The Veneto
It’s Christmas in Panama and the lobby of the Wyndham Veneto in Panama City is bedecked, bejeweled, beribboned, besparkled and beyond belief. It’s as if a Macy’s Christmas display has given notice and decided to catch some warm tropical breezes. Poinsettias abound, huge swaths of red garland drape with a flourish over the entrance escalators and tall fan palms practically hugging the ceiling are ablaze with coiled lights. These anchor spectacular Christmas trees hung with intricately lit wrapped gifts and metallic flora, life sized candy canes and the biggest wreaths this side of the North Pole. The street’s blinding sunlight is instantly filtered upon passing through the darkened lobby’s sliding doors and visitors and guests make their way up to the mezzanine casino, the hotel’s bustling hub of action where the slots’ twinkling lights provide a brilliant canopy for the scene below. It’s clear from the get go that this is not your typical tropical hotel.
Like Vegas, Panama City is a night time city. Gritty streets polluted with traffic by day suddenly come alive and beckon visitors after dark. There is no better place to witness this seamless transformation than the Wyndham Grand Veneto Hotel and Casino at dusk. Situated on a grimy street in the busy downtown neighborhood of Cangrejo, the entrance is a stunning representation of the Vegas standard. Hundreds of flashing lights envelop the coral and pink facade from top to bottom and the larger than life marquee signage flashes the Veneto name and Wyndham patronage. The lights say it all; this is a place for fun and games.
A small army of bellmen and porters greets and whisks you to the rear reception desk which is anchored by a gilded black lacquer rococo table topped with tall glass cylinders filled with crimson Christmas balls. There is an abundance of metallic gold decoration in the surrounding furnishings and the effect is startling – like a monochromatic canvas brought to life with a gilt frame. One of three lightning fast elevators deposits you on your floor where another tall vase bursting with huge fresh lilies rests on a large contemporary wood console with matching side chairs nestled beneath an enormous mirror. Hmm, a place to check your entrance look? We like that. Furnishings here are discreet yet noticeable and the super sized hallways are lightened with tone on tone white striped wallpaper, neoclassic nickel sconces and bold artwork. Heavy, darkened wood doors lead to huge guest chambers, light and airy thanks to big windows that frame the town’s famous skyline. Junior suites are big enough for a family of 4 and the comfortable oversized sofa and club chair still allow plenty of room for moving around. We like this too. Large decorative prints framed in lacquer provide striking accents to the soothing, pared down environment, decorated with polished chrome lamps, a big marble topped desk and wall to wall striped silk draperies. A massive spa bathroom clad in pink marble with an oversized glass enclosed shower is perfect for a nice hot stretch during your scrub. We like this a lot! Gilchrest & Soames amenities in aromatherapy packaging subtly complement the 5 star elegance. No need to pack the mouthwash, it’s here! Add to these a nice large body bar for soaping and you’ll hit the casino happy and snappy.
If, like myself, getting to Panama City has left you fatigued, no worries. Head right down to the spa adjacent to the Wyndham Grand’s heated Olympic size pool and gym. A full menu of amazing massages will set you back on your course for amusement and you can sprawl out on one of their herculean daybeds, soak in the disco lit Jacuzzi or have some private time in the wet or dry sauna afterwards. On your way out check in to the salon for a bit of Latin grooming. A perfect blow out is never out of place in any casino I’ve had the pleasure of stalking.
Before hitting the tables though, do yourself a favor. Facing the guest elevators the Lobby Sushi Bar is a nice surprise before a night of serious gaming. Hugging the back of the escalators it’s an oasis for mouth watering Japanese during your stay. Word to the wise: when a hotel has a sushi bar in the lobby, book it! With just 12 seats, the Wyndham’s example is a simple yet exotic one. Throughout my stay, I never saw it empty and there was no need to worry about the language barrier. As in the Japanese model, everything on the menu was pictured and all you had to do was point. I marveled at the exceptionally fresh sushi that was prepared with expert attention (not exactly the norm in Central America). If, however, you’re a devoted carnivore, fear not. New York Steak is just adjacent to reception and you can dig into some cooked beef.
The Wyndham Grand Veneto has 301 rooms and serves a full breakfast buffet with Panamanian specialties alongside American standards like smoked salmon and French toast as well as a full assortment of breads and fruit. There is an executive level reserved for returning guests and high rollers.
*The hotel and spa will begin an extensive “Vegas” style renovation in 2011 with new carpet, lighting, millwork and furnishings being installed floor by floor and by mid-year it’s expected that the property will complete a top to bottom overhaul.
The Veneto
Avenida Eusebio A. Morales & Via Veneto
Ciudad de Panama, Rep de Panama
507-340-8888
507-340-8889 (fax)