Panama Hotel

This storied hotel in Seattle's old Japan town attracts bohemian travelers and visitors interested in Asian Pacific American history.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Built as a workingman's hotel in 1910, this historic bed and breakfast in the International District served as a home for Japanese immigrants and Alaskan fishermen in the past, and now accommodates artists, writers, historians and international travelers. With most of the original fixtures still intact, hotel features include 100 modest rooms with hand-emroidered bedding, sinks, and standing closets made from old refrigerator crates. Shared women's and men's bathrooms can be found on each floor.

Hits: Accommodating to the guests' needs, special check-in and check-out times can be arranged.

Misses: Pack light--the hotel is a 3 1/2-floor walk up with no elevator. Wheelchair access is not available.

03/23/08

Very creepy hotel!!!

by mirandaotero at Citysearch

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

09/30/05

It's not a room, it's history

by elgringogourmand at Citysearch

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

12/03/02

No place for Ms. Pishyposh!

by lucidfringe at Citysearch

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

10/08/02

Great tea house; old rooms

by rose_marie at Citysearch

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