What a Bowl Can Do

Surprise of the Day: On our last night at Panama Hotel, we met its owner and innkeeper—Jan. After meeting her, I totally get what makes the hotel the best place to stay in Seattle. Her attention to detail and her passion to preserve history in tangible ways makes us feel connected to the past.

Harry told her, "your hotel reminds us of our ancestral homes back in the Philippines."

Jan said to me, “As soon as I saw the Muscat grapes in Room 116, I knew that was your room. Did you know that Muscat grapes are very romantic? I put your grapes in a bowl.” She smiled knowingly.

“They’re very sweet,” I said, feeling the blush creeping on my cheeks.

“Yes romantic and sweet,” smiling knowingly at the two of us.

Yes this is how she makes us feel like we are at home visiting our aunt or grandmother. No other hotel I have ever stayed at made me feel as if every single room is the Presidential Suite.