Crowne Plaza Panama by IHG — Hotel in Bella Vista

I recently stayed at the Crowne Plaza, a brand I once associated with quality and comfort. Unfortunately, my most recent experience left me thoroughly disappointed and questioning the standard of the hotel and its alignment with the IHG brand promise.

Facilities and Maintenance Upon arrival, the state of the hotel’s facilities was immediately apparent. Many areas are in dire need of maintenance. Peeling paint and visible mold were evident both in the rooms and common areas. An unpleasant, humid smell lingered in the hallways and rooms, making relaxation difficult. It’s clear that routine upkeep has been neglected, and the outdated decor only amplified the sense of decline. Noise was another significant issue: the rooms were far from soundproof, and restful sleep was hard to come by. The bed itself wasn’t comfortable, which further diminished the quality of rest I was hoping for during my stay.

Amenities and Housekeeping The bathroom amenities were very basic, falling short of what I have come to expect from the Crowne Plaza. Even worse, housekeeping failed to refill the hand soap after cleaning the room, and bottled water was not replenished. These small but important details matter, especially for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. One of the most frustrating aspects of my stay was the room cleaning schedule. The hotel’s policy states a check-in time of 3:00 PM and a check-out time of 11:00 AM (or 2:00 PM for IHG elite members), which should allow housekeeping to prepare rooms between check-out and check-in. Despite this, our room was not serviced until after 5:00 PM. After a long day out with my family, we returned to rest and decompress, only to be asked to vacate our room for cleaning. Declining cleaning was technically an option, but it hardly felt like a reasonable one. This operational misstep was a major inconvenience and left us questioning the hotel’s management priorities.

Buffet Breakfast The buffet breakfast was below expectations. There was a lack of variety, and some of the food—scrambled eggs in particular—did not appear fresh. The limited options and the apparent disregard for food quality suggest plenty of room for improvement in the kitchen.

Overall Impression Overall, my stay at the Crowne Plaza did not live up to the reputation or standards of the IHG brand. From the neglected facilities and uncomfortable rooms to the inconvenient housekeeping schedule and underwhelming breakfast, it was a thoroughly disappointing experience. In the past, I’ve regarded Crowne Plaza as a reliable and elevated option for travel, but this visit failed to deliver on that promise.

I hope the management takes these issues seriously and undertakes the necessary improvements to restore the Crowne Plaza’s reputation and ensure a better stay for...

This would be funny, but it wasn't. Checked into this hotel, which I use frequently, on a Saturday night. Since I live in Panama I am very aware that it is party night. Lots and lots of noise, and the church bells across the street ring incessently! Key card wouldn't work 3x, finally they let us in. Room was 15C and outside 33C. Maintenance turned off the A/C and said it would warm up. NOT!! During the night it got colder and colder. When we awoke, there was freezing cold water dripping out of the ceiling above, puddles on the tile floor, and soaking wet bed sheets! Apparently the A/C, which is located in the ceiling had broken down and had leaked through the roof. We had laid out clothes for our Canada flight the next morning and EVERYTHING was soaked. Leather shoes, purse, sweaters etc. Couldn't turn on any lights, sparks flying out of socket. Pulled on a wet bra, seater and pants in the dark and called front desk. Maintenance arrived, couldn't care less about it all. I went down and told Christopher at the front desk about it and said I had asked for a room away from the church which now plays a full hymn every 1/2 hour. Bottom line, we paid. Ran to our car, turned heat on high and tried to dry out ourselves and clothes. Got on a germ filled plane and both of us spent two weeks in Canada with pnuemonia. Christopher has always been wonderful, but said he knew that the room was not what I had requested. Weddings and loud parties and even the church I can manage, but being frozen to death and looking like it to board a plane is a bit much. I'm getting up there in age and could have killed myself on the wet tiles in the dark, no less. It was not funny. Room 906 at this hotel in uninhabitable!!! The front desk staff are always wonderful but we will never, ever stay there again. I feel that my money should be refunded, no sleep, water, noise. Like I said it would be funny, but it's not. The Crowne Plazas in Panama are slipping badly and do not recommend either of them. Three weeks later husband is still in bed, ill. Glad it didn't drown my computer, missed it by inches....

With the exception of one minor concern, I have only positive feedback regarding the superb service received at The Crowne Plaza, Panama. During our stay from 4 through 20 July 2016, my 96 year old Mother and I were treated like Royalty. It seemd like someone was always asking how our stay was going and if there was any way to make it better. The 'Continental Breakfast' was, essentially, a Gourmet Breakfast Buffet. One should never walk away from breakfast at The Crowne Plaza, Panama, hungry. The office area, pool and gym cover all your administrative, exercise and relaxation needs. The location of The Crowne Plaza, Panama, on Manuel Espinosa Batista Avenue is perfect, as well. Across the street is the beautiful, historic Church of the Virgin of El Carmen. The main thoroughfare, Via Espana Avenue, is within walking distance of The Crowne Plaza, Panama, and offers myriad dining and shopping opportunities. The Crowne Plaza, Panama, is centrally located offering access to many main highway approaches. The only complaint that we had during our stay was the noise from the street below entering through the windows. As a construction contractor, I believe that this issue, though not intolerable, could well be addressed with better quality, heavier fenestration. Aside from that, The Crown Plaza is tops in my opinion and will...