The Central American country of Panama offers so much to North American travelers in the way of urban sophistication, resort adventures, and indigenous interactions. It is also widely considered the financial capital of Central America. Even Copa Airlines makes Panama City its regional hub and offers a special to all passengers who fly Copa Airlines: Make a free stopover in Panama in addition to your final Copa destination. After all, Panama is regarded as a high-income economy with a history of low inflation. They were the first Central American country to adopt the U.S. dollar as its legal currency after its secession from Colombia in 1903.
The Location
By all means, take advantage of the Copa Airlines special deal and check out Panama City, the Panama Canal, local cuisine, and unparalleled beauty in the process. Your first stop will be Panama City, which is often referred to as simply Panama. This is where Tocumen International Airport is located. It is the largest city of the Republic of Panama as well as the capital of the country.
The Hotel
Le Meridien Panama is an excellent choice for a luxurious home base, as it is located by the Bay of Panama with stellar views of the old and new quarters of the city. Additionally, it is conveniently located only a few minutes from the financial center and corporate offices. As such, it is a logical choice for hotel stays for both business and leisure travelers. Shopping is close by, and I found Uber fares to be extremely reasonable within the city. The hotel is a very impressive high-rise that speaks modernity and ultra-convenience. Once inside the lobby, you are greeted by a double high ceiling and a 46-foot atrium.
I found check-in to be very professional and delivered with a smile. I like that. However, I soon discovered on several minor issues that the follow-up is not exactly automatic. It seems like there are still some growing pains due to the acquisition by Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel has a spa, sauna, gym, private free parking, massage room, and outdoor swimming pool. Plus, there is an on-site restaurant with a bar and a business center with meeting space. A concierge and room service are also offered.
The Room
With 111 guest rooms and suites, I found the rooms to be spacious, modern, and extremely comfortable. However, lighting was dim and the lack of overhead lights added to the darkness. As can be expected these days, there is complimentary Wi-Fi and also a kitchenette.
- Get an eSim to be able to use your smartphone abroad.
- Get a universal plug adapter
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
The marble bathrooms are elegant and stocked with Malin & Goetz products, noted for their aromatic toiletries. The shampoo is peppermint-based, while the hair conditioner is cilantro. Body wash is sage, and hand lotion is lime, in addition to the lime bar soap.
The Meals
The delicious breakfast is included in most rates. Be sure to check when you make reservations. The layout was a bit confusing, and we were unaware the first morning that we could order an omelet in addition to what was available on the tables. Still, I wanted more choices, especially in the bread department.
The Rates
For the best rates online as well as special packages, book directly with Le Meridien Panama. Or check Trip.com or trivago.com for competitive prices. Depending on day of the week, season, and room type, rates run from around $141 to $200 per night for a Deluxe Two Queen Room. Check the website for special promotions.
Check rates for Le Meridien Panama online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
The Bottom Line
The hotel welcomes with Panamanian hospitality, professional excellence, and luxurious, comfortable accommodations. They are a member of Marriott Bonvoy. Both Spanish and English are spoken. For those who are a member of the Mariott Bonvoy, guests in club rooms and suites have access to a private lounge that offers complimentary breakfast and evening snacks.
24/7 front desk Staff are trained very well in initial intake; however, the follow-through when it comes to issues has a few hiccups.
Breakfast buffet is $22.00 USD per person if not included in your booking. Though many guests rave about the breakfast choices, I found them somewhat limiting. It was not my favorite.
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
There is no smoking in public areas, with a dedicated smoking area for those who do smoke.
It has an excellent central location
Maximum 2 pets per room and no more than 13 kg each; non-refundable pet fee per night: $50.00
For other Hotel Scoop reviews on Panama properties in Panama City, check out the following:
- Capital City Luxury at Bristol Hotel, Panama City,
- The Best Artsy Design Hotels in Panama City, Panama
- Central Hotel, Panama Casco Viejo in the Historic Area
Karin Leperi Pezo is a writer and photographer living part-time in Peru and part-time in Nevada. She and her husband paid full fare for two nights as part of a luxury tour package with Tara Tours. All photos are by Karin Pezo, unless otherwise noted. As always, all opinions are those of the author and are based on actual overnight stays at the property. This contrasts with AI-generated reviews, which are computer-generated summaries of what other people wrote about the place.
