Trip To Panama Flying in Turkish Airlines Business Class
Last month, Mike and I traveled to Panama for the first time where we stayed four nights in the beautiful capital, Panama City. We flew with Turkish Airlines in business class although we had to originate from Budapest instead of Stockholm since the fare was much cheaper starting from the Hungarian capital. Between Stockholm and Budapest, we took the direct flight on Norwegian. Since I have Diamond status with Hilton, we stayed at the Hilton Panama and Waldorf Astoria Panama where we got upgraded to a Master Suite during our stay at the Hilton Panama. We also had a chance to stay at the Radisson Decapolis Hotel which was also a nice hotel, although not as nice as the two Hilton properties we stayed at. When in Panama, you should never miss doing the Panama Canal Tour as it was definitely the highlight of our trip. Take note that they don't have tours everyday so make sure you check the availability beforehand. Our trip to Panama was one of the best trips we've had and having flown in Turkish Airlines business class, it couldn't have been better!
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Date of stay: September 23-24, 2016
Address: 47th St. & Uruguay Street, Panama City
Nightly Rate: 190 USD, Deluxe City View 1 King Bed w/ Breakfast (Upgraded to Junior Suite)
Hotel Reception
Lobby
Waldorf Astoria Panama lobby
Waldorf Astoria Panama lobby
Waldorf Astoria Panama Peacock Aley Lobby Bar
Junior Suite 1207 (area of 55 sq. m.)
Welcome gift consisting of macaroons, Waldorf Astoria chocolate and a welcome card from our personal concierge, Caterina and Lille Marie (who had sent me a welcome email a few days prior to our arrival)
The signature Waldorf Astoria bed linen
40 inch HDTV
Minibar
Nespresso machine
For me, a hotel that uses Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities is a truly luxurious hotel.
View
Swimming Pool, 7th floor
Outdoor Pool
Fitness Center
BRIO Brasserie
CONCLUSION
Mike & I have never stayed at a Waldorf Astoria hotel before so we were really looking forward to this stay here in Panama. This hotel is only three years old so it is still very new. We arrived at the hotel around 1:30pm and eventhough it was a bit early, we were greeted and welcomed by Caterina, one of the receptionists working that day. As our check-in gets processed, we were offered some welcome drinks (sugarcane drink which Mike really loved) and cold towels. We were hoping they would give us a room upgrade so when they told us we got upgraded to a Junior Suite, we were ecstatic 😍 Thanks so much guys! We were also given a 35 dollar credit in F&B (excluding alcoholic drinks) which was a very nice thing. Late check out was also offered but we declined since we thought we'd check out early morning before we leave for our Panama Canal Tour. This means we actually missed having breakfast but the tour was more important for us so it was okay. Just before Caterina escorted us to our room on the 12th floor (the highest floor is the 17th) Mr. Christian, the General Manager came to quickly welcome us which was a very nice gesture. The Junior Suite was definitely one of the most luxurious rooms we have stayed at. The room was not as big as the one we had at Hilton Panama but it was spacious enough and offered all we needed like a Nespresso machine, work desk, bathtub, shower, etc. Strangely though, there were no slippers in the room although it was promptly brought to us after I called the reception. As for the 35 dollars credit, we decided to use it in the Brio Brasserie where we had our dinner. The food was very good and the Colombian waitress serving us was extremely nice. The next morning, we found a weather card under the door with the day's weather forecast which was very useful. Check-out early morning around 5:30 went smoothly and we left our luggage to the bellboy on duty, and which we picked up after our Panama Canal Tour. Overall, we loved our stay in the Waldorf Astoria Panama. The upgrade was wonderful, Caterina our personal concierge did everything to make our stay memorable, the Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities were lovely and the waitress in the restaurant was definitely a treasure of the hotel. The rooms unfortunately do not offer great views unlike the Hilton Panama, but if views are not that important to you, then this hotel is just as perfect. To all the staff of Waldorf Astoria Panama, "Muchas Gracias" for making our stay in Panama and our first ever stay at a Waldorf Astoria hotel so memorable 😍
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