Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort's Unbeatable Panama City Getaway!
Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort - Panama City Getaway! Honestly, Is It Really Paradise? (Let's Find Out!)
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Panama City, and I'm still wrestling with my tan lines and, honestly, my brain trying to process it all. I stayed at the Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort, and I'm here to give you the real deal. (No sugarcoating here, even if they put sugar in the mojitos.)
First Impressions: What’s Up With That Elevator? (And Other Accessibility Musings)
Right off the bat, accessibility is a BIG deal for me (and should be for you too!). Okay, so Long Beach Resort boasts the usual "facilities for disabled guests" and an elevator. The elevator situation? Well, let's just say it's seen better days. (Pro tip: Don't try to cram a whole family in there during peak hours, you'll wait longer than it took to build the Panama Canal! Okay, maybe not that long, but still.) Wheelchair accessibility overall seemed decent – ramps were present, and the public areas were generally navigable. I didn’t personally test the deep end when it comes to wheelchair access, but I saw folks getting around fine. However, I’d recommend calling ahead and getting a very detailed breakdown of accessibility options if you need it. Don't just assume, ask!
Inside the Room: My Oasis…or Not?
Let's get real. The rooms? They are definitely a mixed bag. On the plus side, I had a room with a window that opens – major points for fresh air, especially after a long day of sweating in the tropical humidity. Blackout curtains? Glory be! Saved my sanity from the early morning sun. And the extra-long bed? Oh, that was heavenly. Seriously, I'm a tall person, and finally, somewhere I could stretch out!
Now for the… less glamorous side. The décor was… well, let’s call it "functional." Think "tropical resort meets slightly-dated conference room." They've got air conditioning (thank goodness!), free Wi-Fi, in-room safe box, a mini-bar (score!), and a coffee/tea maker (essential for my morning caffeine fix). But the bathroom? It felt a little… dated. The bathtub was a bit small, the toiletries basic, and the shower pressure could have been better. And the hair dryer… let's just say it wasn't exactly high-tech. But hey, at least there was hot water… most of the time!
Internet: Can I Actually Work From Paradise? (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Okay, so free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that’s a huge selling point, right? Wrong. Well, okay, right and wrong. The Wi-Fi itself was solid, but it could be a little…flakey at peak times. Let's just say, trying to stream a conference video during Happy Hour was a no-go. However, the Internet access – LAN did sound interesting, although I’m not entirely sure what the point of it is nowadays! The Internet services overall seemed adequate.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional "Meh")
Okay, let’s talk about the most important thing: the food! The restaurants were varied. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant – I’m talking A la carte, buffet, poolside bar, coffee shop, and even room service [24-hour]. My biggest issue was: where to start?
Let's be honest about the breakfast [buffet] though… it wasn't the best. The Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options were a bit… underwhelming. The coffee tasted like it was brewed in a rusty bucket. But, the daily housekeeping service was pretty spotless, even though it took a while to pick my preferences in terms of rooming. So, if you're a culinary snob, maybe temper your expectations for breakfast.
But the poolside bar? That was a saving grace. Happy hour? Yes, please! The cocktails were strong, the snacks were tasty, and the view of the swimming pool [outdoor] was pretty damn Instagrammable. I definitely took advantage of the Bottle of water service. The poolside bar was definitely my favorite dining spot. I also had a decent Salad in restaurant.
Pampering and Relaxation: Finding My Zen (Or Maybe Not)
Okay, folks, this is where things got interesting. The Spa! The Fitness center! The Pool with view! The brochure promised paradise, and I was ready to believe.
I went for a massage. It was… okay. The masseuse was pleasant, but the massage itself felt a little… rushed. Definitely not the transcendent experience I was hoping for. The Sauna and Steamroom? Those I skipped. Felt too hot. But the swimming pool? It was divine. The Pool with view lived up to the hype. Seriously, I could have spent all day just bobbing around, staring at the skyline. And hey, they even have a Foot bath! I'm not sure what a foot bath is, but hey, it sounded good!
Safety First (Or at Least, Trying to Be)
In these times, it’s all about Cleanliness and safety. Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Double check. They take it seriously. Seeing, and the staff was very helpful about it and the Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The room sanitization opt-out available wasn’t needed as my room was clean and safe, and the Individual-wrapped food options were really important too.
