Radisson Hotel Panama Canal

Four family members booked two king suites here for three nights during the second week in December. We chose the Radisson solely because this is the one and only hotel in all of Panama City that's located on the Panama Canal, and we had flown to Panama specifically to experience the canal.

The hotel is five stories, and the higher your room, the more stunning the views of gargantuan ships entering the canal from the Pacific Ocean and of the Bridge of the Americas, which spans the canal only a few hundred feet from the hotel property. Canal side rooms also overlook the outdoor pool area, which is gorgeous. A word of advice - don't bother booking a room here that has a "garden view." You'll be looking at the parking lot, and you won't get a glimpse of the canal.

We spent hours in the mornings on our balconies sipping tea or coffee and watching ships float by and small jets fly directly overhead, because the Radisson is also directly below the descent path of planes landing of a small local airport. I was continually wowed by the water and air traffic. Surprisingly, there was no noise disturbance despite all the activity. And the sliding glass doors allow for magnificent views even from inside the room

We checked in mid-afternoon, and the front desk staff was gracious and welcoming. The hotel was decked out beautifully for the holiday season and had a festive ambiance. There's a gourmet coffee shop in the lobby which offers all the American favorites, except that there was no oat milk option, which is disappointing for guests who don't consume dairy. The coffee shop sells a variety of dessert and pastry items as well.

We didn't opt in to the hotel breakfast because, other than fresh fruit, there were no vegan menu options. The breakfast restaurant does offer excellent views of the canal though, if you decide to dine here. So does the hotel's onsite dinner restaurant TGIF's.

We weren't impressed with TGIF's menu either because, again, there are zero vegan or vegetarian options. However, a half a block from the restaurant adjacent to the canal is an excellent local eatery called Canal House. We walked over to dine there two nights and enjoyed fabulous food along with fabulous views.

Our king suites were large. The decor was a bit outdated, but everything functioned perfectly. We liked being able to close the bedroom door, so one roomie wasn't disturbed if the other was up late reading or watching a TV.

We couldn't quite figure out the thermostat, so we were too warm or chilly, but we didn't spend much time in the room, so it didn't become problematic.

I liked the fact that the hotel entrance is gated, and cars cannot enter the parking lot without first checking in with the security guard.

The bathroom appeared to have been updated with granite counters and a modern commode, contemporary faucets, etc. I appreciated the makeup mirror attached to the wall and the full-size tub (though the drain plug was missing). I stuffed a washcloth in the drain in order to take baths. Hot water was plentiful, and the water pressure was good. Towels were thick, and all the typical toiletries were provided.

The sitting area furniture was tired, but it served the purpose. We had a full-size sofa which could serve as a pullout bed, plus a stuffed chair. There was a desk and chair as well as a smaller upright chair, an end table, several lamps, and a full size dresser.

The main room also contained a tiny kitchenette area with a mini-refridge, microwave, coffee maker, ice bucket, etc. It was stocked like a mini-bar with drinks and a lot of munchy snacks, but there were no healthy options and prices were higher than we would have liked, so we weren't tempted.

The bedroom contained another full-size dresser, as well as end tables and lamps. There was a closet for hanging clothes, and a safe for storing valuables. Blackout curtains facilitated late sleeping. And the bed was divinely comfortable, and piled with four or five pillows.

I was sorry to say goodbye to the Radisson Panama Canal, as was every other person in our party. All four of us truly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful hotel.

Disappointing hotel which just happens to have the name Radisson. Welcome was good with a very friendly young guy on reception practising his English. Nice welcome drinks. Public areas are also generally fine. The pool has a pleasant view but you have to go inside for the nearest ‘pool’ loos, accessed through the lobby and past the shop. Rooms are a decent size but badly finished. Lots of botched sealant. First room had no hot water so we had to move. Check before you unpack! Buffet breakfast had fresh fruit but otherwise very average for the price of $16 inc tax. Coffee only in jugs spread randomly around. No machines. Cleaning and maintenance staff we spoke to were helpful and pleasant but hotel has a general feel of complacency.

I heard it is under new management so maybe that explains some of the issues.

There is not much nearby that you could walk to. The pool was rather cool and the tiles on the bottom were so slippery I could not move comfortably.

They missed cleaning the room one day and the keys stopped working . And we ran out of shampoo. Nice makeup mirror though!

