Panama Hotel

Step back in time

It was quiet. Clean. Close to the track. Like stepping back in time before all the distractions of modern life.

No tv. Internet. A/c. The price was lower than other places in the area but way to high without having any modern amenities to offer. Also don’t care for sharing a restroom or shower with the floor. But I’m simple. I can do without.

Communal showers and bathroom.

No bathrooms in room. No tv. No amenities. No clean sheets. Internet service was lacking. No elevator.

Interesting and Quirky

I liked that the proprietor loves her property and is proud of it. I love the history of the property and the antique furniture all around. The staff is very friendly at the hotel. The tea room is very interesting to look at and the tea selection is amazing. They have complimentary bottled water available and reliable, free wifi. Easy walk from Centurylink Field.

The hotel only has double beds, our room only had one two-pronged outlet (the hotel did loan us an adapter so I could plug laptop in), you can't get coffee on location before 8:00 am, and if you get more than one beverage with your "continental breakfast" at the tea room they charge you, (even if one of you didn't eat), there was a fire detector that needed a new battery that beeped all night, the key to the ladies bathroom was very very "tricky" and someone kept closing it (owner told me to leave it open so I wouldn't have to mess with key), the water that filled the tub was brown, the bed was so small and bouncy that I almost fell off twice, and the room had a radiator heater that doesn't warm up until morning, then sweats you out of your room. I didn't mind the stairs, but some might mind the two tall flights up to the lobby, then one more to our second room floor (basically, our second floor room was equivalent of fourth floor with no elevator.) This is at the most, a $70 a night hotel in any other city, but I guess the location helps? Keep vigilent if you walk around Chinatown at night. Fun and interesting, but you have to stay aware of your surroundings.

Halfway between a flop house and a gorgeous museum

Pretty, historic 1910 building, with lots of history and character, most of what you see is no newer than 1950s. Leather stairs, ancient wooden railings, feels like walking back in time. Nice staff, good breakfast. Interesting art and stories. Natural light, eco-conscious. Interesting location (edge of China town, walking distance to Pike place, surrounded by excellent Japanese food).

Price: given the low level of maintenance, it would have been a perfect place to crash for about half the price (which I've heard is about what it was 10 years ago). After tax, I paid just over $100 for a single room; totally appropriate for the region, but...If they're going to keep the current price, they should have enough money to fix up the basics. Here's my list of things I'd want fixed: 1. Shared bathroom doors should close and stay closed, as should the stalls. Locks on said doors would also be a good idea. 2. Carpet shouldn't block the door to a room when opening. 3. Do not use bungee cords to hold together the otherwise beautiful antique furniture. Likewise with the particle board. They can afford to do it right. 4. Better wifi coverage and reasonable speed. 5. Repaint dirty walls. I think you get the idea: the gorgeous, well-loved historical building deserves much better care, and so do the guests. I really hope that the owner, who seems to be a lovely person, takes this kind feedback to heart. A little attention to the basic details would go a long way to helping this place live up to its potential.