Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel

I booked a stay at this hotel using the Hotels.com app and the ratings on Trip Advisor. I traveled to Panama for the sole purpose of getting away to a tropical climate during the Christmas holiday.||Booking the hotel was simple and I think I got a great deal for the price tag. I was able to reserve the hotel shuttle to pick me up from the airport and drop me to the hotel.||Upon arriving at the hotel, the service was mediocre. The doormen were ok, but the front desk help seemed too busy to check me in - I was the only person trying to check-in.||I immediately loved my room: comfy bed, big tub, and nice shower. I did find it odd that not too long after a member from the help team came to “check on” the mini bar. I found that odd, but I let her check it.||Breakfast was probably the best thing this girl has to offer. Correction: the Salsi Puedes restaurant is the best thing this hotel has to offer. ALL of the team members in the hotel restaurant were phenomenal. From the hostess to the servers, they made my experience a tad bit better.||The spa was ok, I’ve been to better. I think the price was ok for a 50 minute massage and 30 minute facial, but it wasn’t memorable.||The location of the hotel is one of the worst parts. It literally sits in between the business district and the “hood”. It’s semi-walkable, but I used uber to get to where the fun was (The Causeway, the malls, Casco Viejo, and Mercado De Mariscos).||Ultimately, I think the hotel staff (not including the Salsi Puedes team) struggled with having to cater to a Black woman. I felt it anytime I approached the front desk for help, when speaking with the front desk people at the spa, and some of the doormen.||I’d probably never return to Panama City, but if I do Bristol Panama would be my last resort.

Had a pleasant stay at this hotel. The room was clean and the customer service was impeccable. Shout out to George who works in the lobby. The hotel is centrally located and it was very easy for me to explore the city using ride share services. I requested a late checkout due to a late flight departure and the management were very helpful in accommodating my request.

I stayed at the Bristol Panama for five nights across two visits, with friends. The rooms were comfortable, stylish, and very pleasant — but my experience with service was mixed. During my first stay, on New Year’s Eve, I encountered several delays. Despite the hotel bar not being very busy, service was slow — one food order was forgotten, and the receipt took an unusually long time to arrive. We also requested a bottle of champagne for the terrace of the hotel bar via room service at 11 PM — a special request, but one I expected to be handled seamlessly at a 5-star hotel. We had to ask two or three times before it was delivered — just 10 minutes before midnight. The next day, I asked for an additional laundry bag and the form to fill out for laundry service. It took two calls and a personal visit to reception to finally get what I needed — which was disappointing, especially given the level of service expected. During my second stay, the service was smooth and without issues — no room service was needed, so I didn’t experience any further problems. I want to acknowledge that the reception staff were consistently professional, courteous, and helpful throughout both visits. They handled all interactions with care and made a strong positive impression. While the room and staff were excellent, the inconsistencies in service during my first stay were a letdown — especially since the bar wasn’t busy. I hope the hotel takes this feedback seriously to improve overall.

The hotel staff is wonderful. Nice hotel with decent sized room. Pillows are feather and go completely flat. I stacked three and they still were completely flat. Also the bathroom has a glass door which is bizarre as there is barely any privacy. It had some frosting on the door but you can still see in. Last thing you want is your partner watching you while sitting on the toilet.

Really clean and welcoming room. The bathroom was huge, full tub and shower and private toilet area. Room was super quiet, and elevators were prompt. Breakfast was really nice, variety of food items, hot and cold options, and coffee was tasty. I'd recommend. Note - the location is in the Financial area and not very touristy. This is a plus for us, but if you want to be in the center of and much more walkable then maybe select somewhere else. We used Ubers everywhere and were glad not to be where are traffic and congestion was.

I had my reservations about a “foreign” hotel but the Bristol allied all my fears. The staff is extraordinary! Helpful to a fault. I felt like tipping every one! Anything needed from maps to directions to luggage to Uber…. The restaurant is 5-star all the way! The service is exceptional and caring. The only thing better is the food! We love seafood and they’re wonderful. Shrimp, lobster, sea bass, langostinos….rave-worthy all. I highly recommend this hotel. The place to stay while waiting to leave on a cruise.

I had the most AMAZING stay at The Bristol Panama. After an unexpectedly difficult experience in the San Blas Islands and an early departure due to sea conditions, I found myself needing to book an extra night at the last minute. What could have felt stressful turned into one of the most heartwarming hotel experiences I’ve had. From the moment I walked through the doors, the service was impeccable. The hotel smells incredible (such an underrated detail), the doormen were genuinely kind, and I was welcomed warmly right away. I arrived around 1 PM — a bit early for check-in — and even though I had two separate reservations, the manager seamlessly arranged for me to stay in the same room both nights. And then… the surprise. I was generously upgraded to a one-bedroom apartment on the 23rd floor. After such a treacherous few days, my heart truly filled with happiness. The room was stunning — spacious, beautifully appointed, with a breathtaking city view and sunset backdrop. The bed was incredibly comfortable, but my favorite part was the balcony. Feeling the warm Panama breeze and sunshine after everything? Pure therapy. As incredible as the room was, I don’t know what was better — the room or Sunday brunch. If you’re visiting over a weekend, do not skip it. The brunch was exceptional: multiple fresh juice options (including a make-your-own juice station), a fried Panamanian food station, taco station, omelette station, bread, cheese and charcuterie displays, and so much more. Absolutely delicious. The gym was also fantastic (and I may or may not have been equally motivated by the watermelon-mint infused water). On Monday morning, I arrived toward the end of breakfast service, and the chef kindly made me a fresh plate of eggs and potatoes since the buffet was winding down. That level of attentiveness says everything. I also enjoyed multiple lunches and dinners at the hotel restaurant — the suckling pig, skirt steak with eggplant, and braised short ribs were all outstanding. Their craft cocktail menu is impressive, and both the waiter and restaurant manager thoughtfully helped me select pairings since many of the ingredients were new to me. As a travel advisor, I’m always looking for standout properties in every city I visit — the hidden gems that combine warmth, quality, and true hospitality. Tucked into the financial district of Panama City, The Bristol is absolutely one of those gems. There’s also a lovely walkway right outside the hotel that leads toward Casco Viejo, making it easy to explore. I will absolutely stay here again on my next visit to Panama City, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. I couldn’t be more grateful for the generosity and genuine care I received.

We stayed at this hotel as a couple and had a very pleasant experience. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, perfect for resting and disconnecting. The location is very convenient, close to everything and easy to access.||The room was clean, comfortable, and well equipped. The staff was very friendly and always willing to help. Overall, the value for money is very good.||Without a doubt, it is a place we recommend for couples looking for comfort, tranquility, and an enjoyable stay.