Pacific Views and Chic Location at JW Marriott Panama

For a luxury city escape in Central America, JW Marriott Panama City locates you in the heart of this exciting destination. While business travelers appreciate the hi-tech meeting spaces and convenient downtown location, leisure travelers love the Pacific Bay views and stunning infinity pools. 

Whatever your reason for visiting Panama City, a stay at the JW Marriott positions you within easy access to the capital’s top attractions. Visit Casco Viejo (the historic old town), take a morning run on the Cinta Costera, or visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal visitor’s center.

Located in the chic Punta Pacifica neighborhood, the JW, part of Marriott’s Bonvoy collection, occupies 24 floors of a mixed-use high-rise that, at 70 stories, is the tallest in Panama and Central America to date. Surrounded by other high-rise buildings, including condominiums, the ocean views provide a soothing contrast in this urban environment. 

The hotel lobby and concierge level, known as the Sky Lounge, are on the 15th floor. This is where you check in. You’ll also find plenty of seating for relaxing, rooms with Wi-Fi, and the Market Cafe for coffee, wine, and light bites any time of day. 

Panama City Rooms with balconies

There are 320 rooms and 40 suites, though the Deluxe King and Deluxe Double rooms are said to be among the largest hotel rooms in the city. My room was definitely one of the larger rooms I’ve stayed in at a city hotel. Furnishings in neutral tones with sea- and sky-colored accents and plenty of natural light, highlighted the room’s spaciousness.  All rooms have balconies, and mine had a partial ocean view. What that means is I had a great views of the Bay framed by modern architecture.  I found myself there each evening watching the sky change from blue to pink. 

For me, the highlight of JW Marriott and other Marriott hotels is the signature bed. If you know, you know. I also liked the cork-front stand-alone bar with a coffee maker, cups, glasses, and storage. Underneath was a mini-fridge and a safe. 

One thing about the room that I found unusual… the soaking tub is the first thing you see when you enter. I didn’t expect that. A wood partition separated the bath area from the room.

Another thing I like is that the Aromatherapy Associates bath products are refillable. This is part of their initiative to reduce plastic waste in landfills. Note that JW Marriott Panama holds the Green Key International Certification, one of the most recognized eco labels worldwide. 

Deluxe King Suite

Food and drink at the JW Marriott Panama City

The hotel has three restaurants, plus the JW Market on the Sky Lobby level and the Cava 15 lounge.

Masi is the main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located on the 14th floor and includes both indoor and outdoor seating. I ate most of my meals at Masi, and the service was always friendly and professional. 

 Breakfast was buffet style and included a custom egg/omelet bar. There were also regional dishes like fried corn patties, stewed meats,  and the classic scrambled eggs, bacon, and a selection of cereals, breads, muffins, pancakes, and waffles. Central America is a good place to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and juices, so don’t miss them at breakfast. Guava, mango, watermelon, and orange juices were usually available. 

For lunch and dinner, I tried some more typical Panamanian dishes, like a chicken-and-vegetable soup with a lovely, smoky broth, served with rice. I also tried a local whitefish, similar to halibut, thick and with firm white flesh, served with coconut sauce. Delicious. As you would imagine, fresh fish and ceviche are popular menu items, but beef is too. 

Azul is the poolside restaurant. While the pool area is spectacular, the food at Azul was hit-or-miss for me. I think it’s more of a place for drinks and bar food… the French fries were perfect. 

Cava 15 is the hotel bar. It’s a lovely room, kind of dark and sexy with a wooden floor, leather chairs, and dim lighting. There’s piano music some nights, but I didn’t make that.  I was told there are some updates in the works, and it will soon be transformed into something more modern and less speakeasy. 

Room service was excellent and was usually delivered earlier than expected. I had perfectly cooked salmon one night and a burger another time. 

The 13th Floor

Forget the number 13 being unlucky…this is where I found possibly the best hotel pool experience anywhere. Whether you swim or not, it’s worth spending time here. Two infinity pools appear to spill directly into Panama Bay, and the views are endless. It feels like you’re at the edge of the world in the best way. The 13th floor is also where you’ll find the gym, spa, salon, and Azul poolside dining.

For executives and business travelers, the JW Panama City is an ideal hotel for a corporate meeting, retreat, or event with over 16,000 square feet of indoor meeting space. One ballroom holds up to 800 people. Some event spaces have ocean views.  Of course events are not limited to corporate groups, and weddings are also popular at this hotel. 

• Other perks include a 24-hour fitness center;
• Four swimming pools, including a separate pool for kids;
• Biking and walking trails via the Cinta Costera with views of Panama Bay and Casco Viejo
• A full-service spa and salon. 
• Valet parking is $30 per day
• Shoe shine
• Concierge desk
• Dry cleaning services
• ATM ground level
• Casino
• Shuttle to the nearby luxury shopping mall

Overall, the JW Marriott Panama City delivers service and accommodations that are exactly what you would expect from this brand. For a stay in the heart of the city, it’s well-located, close to the airport, and close to city attractions. Check room rates here starting at $300 per night.

Check rates for JW Marriott Panama online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.