Things to Do: Beyond the Poolside Bar
Honestly, a lot of what you do here depends on what you want! The Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort is a decent launching pad!
Things to do: They’ve got a Fitness center, so you can burn off those vacation calories. They're willing to set up meetings or seminars if that's your kind of thing. They have Outdoor venue for special events.
Ways to relax: They’ve got a Body scrub and Body wrap, the Spa/sauna. They’ve got a Terrace too.
Drinking, dining, and snacking: Not just the Poolside bar! restaurants too!
For the Kids: There's a Babysitting service, and the resort is generally Family/child friendly. The kid-friendly stuff seemed decent, with a Kids meal.
Overall Vibe: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
So, would I recommend Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort? Okay, here's the honest truth: It's not perfect. It has its quirks. It has its… questionable breakfast. But the staff are friendly, the location is convenient, and there's a certain faded charm that I kind of… liked.
The Verdict: If you're looking for a no-frills, reasonably priced getaway in Panama City, and you're not expecting five-star perfection, then yes. This is a solid choice. It's a place to relax, to explore, and to maybe – just maybe – find your own little slice of paradise. Just don't expect the elevator to be the chariot to get you there.
Book Now! (My Persuasive Offer, Because You Deserve a Vacation!)
Stop scrolling! Are you craving sunshine, stunning cityscapes, and a break from the everyday grind? Then listen up!
Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort, the unbeatable Panama City getaway, is calling your name! We're talking:
- Unbeatable City Views: Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and soak in panoramic views from your room.
- Delicious Dining: From mouthwatering Panamanian cuisine to international flavors, your taste buds are in for a treat! Happy hour at the poolside bar? Don't even get me started!
- Relaxation Reimagined: Pamper yourself with a restorative massage. Float blissfully in the outdoor pool while you forget all the mess and stressors in your life.
- Unbeatable Location: Explore Panama City's vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and bustling nightlife, all at your fingertips!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected and share your amazing vacation memories instantly (when the Wi-Fi cooperates!).
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort within the next [Insert timeframe here, like 7 days] and receive a [Insert a compelling offer here, like] complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony, plus a free bottle of bubbly upon arrival. We're talking pure relaxation, maximum enjoyment, and an unforgettable experience!
**Don
Prague's Friday Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, beachy world of Long Beach Resort in Panama City, Florida. This isn't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is real life, folks. With sand in my shoes and probably a sunburn brewing. Day 1: Arrival, Beach Bliss, and the Great Seagull Heist (Okay, maybe not heist)
Morning (Like, LATE Morning… I'm on vacation!): Touchdown in Panama City Beach! The airport is…well, it's an airport. Nothing fancy. But the moment I step out and inhale that salty air, whoosh - instant chill. Grab a rental car, a beat-up minivan that smells faintly of stale sunscreen and regret (kidding! Mostly), and then the real fun begins: the drive to Long Beach Resort. First impressions? Whoa. The buildings are… well, they're there, sprawling along the beach. Check-in is relatively painless, thank heavens, and I snag the keys to my condo.
Afternoon: That Beach, Though: First things first: beach reconnaissance. I'm talking a full-blown, sensory overload mission. The white sand? Unreal. Like walking on powdered sugar. The emerald water? Tempting, but I'm also still trying to figure out the complex mysteries of the umbrella. There were some beach chairs, which I managed to place a couple of feet from each other. I set up shop, applied sunscreen (okay, maybe a bit late), and then the inevitable happened: the Seagull Invasion of '24, a terrifying, ongoing game of chicken. A rogue seagull eyeballed my sandwich (a masterpiece of deli turkey and disappointment) and almost made off with it. I survived. He lost. We call it the Great Seagull Heist of '24. (I swear someone's going to write a book out of this trip).
Evening: Sunset & Seafood Showdown: Dinner at a beachfront place. Think fresh fish, cold beer, and live music that's somewhere between "surprisingly good" and "local talent." I'm a sucker for sunsets, and the one over the Gulf tonight was a showstopper. Seriously, the sky was ablaze with orange and pink, and I just sat there, mesmerized, thinking, "This is why I work my butt off." Also, maybe this is the appropriate time to admit I ate a whole plate of seafood. And regret nothing. Day 2: Poolside Panic, Mini Golf Mayhem, and a Quest for Key Lime Pie
Morning: Ugh, that sunscreen! Okay, now it's applied correctly. I try and do some laps, but the pool is packed with kids. I retreat to a lounge chair with my book (a guilty pleasure, I love a good mystery) and just relax, which is almost impossible.
