Panama Hotel

This place was intolerable. Aside from inconsistent plumbing, the owner of the place was terrible. For one thing, it seemed like she was always there, and wherever she was, she was yelling at someone, berating the staff over nothing, harassing other guests. I'm just glad I didn't stay long enough to get on her bad side.

I like historic and I enjoy interesting. I was excited to stay at this hotel. However, the bathrooms did not work on the floor I was on - and the shower didn't work on my floor. I have stayed in shared bathrooms-shower rooms before - but never have I seen the filth in the shower. The room lock was not very sturdy. The beds were not made and the room was not cleaned until asked. The woman who owns the place was rude, scarey rude. The lobby was never opened. The Tea Room was closed when it was supposed to be open. Complimentary coffee and muffin was not offered after the first day. This was not an "experience" - it was an over-priced nightmare. Don't go. Take your money where someone is pleased to have you stay with them. It's just that simple.

Pros: Acceptable Location

Cons: Dirty, Rude Owner, Half-Way House Atmosphere

As I was checking into this "hotel" (it should be called a hostel, with shared bathrooms)... I had to endure an over-bearing owner scolding the different creepy male attendants about their jobs for the day. The doorman and the man checking in guests, were both really creepy and made me and my partner uncomfortable. The hotel was extremely cold during the night, and I was also afraid to use the restroom during the night because of the other "questionable" people staying and/or living on my floor. The rooms were quaint, but not worth the money. Be clear, this is a bare-bones establishment. Do not bring a family here or out of town guests. This hotel is purely for working class travelers, or people willing to stay in down-and-out establishments.

Pros: location in the international district

Cons: staff, owner, prices, bathrooms

What is appealing about the Panama is not that it excels as a hotel. It is the history of the place and the attention to authenticity which the owner has for the place. The Panama was the heart of the Japanese community and when they were taken away for Internment they left their things in the basement of the Panama. The owner has restored the building which is a recognized historical site and, unlike most, has not violated the inside by fully updating the building. The Panama was a residential hotel which offered rooms to immigrants as they moved from work site to work site and that is the scope from which it should be viewed.

Pros: History, Panama Tea and Coffee, Very Beautiful

Cons: Rooms can seem old

While the Panama most certainly does not have the 5-star sparkle hotel that Ms. Poshyposh demands there are more subtle qualities that she might not notice. However, that's fine with me.

Pros: history, good people, affordable

Cons: Old, no bellboy, no black lacquer

Yes, the tea house is excellent. The green tea is made in traditional, authentic way. Sandwiches were also excellent, and the atmosphere quite relaxing. Do not, however, plan on staying in the hotel. The light fixtures are bare bulbs; the flimsy shade fell down when pulled; the metal soap dish in the corner basin was rusty. The bathrooms are clean but shared by all, including the tub with the red shag carpet glued to the outside. If you have a car, plan on finding your own (expensive) parking. No phone, no clock, no fun! But my son insisted. Consider it an unparralled experience.

Pros: Historic area, Nearby restaurants, Authentic tea house

Cons: No amenities, Shared bathroom, Shabby, and not chic