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4.5
#11 of 127 hotels in Panama City
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Hotel Riu Plaza Panama is located in the heart of the banking and business district of Panama City and very close to most attractive entertainment and shopping centers. Only 250m from the luxurious "Soho Mall" Panama and Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approx. 21 km away. This hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travel. The 644 modern and elegant decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi offer maximum comfort and in our 23 stylish and modern conference rooms you can successfully organize your events and meetings. Get in shape in the gym. You can also unwind in our outdoor pool. For gastronomy lovers, we offer a live cooking station at our buffet restaurant, an á la carte restaurant, as well as 2 bars. Crown Level Executive lounge service free for guests staying in Executive rooms and Suites as well as hotel guests holding RIU Class Gold and RIU Class Diamond cards.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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The Hotel Riu Plaza Panama enjoys acclaim for its friendly staff and vibrant, elegant atmosphere, complete with live music and a relaxing pool area. Its central location is a hit among guests eager to explore the city.
While the extensive breakfast and spacious rooms are highlights, some guests have called out inconsistencies in service and room cleanliness, along with mildew odors and outdated decor. The pool can get crowded, and the value for money has been questioned due to unexpected fees and room standards.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Elegant
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Comprehensive
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Really enjoyed our stay at Riu Panama. The rooms were clean and cleaned very well daily. Great staff and the absolute best and most extensive breakfast offerings. You must add breakfast to your room and you will not regret it. Staff was friendly.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Don’t rent a car if you are not from Panama. Driving in Panama can be treacherous. Best bet…use...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Responded 24 Aug 2023
Dear Eugenia P., We really appreciate you leaving your fantastic evaluation. Moreover, we are very grateful to learn that you loved your stay. Your evaluation makes us want to continue working to offer the best service. Wishing to welcome you again soon, Eugenia. Loving Regards, Hotel Riu Plaza Panamá Online Reputation Manager
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I've stayed at several RIU beach resorts, but never a hotel in a city. I was torn between staying somewhere in the old city or there. I ultimately chose RIU because I was familiar with it and because of the breakfast buffet that everyone was praising in reviews. I'm happy with my decision. The hotel was large and clean. The staff was friendly and accommodating and the breakfast buffet met the expectations. Definitely a way better breakfast selection than any of the other places I considered. My room was clean with a view of the city. It was included in my stay, but I've read in other reviews that there is a $15 charge. Make sure you inquire first so you aren't surprised. The pool was nice although I wish it was on a roof for some beautiful sunset views, especially since the terrace was closed. The gym was clean and had majority of what you'd need for a good workout. I did an excursion and inquired about getting a towel to bring with me and return and was told it was $20. No thank you. I understand why everyone just took the ones from the room. Overall, the stay was great. It was reasonably priced and cheaper than the hotels in the old city which offered less. The only advantage they had was their proximity to all the bars and restaurants, however there are several restaurants in the area that are really good and Ubers are so cheap you can get wherever you want to go fairly easily and decently priced. Wi-fi connection was terrible, but honestly cell service in Panama was terrible regardless. Even when I disconnected the wi-fi and used my data, I rarely had good connection most places. There is no free on-site COVID testing like some of the resorts, however the clinic that everyone in the area is sent to is right across the street. You're charged $28 instead of $35 if you state that you're a guest of the hotel. I recommend staying here if you're in Panama City. Next time I'd check out the JW Marriott or W if I'm staying with other people though, because the prices are way cheaper than in the states, especially NYC, but RIU is a solid option and I have no regrets.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, always at our side to make sure we had all we needed. The rooms are very comfortable with great views of the stupendous examples of modern architecture in Panama City.
Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat buffet that offers an astounding selection, a countless number of delicious items, all served by masked staff while masked diners walk along at a prudent distance from the food. Once again the staff deserves our thanks, each waiter and server constantly attentive and helpful.
