Panama Canal Museum

2006 The Tivoli Hotel, 1906 – 1971

Perched on Tivoli hill, from which it derived its name, the grand Tivoli Hotel depicted in this ornament served as the centerpiece of Canal Zone society from its opening in November,1906, to the day it closed in 1971. Officially, US President Teddy Roosevelt is considered the first person to stay at the Tivoli although some members of his official party preceded him by a few days as hotel guests. Through the years, many dignitaries and celebrities, from royalty to film stars, from presidents to sports heroes, stayed there. The stated purpose for the hotel was to house Panama Canal construction workers; but, being located in Ancon, just across the street from the Canal Zone/Panama border, it also was open commercially to visitors to the Isthmus since there was a shortage of adequate hotel facilities at that time in Panama. Many times during the construction days the ballroom was turned into a sleeping area; and the workers slept on cots or, if none was available, on the tops of billiard tables. Originally designed as a “metal and plaster” structure, the plans were changed to a frame building with a brick center section when Chief Engineer Stevens ordered that “no money be spent on frills.” In 1922, the hotel was condemned as a firetrap by the Canal Zone Fire Division, resulting in the installation of a sprinkler system throughout the building. In February, 1951, the Tivoli stopped accepting commercial guests and was redesignated “The Tivoli Guest House,” the primary purpose of which was to provide accommodations to visitors on official Canal business and visiting relative s of Canal employees. Some permanent guests, however, were allowed to reside there, including Mrs. W inifred Ewing, who stayed at the hotel as a bride in 1907, shortly after it opened, and returned to reside there in 1968 until it closed. Over the years, the Tivoli Hotel/Guest House was among the most popular venues in the Canal Zone for wedding receptions, school proms, gala dances and balls, luncheon and dinner parties, happy hours and other social gatherings. It was known for its fine dining and excellent cuisine. One menu in 1907, featuring landmarks along the Canal route at that time, offered such fare as Ancon Turtle Soup, Tabernilla Pickles, Mount Hope Olives, Corozal Potatoes, Culebra Fillet of Beef, Brazos Brooks Asparagus, La Boca Roast Turkey, Pedro Miguel Jelly, Potted Gatun Birds, Bas Obispo Punch, Cristobal Balls, Matachin Ice Cream, Gorgona Cake, Colon Cheese, Empire Coffee, Cemetery Road Cigarettes and Las Cascadas Cigars. The Tivoli Guest House was officially closed on April 15th, 1971, as a result of the high cost of maintaining the old wooden structure and the availability of newer, more modern hotels in Panama City. The Tivoli had served the Canal Zone and Panamanian communities well throughout its history, leaving a legacy of fond memories for those who stayed there or participated in the many memorable social events held there.