We've been to this hotel several times before. They have a promotion after being closed for several months due to Panama's harsh and bizarre quarantine laws that practically killed the tourist season. Room's Director, Ricardo Diaz is a gem of a person. Took care to reply by Whatsapp and arranged 3 premier rooms due to my Bonvoy Status. We felt privileged there. The hotel was seeing its first full house of the year due to Carnival week, but all the staff was working to make sure service was prompt. Our breakfast was included but it is not a top-quality breakfast to command a price of $28. It was rather basic. Don't remember if it was better before Covid but needs improving. Tai Kai was excellent and the outdoor seating area was very pleasant this time of year. Beach area drinks and snacks were brought promptly and were Ok. The spa was offering limited service and they made me keep my mask on during the massage. I was allowed to use the wet areas alone for a half-hour after the massage. They loan bicycles for guests but I think they only had 2 working bikes and every time we tried to get 2 together, there was only 1 available, and my wife rode by herself. The rooms show signs of aging but all things worked well in our rooms. I saw some nearby rooms with technicians repairing the air conditioners. The hotel should get a renovation next year because it is a rather small hotel with 118 rooms and it could be upgraded to be the undisputed best in Panama. The staff is well trained and work hard to give good service. I recommend staying in this resort during Panama's dry season from late December to mid-April.…
It is very embarrassing to see a hotel of the height of Marriott as it has deteriorated. I do not recommend for a long time to stay here. For breakfast I waited an hour or more for my order and by the way it got wrong. I have a service dog and they didn't allow us to eat in the salon we hace to eat out side because of the dog. That is what they are for service or company, they cannot deny you entry that is discrimination. I hope they train the staff to give better service, in the 6 years that I have been coming, I have never been so badly attended.
Overall we had a wonderful stay! We checked in through the Marriott app the day before we arrived. To my surprise I received a text at 11 AM while still in Miami that my room was ready! Buenaventura is a 2 hour drive from Panama City but it was an easy drive. It was more convenient and cheaper to rent a car so we did. We arrived at about 11PM and the front desk agent was really pleasant and took our bags up to our room promptly after check-in. Luckily breakfast was included in our rate so we ate from the breakfast buffet three times. The selection was always the same but adequate (omelet station, pastries, assortment of bread, fruit, cheese, ham , local frituras, cereal, yogurt, etc.). The hotel and it’s grounds were beautiful! It was all open and despite being the summer is was surprisingly really breezy! The pools were refreshing and really nice. We actually preferred the pool closest to our hotel rather then the one at el Faro because it was empty...despite the hotel bien go sold out we always had the hotel pool and Cabanas to ourselves because guests always wanted to be at the Pool/beach location which was about a 10 minute walk from the hotel rooms (houses were closer to el Faro). Pool bar had a great variety of drinks and food and surpassingly was really cheap compared to other similar Marriott pool bars. Internet was as good as expected although my room was very close to the lobby in #140 so maybe that is why but even at the pool it was good enough for browsing the internet. Rooms and bathrooms were spacious, clean and beds were very comfortable! The balcony view looking out to the resort was nice although we were right above the restaurant and had some bachelor party group that was loud until about 1AM the day we checked in which was kind of annoying but all other nights it was quiet. The one thing I didn’t like about the room was the humidity smell that hits you when you walk in. After a while you get used to it so it was tolerable. Shuttle service around the Buenaventura grounds was awesome!! We were there for a wedding and the shuttle service operated until 2PM taking us to and from hotel to Martini Beach. We also used the shuttle to take us to Punta Arenas Beach Club which is another huge pool with beach access in Buenaventura. It isn’t a part of the hotel but hotel guests (and residents of Buenaventura) do have access to it. Valet parking is free but you won’t use your car much when on site. …
This is our third trip to Panama. Each time we explored different resorts (see some of my previous reviews). This is by far the best resort experience we had in Panama! Yes you will have to dig a bit deeper in your wallet to stay here but it’s definitely worth it. The resort is very well maintained and service was superb. This is not an all inclusive resort, recommend to get the breakfast included as the selection is good and quality of food is excellent. They’re are several restaurant options for lunch and dinner that are reasonably priced (not top notch but better than standard hotel food). There are several pool areas and the way seating is arranged you almost have a private pool. Even on the weekend the resort and pool area were not packed so pliantly of privacy and tranquility. The rooms are well maintained and include a large bath and large shower ( we had an ocean facing room). We stayed with our child who also enjoyed the kids club. This is a relatively quite resort so not much parties or nightlife (was perfect for us). Highly recommended. …
This resort is fantastic. The food, service, facilities and especially the people are great. Golf course is immaculate and a great challenge. Big shout out to Andre’s, Juan Carlos, and Miguel and their staff... you made our stay! Service a front desk great as well. Only two complaints ... no shuttle to the golf course early in the am but the 10 minute walk was a good warm up. Bed needs to be replaced ... broken down ... have a bad back and made the nights long. Other than that our stay was great.
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