There is a pool and a dining patio with a pool and garden view that makes breakfast a special pleasure.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Higher floors have very good views of some spectacular buildings.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent two weeks at the Riu Plaza. KThis was the perfect choice. We were walking distance to the ocean, Avenue Balboa, restaurants , coffee, shopping and Metro. The location was a great home base as we were able to arrange multiple day trips to Coronado, Miraflores locks, Atlantic islands and El Valle. Hotel provided easy access to El Cangreo, Casco, Fuerte amador, mercado de mariscos, multi plaza, Albrook, and Panama Viejo. Our room was on the 31st floor and we could see the ocean and ships waiting to enter the canal from the sofa and the bed. The breakfast is incredible with different items each day over 14 days. The walnut bread, macarons and baked goods are superb. This is really brunch. When chef Norberto learned that I liked my poached eggs softer, he had a special order delivered to our table. We received great service from James, Elezer, and other staff who ensured we had a table on the patio. Laura at the concierge desk was exceptional helping with reconfirming flights and ground transportation as well as assisting to connect with drivers for day trips and general information. She is so capable and unflappable I hope the Riu appreciates her abilities. Will happily return.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Ask for a high floor odd number room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Responded 7 Mar 2023
Dear holidayhelpToronto, Thank you very much for your kind words and positive feedback. We are very happy to have received your visit, and, above all, we are pleased to know that you left with those pleasant feelings. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and hope to be able to offer you a very pleasant experience. Yours faithfully, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama Online Reputation Manager
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My stay at the Riu Plaza Panamá City was amazing. I'm not a hotel expert but I've stayed in 5-star hotels before - in different continents including right at Alexanderplatz Berlin. However, it they just don't compare. This hotel offers an amazing breakfast buffet which alone would cost about €40 in Europe. The service is impeccable and beyond reproach - sadly that's saying something for Panamá City. The views from the rooms are something to write home about and I've never seen urban vistas like that from my room before even though I have stayed in hotels in New York City, London and Bangkok. Overall, this is an amazing place to stay at. I especially need to thank Glory from the front desk, Giuliana from public relations, Jose from community care, and the bipoc concierge guy whose name cannot remember, sorry. Thanks to everyone at the hotel I have contact with everyone has been really really nice and forthcoming. I look forward to my next day at your hotel Karma, there is simply no other choice for me when visiting Panama City. My break If you have any questions or comments or would like to see some pictures I took at the hotel you can find me on Instagram at @hovingr
Best wishes from Stuttgart, Germany Thomas // Hoving
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Review collected in partnership with riu.com
Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a great stay at this hotel. The room service was very good. There was a little mishap with a sliding door in the room getting out of its place, but it was fixed fast.
The buffet breakfast was very tasty, every day having some new things besides the usual eggs, sausages, cereal, cheese, cold cuts, fruits, etc: tamales, rice with pigeon beans and coconut, beef soup, etc Too many options to mention!
This hotel is placed very conveniently in the heart of the business district, a very safe location, very short distance to great restaurants, Multiplaza mall, Rey supermarket, hop on-hop off bus, etc. We used Uber all the time. One driver we would highly recommend (we ended up using him most of the time because he spoke English well) is Mijail. He gave us his number (he oked it to be shared), and we called him via whatsup when we needed a ride: +507 6431-9972
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Responded 7 Mar 2023
Dear GabbyFro, Thank you so much for your very positive review of your recent stay at our hotel! We are delighted to know that we made sure you had a memorable experience and appreciate your recognition for our daily efforts. We certainly look forward to welcoming you back and exceeding your expectations once again. With appreciation, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama Online Reputation Manager
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From the time you enter this magnificent hotel, the lobby alone will captivate you. Check-in was fast & efficient. Our suite's purple decor was beautiful. The bathroom is a room to it's own (literally & figuratively speaking). The morning Breakfast is a must see & taste experience. The pool area even has a concierge to assist you with your needs making your poolside dining experience as memorable as well. Inside the Studio 50 bar lounge offers great food & drinks. Visiting from the U.S (ATL), the 2-for-1 happy hour drinks & 50 cent wings aren't something marketing probably considered lol. The evening entertainment was hard to leave so the Sushi bar makes it easier to stay & enjoy along with the ambiance. The RIU Hotel brand never disappoints.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RIU Hotels and Resorts, Owner at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Responded 26 May 2022
Dear 804vincea, Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review of our hotel. It was our pleasure hosting you and we are looking forward to welcoming you again very soon! We wish you all the best, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama Online Reputation Manager
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The property is right in the city no hassle for a cab to go to the mall or Restaurant or wherever you decide to be, just ask Linda the dispatcher at the front of the lobby she was awesome with ensuring we get to our destination and back, staff always greet you with a smile give thanks to Sonia in the restaurant she never once told us no to anything. The rooms are clean everyday the hotel is not noisy. Very nice atmosphere if I was to go back to Panama the Riu plaza hotel would be my go to at any given day. Don’t let this be a vicarious experience for you if you’re thinking to visit the island you should go ahead and book this resort. Bless up the front desk team and the lady who welcome us at the restaurant in the mornings always willing to help us and translate our English for us. I felt at home with my wife and daughter while we were here.
