Tántalo Hotel / Kitchen / Roofbar — Attraction in San Felipe

Whilst visiting from Trinidad, we were roaming and enjoying Casa Viejo culture. Experiencing the local music, meeting the people, exploring the historical sites and statues then decided well we need to experience the food and beverages. So we walk around, bar hopped for a bit and landed at this spot, once we stepped in and witnessed the art and music downstairs, we couldn't wait to arrive at the rooftop.

On the elevator ride up, there was a sense of wonder so when the elevator doors opened, we immediately were blowned away by the view as it was still daylight. We were welcomed and seated by an attendant, briefed on the menu and today's specials. The view, cool breeze, and the music made the setting one of a chill and relaxing getaway from the humidity on the street. We ordered drinks and decided to have a late lunch. The drinks came in no time at all whilst we waited a reasonable time for our dishes. The mojitos, were good, the mint leaves just needed crushing up a bit to add the flavor to the drink, but otherwise it hit the spot.

As the evening went by the daytime view turned into a light-up night skyline by the backdrop of city building lights and the music changed to suit by the live DJ. We even got a bit of Trini music in there which was comforting yet invoking the "put ya back into it" culture 😄. It ended up being the end to a perfect evening. We didn't stay long enough to see the nightlife part of it, however, I could only imagine how lively it gets as the place was getting rather filled as the time passed. I'll save that dance floor for...

Very nice bar and restaurant. I've never stayed in the hotel, so I will offer no input there other than that the location is prime for anyone visiting Panama City, Panama. By staying here, you're in the heart of the city's colonial sector that has amazing architecture and is full of bars, restaurants, lovely plazas, and a seaside walkway. As long as it's not super expensive, I can't see any reason the hotel wouldn't be a solid choice. The restaurant is great for lunch, and they have a lunch menu that you have to ask for. I guess it is like a secret menu, but it has a little bit cheaper food that is all oh so delicious. From the times I have gone, it's been a great deal for the meal. If I remember correctly, the plates were fairly universal. There was something for the tepid tourist and those who want to try and get a taste for the local flavor. The drinks are plenty (fully loaded bar) and if you've got money to spend you won't have a problem. If you're tight on money, you won't get too far with drinks so just order the national brews. The view from the rooftop bar is spectacular, particularly during the day. I love being able to see the stark contrast between the old colonial sector of Casco Antiguo against the backdrop of a super modern skyline just a short distance away. At the end of the day, this is one of the few places that has survived the uncertainty of opening a bar/restaurant in Casco Viejo and is still with us years later. I highly recommend stopping by this establishment, but bring a decent amount of money...

If I could give it a 0 I would. I was targeted and scammed as a non-Panamanian. Both my friends, and my girlfriend (all Panamanian) had zero problems with ordering drinks and getting service. However I was forced to overpay for drinks, and forced to give an extravagant tip though I said no tip. The bartenders and servers constantly lied, and made up ridiculous excuses to charge me more and to force me to pay for drinks. My girlfriend and my 2 friends (again all Panamanian) ordered Ron abuelo and coke for 5$ with no problems, however as I go to order it as well, I said 2 $5 Ron abuelo and cokes please. To which I was charged more for not specifying rum, which I did when I asked for the drinks, the bar tender then went and pushed aside the woman and man serving me to “serve” me and to charge me, and he grossly over charged a tip for himself though I said no tip and crossed it out on the receipt! Tantalo then said it was my fault for “not specifying”. Sure tantalo is fun to hang with friends but if you aren’t Panamanian they definitely target you hardcore and treat you soooooo much worse. My advice is to avoid tantalo because there are so many more better and fun places to go. Though if you go be extremely specific and I cannot stress that enough, and pay cash! Do not use your card here! Service is sub-par and their reception is no better. Please avoid the headache yourself and have fun else where before they force you to buy drinks you didn’t order since “they’re already made”...