Tantalo Hotel

Hotel review

The Tantalo is owned by New York hoteliers and you can kinda tell. Situated in Casa Viejo, the oldest (and coolest) part of Panama City, it sells itself as a party hotel and stepping into the huge fairy-lit rooftop bar with its twinkly views over the financial district, it is easy to visualise Mojito-fuelled fun going on up there. Bedrooms are well-equipped and guests can admire artworks by Panamanian artists while mixing their own pre-cocktail cocktail with the shaker provided in every room. All rooms have balconies, some with close-up views into Panamanian apartments metres away - great for voyeurs and sociologists who want to get a sense of local lifestyles, but stay inside if you mind being inspected back from across the street. The food in the Tapas restaurant is fantastic and, this being a party hotel, a sociable experience at long communal tables. Panama City is not yet a destination in itself but this is a great choice for a stopover en route to somewhere else.

HG Staff Review published: 03/07/2024