Afternoon: Mini Golf… What Was I Thinking?: Now for the real fun – mini-golf. There is a mini-golf course nearby, and I figured, "How hard can it be?". Answer: harder than it looks for a person who is a bit clumsy and impatient. My competitive spirit flares up (rarely), and let's just say, the windmill was my nemesis. My putting skills? Questionable. I think I was the only one who hit triple digits.
Evening: Key Lime Pie or Bust: I'm on a mission: find the best Key Lime Pie in Panama City. The search took me to three different places. Each had a unique take on the classic, each with its own degree of delight. My verdict? The quest was worth it. The pie was tangy, sweet, and the perfect ending to a day of slightly ridiculous adventures. Day 3: Sandcastle Dreams, Shell-Collecting Shenanigans, and the Great (Almost) Tan Disaster
Morning: A glorious, lazy morning. I built a sandcastle. It was… well, it was a sandcastle. More of a sand-pile with a moat, but hey, artistic license!
Afternoon: Shell Shocked: I spent hours combing the beach for shells. The gulf is filled with various collections of shells. I find a beautiful collection of seashells to take home.
Evening: The Tan-astrophe: The sun. I made a mistake. A big one. I thought I was all sun-proof. I'm currently resembling a lobster that's had a very bad day. Lesson learned: reapply sunscreen. Day 4: Kayaking Adventures, Dolphin Dreams, and Packing Panic
Morning: I'm a morning person now. I took a kayak tour. Seeing the dolphins. Absolutely magical. The water was clear, the air was fresh, and I even managed to stay upright (mostly).
Afternoon: Shopping, Sunsets, and Seafood Repeat: I visited the local shops. I picked up a few souvenirs. And then, of course, another sunset. Dinner was at a different seafood spot, because I had to try everything.
Evening: Reality Bites – Packing Time!: The dreaded packing. It goes by in a haze of laundry, half-hearted folding, and the realization that I bought way too many seashells. There's always the last-minute scramble to find everything – wallet, phone, the aforementioned seashells – which always fills me with stress. Day 5: Departure, Reflections, and the Salty Goodbye
Morning: Final coffee on the balcony, soaking up the last moments of the beautiful scenery.
Departure: The airport. The flight. Back to real life. But not before I have a final moment of bliss.
Reflections: Okay, so it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were some minor hiccups, the near-tan disaster, the competitive mini-golf. But you know what? That's what made it memorable. I laughed, I relaxed, I ate way too much seafood. I survived the Seagull Invasion of '24. Panama City Beach, you win. You'll see me again.
The Salty Goodbye: I'm already missing the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, and that perfect, tangy key lime pie. Until next time, Panama City Beach. You were a chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable mess.
Escape to Paradise: Long Beach Resort - Your Unbeatable Panama City Getaway! FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You Need This)
Okay, so... "Paradise"? Really? Is this place *actually* paradise, or is it just another hotel brochure lie?
Alright, let's be real. No place is *perfect*. My expectations were HIGH, I'm talkin' Himalayan high, after all the ads I had seen. But, and this is a BIG but, the Long Beach Resort? It's got a serious shot at paradise status. The beach? Stunning. The water? Turquoise-y, shimmering, making me feel like I was in a movie. The sunsets? Forget about it. I thought I was gonna turn into a puddle of happy tears every evening. There were moments, yeah, where a rogue cockroach scurried across the tile in the bathroom (mortified! but it happens!). But even that couldn't totally kill the vibe. Considering I was, you know, *alive*, that's a win. Paradise-adjacent? Absolutely. Paradise-adjacent with seriously good WiFi? Double yes.
The food, tell me about the food! Because bad food can ruin a perfectly good beach day.
