In the past five years, Panama’s tourism industry has grown at an unprecedented rate. In fact, Panama is currently in the largest tourism, and tourism-related economic boom in the country’s history. And this means big business for hotels. It’s no secret that Panama has been building hotels and resorts at a break-neck pace over the past few years. Many hoteliers have even been criticized for over-building and saturating the market. But the numbers for future growth are too good to not take that risk.
In true Panama style, this boom has been accompanied by an “all-or-nothing” attitude that’s pushing bigger and better hotels. Luxury and large is the trend, and there are some great new hotels/resorts that embody this to a tee. Here’s a quick review of some of Panama’s best:
- Hard Rock Hotel Megapolis- Though it only opened a few years ago, this over 60-story hotel has already become an iconic part of Panama City’s skyline, and cultural fabric. The hotel has over 500 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, bars, a popular nightclub, and a rooftop disco that overlooks the bay. Each room is decorated in true Hard Rock style, with music memorabilia adorning nearly every wall in the building. It’s also attached to a shopping mall, and casino, making it a one-stop vacation destination for tourists and music lovers alike. For more, check out their site.
- Hilton Panama– This is Panama City’s newest addition to their famed towering skyline on Ave. Balboa. The Hilton, like many that share its namesake, is a complete luxury experience. There are around 300 guest rooms, with nearly every one having an unobstructed ocean view. They also have one of Panama’s newest casinos right in the building, and the country’s first Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. And since they are one of Panama’s newest luxury hotels, they are offering some great rates on rooms as an introduction. For more, check out their site.
- JW Marriott Golf and Beach Resort (Buenaventura)- The JW Marriot, formerly known as the Buenaventura, is probably Panama’s most luxurious beach resort. Set in the popular pacific beach town of Rio Hato, the JW Marriot does not disappoint on any level. It’s set on a massive plot of land that includes a full golf course, botanical gardens, and even a man-made river that has gondola tours around the grounds. The resort itself is so luxurious and expansive; you may even forget you’re on a private white sand beach, which adorns the resort on the southern side. For more, check out their site.
- The Waldorf Astoria- The hotel chain made famous by its flagship hotel in New York is now quickly becoming a Panama icon. From a design point, the Waldorf epitomizes sophisticated elegance. It has a stern, dark brown and gold façade, and goes for elegance over gaudiness as it weaves it’s way into the skyline in Bella Vista, near Ave. Balboa. Each room is designed as a suite of sorts, with a wide living-room area and elegant open-front bathroom, and stunning ocean and city views. They also have one of the most stunning pool areas in the city, and two 4-star restaurants within the complex. For more, check out their website.
- Hotel Riu Playa Blanca- Playa Blanca, on Panama’s Pacific coast, is a hotbed for new hotels and resorts, and the Riu is the area’s newest gem. The Riu Playa Blanca is massive, with the most rooms of any resort in the area, as well as the largest stretch of private beach access. In this case, the Riu takes its modern urban luxury brand to the beach, with a fresh new design and 1st-class amenities that many other competing hotels don’t offer, including 24-hour restaurant and room service. The hotel is all-inclusive as well, meaning that once you’re there, you just need to sit back and enjoy. For more, check out their website.
