Review of Hotel Melia Panama Canal 4*

I decided to go for an overnight stay at this hotel since I got an online offer and it was just before the kids had to go back to school. I had been there before but for a wedding so had not really had a chance to enjoy the place. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by Mr. Michael whom dispite the set back of our rooms not being ready and us having to wait for over an hour to do our actual check in, was so sweet and welcoming that I just could't think of getting angry. Anyway we finally got our rooms and a courtesy late check out for the following day, due to the delay so that was nice, the kids loved it… "Thanks Mr. Michael. " The rooms were ok but even after the long wait once we settled in we noticed their were no towels in the bathroom so we called for some and decided to go enjoy what was left of the day. Atfter having gone to the pool and taking an outdoor tour of the area we returned to our rooms to find that even after approx. 4 hrs. Of having requested bathroom towels, we still had NONE! I started to get upset. It was a long time for them to have been able to bring them up and watching my kids shivering in their wet pool clothes needing to get a bath and dry up and not having the towels there, just made it worse. I called for Mr. Michael but he was not there so spoke to some other girl who did have the towels sent up right away. I want to make a long story short because the rest of our stay mostly involved time at the pool and the retaurant during meal time hours. I could say everything would have been fine, even with the minor set backs but the attitude of the waitresses at the restaurant KILLED OUR WHOLE EXPERIENCE. Starting with the hoastess at the cash register to the lady serving water, all had faces like they hated being there and like they were doing us a "favor" rather than doing their job. We HATED IT! I must point out though, that the first evening we had dinner, there was a young man there, didnt get his name, who attended us WONDERFULLY. He is the ONLY waiter in that whole place who should be working there. Panama has a lot to learn where customer care is concerned and I think the hotel and tourism industries should pay more attention to these matters. The customer is who you are there for. We are the makers of breakers of the industry and if you cannot satisy basic needs, such as a smile or a good disposition when performing your job then there's no place for you in this industry. One particular waitress was so rude during the lunch buffet that my 10 year old daughter actually asked me what was wrong with "that lady". How I wish I had her name but she made the experience so aweful I just wanted to get my kids and myself out of there to avoid seeing her face. Besides for Mr. Michael, at the front desk and the waiter I mentioned before, I would just as soon forget this whole place. It just WASN'T WORTH IT! and then, to top it all off, we left our bingo game in the room and so I call to tell them we are sending someone to pick it up… hahahahahahahaha OF COURSE THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE IT! Typical! Even if I got invited back for FREE, I wouldn't go! Sorry but BIG changes have to take place in this hotel if you want to keep your guests happy. People PAY to go to a hotel to work or enjoy and relax, either way, we are looking for AT LEAST, a pleaseant stay for our money's worth… TEACH YOUR STAFF THAT!