Portobelo Hotels

quirky little place right on the water. Staff was nice but mostly absent. No office. No check in. No check out. Just the boat driver available and most of the time he can't be found.. He's a nice guy, but don't look to get any questions answered.. even in Spanish. Watch out for the showers... the electric hot water heating system attached to the shower head can electrocute you.

We were here with our two sons - both nature lovers so the location of this resort was perfect. The hotel itself is lovely but in dire need of maintenance. The surrounding rainforest has taken its toll on this unusual property. With general maintenance and perhaps some extensive remodel this could be a 5+ star property. The staff is so willing to help you in any way. They were wonderful to us from the front desk manager, Irina Gordon to the restaurant manager Juan, as well as the bartender in the lobby bar. They couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating! We chartered a boat for two days and caught a ton of Peacock Bass in Gatun Lake and the restaurant prepared them for our dinner one night. They were so tasty - prepared in three different ways with steamed vegetables and fries. Fantastic!! Our accommodations were on the 5th floor. We had a one bedroom suite and our boys had an adjoining two queen bed room. This worked out perfectly for us. Irena Gordon made sure these accommodations were right for us. All in all, a wonderful trip! Here's hoping someone picks up this property and gives it the care that it so richly deserves.

You must get to the top of the driveway and this alone can be an experience by it self. I myself thought the driveway was a thrill. The place was clean, they provide hammocks, refrigerator, dishes, cable (I changed the tv language to English to watch CSI). It is quiet and in the middle of no where. Bring our own dish soap. I loved it and I will be returning.

My husband, my two daughters and myself (we live in the United States) were visiting family in Colon but we're staying in Panama City, this particular day we didn't want to rush so decided to stay at The Melia Hotel, we have been there once before minus one daughter. Needless to say, we had a great time there; I remember when growing up in Colon it used to be The School of the Americas, and my sister and I used to go visit our cadet friends. I'm so glad they kept the facility and turned it into this wonderful "retreat".

The hotel is ideally located. The room was very clean and comfortable. However when I checked in the front desk gentleman was not the friendliest .. did not make one feel welcome. I have been in customer service and he was definitely not happy to be there. Some of the other Personnel at the front desk was very friendly and had a great conversation.