use of any of the median lanes to do a U-turn.
Turns out the bus has to go all the way to the first major intersection to turn around which explains why the trip takes about 10 minutes though the Crowne Plaza airport hotel in Panama is within sight of the airport. Other than that slight anxiety and disappointment with the lounge I had a great stay.
The hotel is visible from the airport, but not really walking distance unless you only have a backpack and don’t mind walking on the dusty edge of a heavily trafficked road. Just use their free shuttle and don’t panic if you seem to be going past the hotel.
With a 6AM flight the next morning, the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport hotel seemed like a good choice for my second night in Panama City. And was mesmerized by the pool as soon as I walked into the spacious lobby. 🙂
I had no trouble checking in a little early and as a platinum was offered a bottle of water or a small bag of plantain chips as a welcome. No mention was made of the club lounge I had upgraded to, but when I asked about it was informed it was on the first floor and open 24 hours. (Turns out it’s definitely not worth it!)
Interestingly enough, the AARP rate was about $10 cheaper than AAA, so definitely check both before booking. And since anyone can be an AARP member, age isn’t an issue.
My 4th room was spacious and I loved that they had tile floors – both from a temperature and cleanliness perspective. The bathroom was nice, and given my cold shower at my other hotel that morning, I appreciated the instructions on which way to turn for hot water.
My room faced the new airport construction (which I liked) and the road (not as exciting), but if you’re sensitive to noise, ask for an even numbered room with a view of the pool – it might help.
Since I’d be sitting on an airplane for more than 24 hours the next day I decided to get a workout. The gym is HUGE.
Only problem is I couldn’t figure out how to turn the lights on or the loud talk radio off. But choosing a machine by the window and putting in my earphones helped.
I did make it briefly out to the pool, which is not amazing, but nice. Plenty of seating and with the exception of one guest and I had it all to myself.
Amazing cloud formations pre-rain
Grabbed dinner at the bar which was reasonably priced for an airport hotel and offered both Panamanian and typical bar food options. I got the Mer y Tierra for $14 which was good but definitely took a while to arrive.
The room service menu is also pretty affordable, just has a much more limited selection.
Having read that my 6AM flight to Miami often left a half hour early, I played it safe with the hotel shuttle, arriving about 10 minutes before the 4AM was due to leave. I was the only guest leaving at that time, so the second I had finished checking out they brought it around just for me.
More from this trip
Why I Just Spent 28 Hours on a Plane
A Night in the Love Ouch
Don’t Pay for Lounge Access at the Crowne Plaza Panama Airport Hotel
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Chris (Chew Your Chow)
May 4, 2016 at 1:40 am
Love the review!
That photo of the clouds was epic!
Art
May 4, 2016 at 3:43 am
We went to Panama last summer. Stayed at the Intercontinental in Playa Bonita for several days and then moved to the Crown Plaza which had just opened a few weeks prior, the last evening because of an early morning flight as well. Also, it is the only hotel within sight of the airport. Since traffic in Panama is as bad as Lima Peru & Sao Paulo Brazil, it was a great choice to also catch our very early flight on AA back to the States. We thought the property was very nice as well. Also ate dinners here and food was fairly good. Would recommend if in Panama and have an early flight, this is the place to stay.
DavidB
May 4, 2016 at 10:19 am
Also stayed here before my AA flight after spending the weekend at the IC in the city centre. Had a late arrival into PTY as well so spent my first night at the CP too. Curiously had the same AARP rate both nights but on the second stay I was told breakfast was included…of course the morning I would be leaving the hotel, like you, on the 4a shuttle. Also received water and chips the first stay, water and a chocolate bar the second. It is convenient despite the weird reverse direction drive to the airport. BTW UberX to/from the city centre and the CP is $8 at normal times.