The hype
Travelers love the pool and location but consistently trash the tired rooms and hit-or-miss housekeeping.
El Panama By Faranda Grand Radisson Individuals
$100-140 / night
Book this if You want a massive pool party vibe in the center of the city and don't mind worn-out furniture.
Why People Love It
- Enormous outdoor pool with a swim-up bar
- Central location in El Cangrejo near casinos and nightlife
- Breakfast buffet is legendary for its sheer size and variety
Quick Take: A faded 1950s icon that trades on nostalgia and a massive pool deck while its rooms slowly surrender to humidity and age.
Reviewed by @Eholick: I was so relieved to step into this freezing cold room after the Panama heat. The skyline view at night is stunning, and having a proper espresso machine right there made my mornings so much better. It's a solid, comfortable base for exploring the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the pool and the address; the rooms feel like a budget motel from 1995.
- You plan to spend 90% of your time at the swim-up bar
- You are attending a convention on-site
- You prioritize location and price over luxury finishes
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily service happens, but deep cleaning (dusting vents, scrubbing grout) is neglected.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Complaints of moldy grout, slow drains, and stained tiles are common.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling paint, chipped furniture, and flickering lights are part of the charm (or horror).
- Linens & towels: serviceable but worn. Don't expect plush, bright white towels.
- Odors & scents: Frequently described as 'musty' or 'damp,' especially in ground-floor rooms.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Poolside concerts/parties until 2 AM
- Traffic noise from Via España
- Loud hallway doors slamming
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel hosts massive local events; call ahead to ask if a concert is scheduled during your stay
- Wi-Fi is generally strong in public areas but can be spotty in corner rooms
- Breakfast is often included and is a heavy buffet style — fill up there to save on lunch
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- Flip-flops for the pool area (cleanliness varies)
- A sweater for the lobby/casino (AC is set to arctic)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Room City View (higher floors) for less mold risk and slightly less pool noise
- Cabana Rooms for direct pool access (if you plan to party, not sleep)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor Cabana rooms if you want privacy or silence
- Rooms near the convention center during event weekends
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a high-floor Superior Room facing away from the pool/convention center to minimize noise. Please ensure the room has been recently aired out to avoid musty odors.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No explicit resort fee, but watch out for 'optional' charges like early check-in ($44) and late check-out ($44).
Is the pool open to non-guests?
Yes, they sell day passes, which means the pool area gets crowded with locals on weekends.
How is the breakfast?
Rated highly for volume and variety (omelet station, local pastries), though coffee quality is average.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but expect a fee around $27.50 per pet plus a cleaning surcharge.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Absolutely. You are in the heart of El Cangrejo; dozens of bars and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk.
Is the area safe?
Generally yes for a city center, but stick to main streets like Via Argentina at night and avoid flashing valuables.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Cabana' rooms look cool but often smell the dampest due to pool proximity.
- ✨
Use the side exit towards Via Argentina to skip the busy main lobby driveway when walking to dinner.
- ✨
The casino has its own bar that stays open late if the hotel bar closes early.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'gym' is serviceable but equipment is often sticky or out of order.
💡You might find stray cats wandering the lush gardens (a plus for some!).
💡Room keys demagnetize constantly; keep them away from your phone.
💡The AC vents in older rooms are often caked with years of dust.
💡Elevators can be agonizingly slow during convention check-in times.
Local Playbook
Map
See where El Panama By Faranda Grand Radisson Individuals is located and what's nearby.