Oh, the food. Right. Okay, so, I'm a picky eater. A truly, deeply, annoyingly picky eater. I'm talking "I only eat things that look like other things" kind of picky. So, going into an international resort already had me on edge. But, and this is where the resort *really* surprised me, the food was actually REALLY good. The buffet? A little overwhelming at first, like a culinary tsunami. But, with some strategic navigation (and a lot of trial and error), I found the good stuff. The fresh fruit? To. Die. For. And the little ceviche stand down by the beach? Pure bliss. I maybe ate way too much ceviche. Maybe. Okay, I *definitely* ate way too much ceviche. My stomach was slightly wrecked the next day, worth a tiny slice of pain for the incredible flavours. The a la carte restaurants? Definitely worth booking ahead. One time, though, I swear I saw a chicken nugget that looked like a... well, you know... and it triggered a twenty-minute internal battle. But after much inner struggle, I went ahead and took the leap of faith and they were delicious! So, yeah, good food. Prepare for the ceviche coma.
How's the beach, really? I mean, is it actually swimmable? Is it crowded? Is it full of seaweed?
The beach...oh, the beach! This is where the "paradise" really kicks in. The sand is that perfect, powdery white stuff you dream about. The water is warm and clear, and you can see the little fishies darting around. Swimmable? Oh yeah, it's practically begging you to dive in. It's not like those beaches back home, where the water feels like ice cubes are smacking your face. The thing is, during my stay, it was not crowded at all! I basically had a stretch of beach to myself. Bliss! Now, regarding seaweed... okay, there was some. But, honestly, the staff work tirelessly to keep it clean. One day, I saw them out there with rakes and little carts, battling the tide like beach superheroes. Sometimes, it's a little more heavy on the seaweed. It really just depends on the day. But it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. I still spent hours just floating around, staring at the sky. I was very happy. Just get ready, maybe bring some water shoes. And prepare to be utterly mesmerized.
Okay, I'm sold on the beach. What about the rooms? Are they clean? Modern? Do they have a mini-bar? (Important questions!)
The rooms... they're nice. They're definitely clean, which is a MASSIVE relief. I have a phobia of uncleanliness. Modern? Mostly. They've clearly been updated recently. My room had a balcony with a view of the ocean. Which, I might add, made the whole experience a million times better. And yes, YES, they have a mini-bar. It's stocked with the essentials: water, soda, and usually a few beers. Listen, after a day on the beach, a cold drink is a non-negotiable. The bathroom was clean, the shower had good water pressure (a MUST for me), and the bed was comfy enough that I actually slept through the night most days – a minor miracle, considering I usually toss and turn like a washing machine cycle on high. Now, let me be honest, the decor is not exactly minimalist chic. It's more like "tropical explosion!" But hey, you're at a beach resort! Do you really need understated elegance? I didn't think so. Just keep in mind, some rooms are closer to the action (and noise) than others. So, if you crave peace and quiet, request a room further back. Also, tip your cleaning staff! They work AMAZINGLY.
What about the activities? Is there stuff to do besides, you know, sitting on the beach and eating ceviche? (Though, honestly, that sounds pretty good.)
Ah, the activities. Yes, there are activities. I mean, beyond my personal activity of "eating" which, as we've established, I'm pretty good at. They have all the usual suspects: snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, and even a casino. I did the snorkeling, and it was amazing. The reef was filled with colorful fish. It was like swimming in a gigantic aquarium. I got so carried away I almost forgot I don't know how to swim that well. You guys, I swear I saw Nemo! (Probably not, but it *felt* like it). The casino? I tried it. Lost a few dollars. Learned an important life lesson: I am not a gambler. The resort also organizes excursions. I didn't go on any of those. I was too busy perfecting my beach bum routine. There's often live music. The pool is a good place to drink in the sunlight and feel the heat. But honestly, the best activity is just relaxing. Do nothing. Read a book. Stare at the ocean. That's paradise right there, I tell you! Don't feel pressured to do everything all at once. Embrace the laziness. You deserve it.
Is the staff friendly? Because a grumpy staff member can really put a damper on things.
The staff? Amazing! Seriously, they go above and beyond. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. Every single person I encountered, from the front desk to the waitstaff, was smiling and genuinely seemed happy to be there. They're attentive without being intrusive. They remembered my name. They made an effort to speak English (even when my Spanish was… well, let's just say “developing”). They were patient with my terrible Spanish. One waiter, I won't name him, but his name started with an "S," (I'm not very good with names!) kept my glass filled with water, even when I was just sitting there, staring off into space. They are the real people. They truly make the experience. Seriously, tip them well. They deserve it. TheyWander Stay Spot
