New Washington Hotel, Colon
The New Washington Hotel stands prominently at the edge of the peninsula that defines the city, nestled between two small high-rises. Its coral-colored fa莽ade is a testament to its grandeur and storied past. The original hotel on this site was opened in 1870 by the Panama Railway Company to accommodate workers. However, with the growing influx of tourists drawn by the Panama Canal, demand for accommodations surged. In response, the Railroad Company relocated the initial hotel and unveiled the upscale New Washington Hotel on March 23, 1913. At its peak, it was considered one of the finest hotels in the Americas, rivaling luxury establishments throughout the New World.
Architecturally, the New Washington Hotel is an exquisite example of Spanish Mission style, adapted beautifully to the tropical climate. Built with concrete and cement blocks, its design prioritizes coolness and comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay even in Panama's warmest weather. The hotel鈥檚 public spaces are expansive and elegantly furnished, including the main lobby, dining rooms, ladies' parlor, and a grand ballroom that opens on three sides to Caribbean breezes. The ballroom, adorned with gilt and heavy crystal chandeliers, has been a traditional venue for lavish parties, weddings, and social gatherings. Its open-air swimming pool, once hailed as the largest hotel pool in the world, provided guests with a luxurious escape just steps from the surf.
Today, the New Washington Hotel is managed by a consortium of Arab investors and has been transformed into a casino, with a modern condominium added next door at the site of the former Fort De Lesseps. Despite these changes, the hotel remains a social hub in Col贸n, drawing visitors for both leisure and events. Its dining rooms continue to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike, particularly for specialties like plank steak crafted by the celebrated chef Herbert Thompson.
Architecturally, the New Washington Hotel is an exquisite example of Spanish Mission style, adapted beautifully to the tropical climate. Built with concrete and cement blocks, its design prioritizes coolness and comfort, ensuring a pleasant stay even in Panama's warmest weather. The hotel鈥檚 public spaces are expansive and elegantly furnished, including the main lobby, dining rooms, ladies' parlor, and a grand ballroom that opens on three sides to Caribbean breezes. The ballroom, adorned with gilt and heavy crystal chandeliers, has been a traditional venue for lavish parties, weddings, and social gatherings. Its open-air swimming pool, once hailed as the largest hotel pool in the world, provided guests with a luxurious escape just steps from the surf.
Today, the New Washington Hotel is managed by a consortium of Arab investors and has been transformed into a casino, with a modern condominium added next door at the site of the former Fort De Lesseps. Despite these changes, the hotel remains a social hub in Col贸n, drawing visitors for both leisure and events. Its dining rooms continue to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike, particularly for specialties like plank steak crafted by the celebrated chef Herbert Thompson.
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New Washington Hotel on Map
Sight Name: New Washington Hotel
Sight Location: Colon, Panama (See walking tours in Colon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Colon, Panama (See walking tours in Colon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Colon, Panama
Create Your Own Walk in Colon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Colon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Colon Introduction Walking Tour
Col贸n is one of the most fascinating places to explore in Panama鈥攁 city where history, culture, and nature intertwine in unexpected ways. Founded in 1850, it quickly became the Atlantic gateway for gold rush travelers headed to California. Later renamed to honor Columbus, the city grew on the swampy ground of Manzanillo Island, battling disease and harsh conditions from the start.
Its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles