The Bristol is a traditional property in downtown Panama City, well appointed and embellished with rich woods. This is classic "old world elegance" where the staff is refined and service is attentive. This is more of a business hotel, and not a resort. But for a downtown stay - its perfect! The only (minor) negative is the tiny elevators. But even those had charm!

We stayed for 2 nights in the Bella Vista part of Panama City which is a vibrant financial and cultural area of Panama City. This hotel was undergoing an additon during our sta which was a bit noisy as other reviewrs have noted but not to the extent mentioned earlier. We heard no noise of it before 8am or after 6 pm.Our room was a more traditonal western style room but was well appointed and extremely comfortable and had a fabulous bathroom and shower.The staff was excellent and was courteous and helpful at all times. The rooms carpeting as well in the hall was a bit worse for the wear and the TV in the room took up the majority of the entertainment unit. A flatscreen would have been certainly in order, but besides that the room was squeaky clean and comfy..The lounge and bar had excellent food although nothing overly innovative , but was failry priced and once again had outstanding service.I liked this place as you can walk to many restauraunts, shops and clubs and grocery stores closeby and you could enjoy a true taste of Panama in this busy bustling neighborhood! Once again service was the best here as they did everythign possible to make our stay wonderful Thank you!

in 2009 i visited panama for the 1st time stayed here liked it alot but only after my visit again where i stayed in the vento i knew i will be back to the bristol small cozy and great ambiance lovely bedding and royal bath. great resturant with best tuna tartar!

First, although I agree that the construction that is ongoing next door on the new Bristol condos can be a bit annoying, but as I was usually up early and back late, it wasn't really too bad. They are supposed to be completed in 2011.

I say it's boutique plus, because most small hotels do not have gyms/business centers/decent restaurants/bars.

Check-in was easy in the comfortable small lobby. You will receive business cards with your name on them at check-in. Makes it really easy to find your way back in cabs...even if you don't speak Spanish.

The gym is on the eighth floor. It has two treadmills, two stairmasters and an elliptical. There are 3 TVs. Dumbells up to 50 lbs, a shoulder press, a row machine and a bench press with free weights. Water, towels, fresh fruits are provided. It can be a bit crowded even with only two people using the weights, but generally few people were there when I was.

The breakfast is fine with fresh fruits, pastries, oatmeal, breads, yogurt. There is an omelette station and if you can't find something, ask the waiters, they will bring it. My only complaint was that the staff seemed a bit gruff and not particularly attentive.

The room was immaculate and the bed very comfortable. The bathroom was granite with a tub and separate shower. Two TVs, one in the living room, the other in the bedroom. iPod compatible alarm clock, two closets and a dressing station. The housekeeping staff was friendly. The butler service seemed hit or miss. Sometimes ice would come up in 15 minutes, once I waited over 2 hours before a second call. It's sometimes easier and quicker to go downstairs to the restaurant/bar to get a cup of ice.

The bar was quite comfortable and the staff markedly friendly. The business center had two computers hooked up to a printer. It made checking in for my flight home a breeze.

Probably the best part of the hotel is the concierge. Yarisel was such a delight and so easy to work with. She knows everyone in Panama it seems and only makes sure she works with the best. She will make your trip a happy one.