We booked a family loft all-inclusive room through oferta simple as a weekend getaway from Panama City for our daughter’s birthday. After the long tedious check-in process with one employee handling an entire line, we got to our room to find that the loft looked like it hadn’t been touched in a year. It was hot (No a/c), and there were spiderwebs hanging from the light fixtures. The worst part: both twin beds covered in dead flies, lizard poop, and pieces of hair.Furthermore, the widow was detached from the window frame- just hanging opened. As I was trying to call the front desk to get someone up to change the bedding and do a cleaning of the loft (to no avail- they are understaffed and don’t answer the phone), I watched out the window as my husband was helping our 2 daughters ages 2 and 7 into the hammock on the balcony. They weigh about 70 lbs combined. No sooner had they laid down that the hammock crashed to the ground. Our two year-old landed on the back of her head and 7 year old hurt her back. Both were hurt and in tears. Because I was unable to reach anyone on the phone, I headed to the front desk, only to wait in line 20 minutes, crying toddler in arms, to speak to the front desk worker about getting the loft cleaned, broken window, broken a/c, broken hammock. He said he would make a note and send someone. Returned to room to change for pool, waited for someone to show up, but no one did. Headed to pool and stopped by front desk again to remind them. The pool looked amazing in the pictures, so we were looking forward to it. However, more disappointment. I was hoping to order a mixed drink at the bar, but couldn’t bring myself to drink anything other than bottled water for fear of contracting dysentery, based on the lack of cleanliness at the pool bar. About 50 flies swarmed in and around the blender. Furthermore, no clean towels were available. Dirty towels and styrofoam cups littered the entire pool area. After about an hour of continually requesting clean towels, with the assurance from the bar tender that they were on their way, my husband went back up to the front desk to hunt some down. The final blow of the pool experience was that there were large chunks of algae floating in the pool. At first I thought they were giant hair balls, but after a few brushed by my legs and feet, I realized it was algae. Naturally, upon returning from the pool, the room had not been touched by housekeeping. My husband went back to the front desk again to remind them about the issues in our room. Finally, a repairman came as we were in the room showering and getting ready for dinner. He taped the window back into the frame, and a housekeeper changed the bedding. By the time we went to bed we were seriously debating returning home for the night. We should have because no one slept well with the a/c going in and out, dehumidifier beeping through the night, and the constant feeling of tiny bugs biting my feet and legs under the sheets. Save your money and just stay home. This place is run-down, understaffed, and down right filthy. (And I didn’t even mention the low quality of the food.)…
The Gamboa Rainforest Reserve was surely an idyllic lush compound with beautiful gardens, great hiking and bike paths, an awesome glimpse into nature, up close views of animal. and breathtaking views.
The view and location of the resort is amazing. The rooms are old but comfy. If you don’t like nature and animals don’t come here. This is a place to relax and enjoy nature. We had bats in our balcony and in the hall. The tours are nice, there is a lot to do during the day. In the evening Troy can do a night safari. I hope all other facilities open again like the family club.
Booked onLine as our family of 3 wanted to be surrounded by nature. Pictures online looks beautiful but as others have commented, this resort has fallen apart due to lack of care and maintenance. Pros: great location Cons: dirty room, mold can be found, lights, door to balcony and phone not working or broken, mold throughout hotel, pool had pieces falling and peeling and floating around, algae growing in various parts of pool, bed broken and uncomfortable: made loud noise with every movement, food and staff inconsistent (some were decent while other times crap). Hotel only has one section opened to guests but as we had to walk through other buildings to get to pool you can really see how they have let this resort go. For the high price we paid, we did not find it worth the cost. There are other hotels also located in this forest that might be a better option. Also keep in mind once you’re here there is no transportation out except through a travel agency that charges 3 to 4 times more than Uber and taxi. Also we got the breakfast deal and had to leave early on our last day. Reception gave us a list where we check the food we wanted them to pack for box breakfast to go. We picked a few items, what we got was a simple sandwich and an apple. No one was up at that time so we couldn’t do anything. Not worth the cost we paid. Honestly, for what the hotel was charging, I would say look elsewhere. I spent most of the time making sure our 5 year old son didn’t touch most things due to the uncleanliness and health hazards.…
The resort is an amazing experience and a "must do" when in Panama; the views, wildlife, staff all made it memorable and unique. I will return on my next visit and make sure that I share with family and friends.
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