We booked a suite with 1 king and 2 queen beds. Upon check-in they put us in a room with 1 queen bed and a sofa bed, for a family of 4 people. When we complained, they tried to convince us that these were the 3 beds that we paid for!! They then moved us to a different room, again with only a king bed and a sofa bed. This hotel is old, smells of mildew, has very spotty warm water (never hot), AC & heat that don’t work properly, the staff are unprofessional and relatively unhelpful. Their “suites” are bare bones and very mediocre. Wish we could have our money back and move to a different hotel, Radisson has really neglected this property but in terms of maintenance and staff training.

Good location, next to canal. But is kind of old and needs remodeling. Service is decent. Breakfast was very average. Reception was not that great as we encountered some problem. Finally manager has to fix it.

Lovely, friendly staff. Fabulous view from the balconies of the ocean side. They do a good job of keeping things up, but unfortunately, the mold and mildew around the bathroom fixtures was visible. Great variety of foods for buffet breakfast. Huge pool area with tables and umbrellas; very inviting.

Rooms are comfortable and well-maintained with modern decor. Great if you want proximity to the Miraflores Locks and convenient access to Panama City’s attractions. I would strongly recommend to contact with the travel agengy MIVIAJEAPANAMA (+507 63242898). Her manager Tamara, will provide you the best quality tours with a competitive price.

The ocean was barely visible from our room through a thick treeline.

The absolute worst was the fact that bedroom wall had mold growing on it and it had been painted over. Both myself andy his and we're sick for several days after a two night stay. We were both highly inflamed from the moldy air.

The lobby was beautiful but as soon as you entered our room it smelled of mold. We were only in the room to sleep so we didn't complain hoping that it would affect us too much, but boy were we wrong.

The suite was beautiful and the view amazing! The staff were very friendly and helpful. We will definitely stay here again!

IDEAL TO SEE THE PANAMA CANAL

THE FRONT DESK FEMALE WAS NOT FRIENDLY; THEY FOLLOW US TO THE CAR TO CHARGE US FOR ONE BOTTLE OF WATER EVEN WE LEFT A FULL SIX PACK OF WATER. THE BUFFET WAS VERY EXPENSIVE AND POOR QUALITY. WILL NEVER STAY HERE AGAIN. I RECOMEND PAITILLA INN MUCH BETTER AND EXCELLENT BUFFET INCLUDED.

Great option!
One of the best staff in Panama

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Buen hotel para pasar varios días, excelente staff, buena vista al mar, si te toca una habitación con esta vista, y algunas opciones de comida. Cosas donde tienen oportunidad para mejorar: renovación del hotel, mejores opciones de menú y extender el horario, relación precio/calidad. En general 3/5.

Go walk few place to eat the hotel is ok

Room had stains that looked like blood. Bathroom was leaking, The people in the breakfast area were rude to my daughter. She dressed to go to the pool after breakfast. They asked her to change / cover up, which she did, but still were rude and giving dirty looks to my child for no good reason. A simple policy or sign about dress code could have prevented the dress code confusion.

The price.

Nice

I am sending this as I've tried contacting this hotel several times with NO LUCK. They make it so difficult.
NO HOT WATER
GRUMP FRONT DESK PEOPLE
VERY LONG CHECKIN PROCESS
MOLD on the chairs
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Hello. Last night -Aug 11 2025 I stayed at the Radisson Panama Canal. I've recently became a Choice Rewards member but the experience at this Radisson is leaving me feeling so disappointed.

Firstly, the front desk agents need major help and re-training. They are so UNFRIENDLY and just look miserable on their job..They don't smile nor do they want to help us as a guest! Whenever I ask to speak with a manager, they always tell me she's not there... They had me sign two documents which they said are new procedures by new management. I made a comment like why so much paperwork and plus you are killing lots of trees. Alessandra (non smiling grumpy agent) says "well US has new procedures then we will give you new procedures" ... I had no idea what she was talking about.

Secondly, this morning there was NO HOT WATER (nor warm) the water was frigid call. The least Radisson can do is provide hot water for early morning showers. I complained when I checked out and a very rude front desk guy said 'ok thanks for telling me" ... He never apologized nor showed any sympathy. I asked for some type of discount and all he said was I'll talk to the manager who's not here right now. This irritated me so much. This guy SHOULD NOT be at the front desk and he needs customer training. Additionally, the first room they had given me after requesting my normal senior rate of $66 USD was full of mold around the desk and desk chair.
The second room they put us in #1309 had a non working air conditioner along with no HOT WATER!

I expected better from Radisson. This is NO WAY to treat loyal guests. I'd appreciate if you credit my account for the no HOT water and make sure I get an upgraded room with HOT Water on my next stay.

Thank you for listening...

Love the Friday's restaurant. Easy parking, and easy access to Amador and the bridge of America