Raymond 🇯🇲
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We took advantage of the Copa airline stay over program and booked 2 nights in Panama City on our way back to Canada from Costa Rica. Our second time in PC after a one day visit on a cruise a few years ago. I found the Riu deal through Booking.com and we were very happy with our choice. It was a deal we could not resist and the hotel proved to be incredibly well priced for all the services on site and the quality if the accommodation. Our room was a King Deluxe and was very comfortable. Well sized for a 2 night stay. Tthe pool area had plenty of lounge chairs, towel service, clean bathrooms and a bar. Bar service was so so as they would not go around proactively. You have to order at rhe bar and tour orser ( food and drinks) will be delivered at tour chairs if you wish. The pool side food was goos. Had the Gteek salad twice ans the wigs were ok. The Club sandwich was very satisfying! Breakfast was included in the price. Breakfast buffet offered quite a decent variety with an omelet station as well as eggs benedict, deli meat, salad fixins, some Latin American choices, a fruit bar, fresh squeezed juices, cereals and yogurt, etc. Our selections were alk tasty. We had dinner out both nights so i can’t comment on the hotel restaurant. My husband enjoyed the gym. Banks are sll over the city so finding an ATM was a 3 minute walk. Tge hotel gets your taxi, informs you of the fare for your destination and oays the driver on your behalf. I liked that although i found the fare cheaper coming back to the hotel. Tge one big thing i missed was the lack of a concierge desk to get recommendations for dinner and activities. We relied on the front desk staff - including trainees. So for this kind of hotel i completely was expecting a concierge. I would definitely go back though. The ratio quality- price is excellent!
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Always ask for the taxi fare ahead of the ride.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The staff are so incredibly friendly and helpful and I was always greeted with a smile. Most all staff speaks English pretty well. The breakfast is included and that was nice to have. The restaurants on site had average tasting food, except the burger at the pool was very good. The room we originally were given was so heavily scented that it was impossible for me to stay, I simply couldn’t breathe. The staff were helpful in switching me to a room with no scent and that was greatly appreciated. I’m unsure if I would stay here again. I’m use to true 5 star hotels and the standard here is simply not that. As far as cleanliness I’d rate it a 6. Food taste, also a 6. Bed comfort also a 6 or 7. Pool a 7. Unfortunately the spa is not operational. If I would have known that I may not have booked here. They should say it is not operational as anything else is false advertisement.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Online Reputation Manager, Owner at Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Responded 21 Nov 2023
Dear AJ J, Thank you for your valuable feedback. Whilst we are delighted to note you enjoyed the staff members´ attentive service, however, it is disheartening to read that we fell short of your expectations in some aspects. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service therefore we are grateful for the feedback and we forwarded them to the responsible department for an adequate follow up. We hope you will consider giving us another chance to provide you with the excellent hospitality and comfortable accommodations which we are known for. Kind regards, Hotel Riu Plaza Panama Online Reputation Manager
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There are more places to choose from in the Panama City area.
PRICE RANGE
S$146 - S$173 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaPanama ProvincePanama City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
644
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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