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... More

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
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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... More

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
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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: ... More

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
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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... More

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
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