Coral Suites — Hotel in Bella Vista

If everything worked it would be a 2.5 star hotel—but it doesn’t. ||It took 4-5 minutes to get hot water in the morning. My guess it that there is no circulation pump. Our room was in the front. Presumably, the boiler was in the back. Also, the valve was installed upside down (as was the escutcheon) so the water turns off at 4:00 on a clockface, and is hot at 3:00 backing off toward 1:00, and cold by 11:00. ||The AC was not working when we entered our room the first day. It had to be turned off and restarted. Thereafter, it was adequate.||Then there was the safe. After putting important medications in it, we found that it would not open. The front desk sent someone up to open it, but he told us that without his boss present, he could not open it because he might be accused of theft. We went to bed without taking essential medications. The next morning, I inquired again, someone came up, opened the safe without his boss being present, reset the combination, had me set a new combination, and then started to leave. I tried the combination, and showed him that it did not work. Most of the conversation was in Spanish. Eventually, he concluded that the batteries might be bad. He replaced them, and thereafter the safe functioned normally. This was typical for all of the problems we had. They treat everything as user error, as if we are stupid. ||There were no paper towels or kitchen towel in the kitchenette. I bought paper towels at a nearby small market.||On all days but one, there were no wash cloths. Also, I had to ask for "medium" towels which are face towels. Otherwise, the only towel is one bath towel for each person.||There is no facial tissue, and the toilet paper is of low quality.||There is no light over the bathroom sink, so good luck doing makeup. It was OK for shaving.||The shower drain became slow by the 4th day. I don’t know why. All we did was shower, sometimes in lukewarm water. Speaking of the shower, there was a clothes line retractor but no receptacle on the opposite wall. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway because the installer stripped the screw on the retractor so it flopped around on the wall. It would have been unusable even with the receptacle.||As soon as our friends ended their stay, we moved to the Panama Marriott Hotel - Albrook Mall. We found a $147 rate and were happy to pay it.||I got bug bites in the room at the Coral Suites. Not at the Marriott. And on the final morning, there was a cockroach in the kitchen, even though we kept all food in the refrigerator. (Photo available).||The Coral Suites had a few wire coat hangers. It's a small thing, but again, there was a supply of wooden hangers at the Marriott.||I am not some spoiled Beverly Hills guy; I grew up in Pacoima, famous for the bikers in “Every Which Way But Loose,” Richie Valens, and California Senator Alex Padilla. But this place is beneath my standards.||My recommendation is that you not stay in this part of El Cangrejo unless you are young and adventurous, and unlikely to trip, fall, and get hurt. Other parts have been redone, but this street is old and crappy. The sidewalks are dangerously broken up, with open holes 12-18” deep, the size of a meter box. Sidewalks are dangerous on this street and much of El Cangrejo, except on the main...

Hotel Coral Suites has among the best service I have ever encountered. We arrived before the check in time, but they accommodated us by allowing us to check in very early in the morning of our arrival. We were even given a late check out (until 3pm) with no extra charge. One of the ladies that work the evening shift even lent us her Metro card for us to travel within the city. That saved us money from having to buy a card. We just paid for the times we used. The staff were always smiling and extremely helpful with any inquiries.

The location is close to many eateries, supermarkets, and even the metro. There are many car rental agencies within the block. We felt safe in the area, even at night when we went out for dinner etc.

The room itself is very big. We didn't feel suffocated at all with the abundance of space. It came with a huge bed, a small dining table, and a kitchenette. The only qualm we had was that the shower water had only 2 temperatures : very hot or extremely hot.

The pool, laundry room, and gym are on the roof and closes very late. We were able to enjoy the sunset and continue being in the pool into night time. The water was also very nice.

They have an in-house parking for those using cars. Wi-Fi was strong and fast.

The breakfast spread was acceptable. Lots of fresh fruits readily cut for consumption. And they had warm options (eg eggs, pancakes, sausages, etc) too.

Definitely would recommend Hotel Coral Suites, especially for the welcoming service...

I would give 5 stars if.... There was more light in the lobby and room, if their wifi signal would be better and if they would provide a starter kit for the kitchen (soap, salt and pepper, etc). I'm online with a tiny weak signal. It's a pity they do not invest 300 dollars for 15 new and up to date wifi repeaters. The room is very big so the 32 inch TV is to small. Very good value for money but really only if you use your kitchen and cook by yourself both meals a day. If you do not cook you might want something smaller (regular hotel room) which might be cheaper and potentially better (clarion or best Western plus zen just to mention 2). Go and buy your food at the del Rey store (5 minutes walk 1 dollar taxi), or in front of the street at the tiny and expensive shop. The laundry facilities do work but no washing powder is provided. Washing and drying costs 5 dollars if I remember correctly. At the nearby clean clean clean washing salon they charge 8. Very friendly housekeeping and receptionists.... Even if their English is not that good. The pool area would really need more shadow. Early check in was not a problem and for free which I highly appreciate. This place is not modern, not fancy and nothing to show off. It's a 3 star hotel room with ensuite bathroom and kitchen. Keep...