JW Marriott Panama

The pools are quiet, and it was easy to find a chair and enjoy the views. Rooms and staff were awesome, and breakfast had plenty of good options. There are some cool restaurants within walking distance. Drinks are way overpriced, though, and food at the on-site restaurant takes a very long time to come out.

The lounge had so many food choices that we didn’t bother going out for breakfast or dinner. As a platinum status holder, I could get breakfast, snacks, and dinner there throughout the day, and we had everything we needed. My husband and I spent NYE in the Executive suite, which was spacious and newly renovated, with two balconies that were great for watching the fireworks. Sofia at the front desk made us feel comfortable from the start. She was so sweet and did everything she could to make the stay nice. We could hear music from the party downstairs, which might bother people who aren’t celebrating, but we enjoyed listening to it from the balcony.

I had to press the help button at the garage gate around 530am because my little parking ticket wouldn’t raise it. Nobody was there in person, but the gate lifted a few minutes later. Check-in was a complete mess: registration was on the 16th floor, with no signs in the lobby or upstairs saying where to go. They gave us no information about the property, restaurants, or where anything was. I never found the rooftop pool. I did find a door for a pool area, but it said it closed at 9pm. The place and amenities look nice, but the room was small and basic. I booked a Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Sea View. The listing showed a bathtub, but there wasn’t one. It also showed a sea view, but only from an unrealistic angle looking hard left 90 degrees. Sitting normally, the view was directly at other buildings. The price is very top of the market for a very low-level experience. Never again.

Sofia made check-in feel personal. She was kind, welcoming, and professional, and her extra hospitality really made me feel valued as a guest. I stayed at JW Marriott Panama for work a couple of weeks ago. The property is beautiful, elegant, modern, and impressive as soon as you walk in. I had a wonderful experience.