Between Aloft and a Grand place in Panama
Ian Stalker
Jose Duran correctly notes that those staying in Panama City’s Sheraton Grand Panama will have little difficulty in visiting the Panamanian capital’s Aloft Panama hotel and vice-versa.
Duran, commercial director for both hotels, notes the two hotels are literally attached, making it easy for those staying in one to visit a restaurant or bar in the other or attend a meeting or other gathering in the neighbouring property.
“It’s really close” he states. “You don’t have to go out of one property to visit another. The whole idea was to have an option.”
The side-by-side hotels do offer guests choices, with Duran stating that the Sheraton is a five-star property, while the Aloft is 4.5 stars.
Both fall under the Marriott umbrella.
The Sheraton has 356 rooms, while the Aloft has 303, an unusually large number for an Aloft property.
Aloft rates tend to be 25% to 30% below Sheraton rates.
Duran reports that the Aloft offers guests “vibrant colours and open spaces” and names of hotel facilities often closely reflect what they offer. For instance, a pool is called Splash, a gym is called Recharge and one option for for dining is Red, which offers fusion cuisine in a setting notable in part for its red décor.
Aloft rooms feature the likes of fridges, LED TVs, Internet, and laptop-compatible desks and safes.
The hotels’ Savvy and Ultra Savvy Suites offer a particularly upscale stay.
Both hotels have meetings and conference rooms but Duran says the Sheraton is the more corporate-oriented. “If you want to stay at the hotel that has the most meetings and conference rooms, this is the one.”
The Sheraton has an entire floor devoted to meetings and conference rooms.
Other Sheraton features include a tennis court and 24-hour fitness centre.
The Sheraton has a Kids Club Salon and the structure is home to a large casino.
Sheraton guest rooms include units with one king or two queen beds.
The hotels are 15 to 20 minutes from Panama City’s international airport.
Meanwhile, Duran says both hotels are taking guest safety seriously, with staff sporting buttons stating they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Ninety-eight per cent of hotel employees had been vaccinated by early October. “Our staff is well vaccinated,” Duran declares.
