Le Meridien Panama

The combined first-floor lobby, lounge, restaurant, and bar all set the stage for a chic property where every surface -- including polished black marble, copious mirrors, and fiber optic lighting -- seems to glisten and sparkle. Modern touches like touch screen elevator panels, bold neon accents, a towering, all-glass atrium, and chrome and leather seating remind guests that this is no ordinary hotel. Indeed, the decor is equal parts art gallery and South Beach night club. The vibe is upscale and polished but not stuffy. The mostly single bed rooms, rooftop pool, and swanky restaurant/bar are all squarely targeted at couples over families. While the bar attracts plenty of locals and hotel guests, the atmosphere is lively but reserved.

The hotel shares one of the city’s busiest strips with high-rise condos, bank buildings, and luxury hotels near the Financial District. While the views of Panama Bay are mostly unobstructed, the surrounding buildings create a feel that’s busy and urban versus relaxed and waterfront. Dozens of local and chain restaurants, shops, and services are within a five-block walk. Panama City’s Casco Viejo (old city) District is less than 10 minutes away by car. The El Carmen Metro station (a major subway stop) is 15 minutes away on foot. The hotel can arrange airport and in-town shuttle service for a pricey fee. Official taxis and Uber are cheaper alternatives, however, and both can be easily found throughout the city.

Rooms are adorned with the same chic decor found in common areas. The white leather seating, frosted glass doors, eclectic canvas artwork, and huge mirrors all look bright, crisp, and modern.

Entry-level Deluxe and Executive Rooms offer studio layouts with generous square footage that accommodates a large work desk, small sitting area, and one king or two double beds. Fifty-five-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and minibars are all standard. Wi-Fi is fast and reliable but only free for Starwood SPG loyalty members (it's free and easy to join the program). Suites upgrade to substantially larger, multi-room layouts that include optional dining rooms, kitchenettes, and larger work spaces. Rooms are reasonably well soundproofed. However, the heavy traffic of the Financial District makes for noticeable room noise during rush hour. Things quiet down considerably after dark.  

Bathrooms are nicely appointed with liberal use of marble and glass. Malin + Goetz luxury brand bath amenities and hairdryers are provided. Filtered tap water is safe to drink. Most bathrooms include a spacious walk-in shower stall, while Suites upgrade to larger layouts, dual sinks, and jetted tubs.

A large rooftop deck wraps around two sides of the building with panoramic views of the city and Panama Bay. The outdoor pool is small but sparkling and well-maintained. Poolside drink service availability depends on occupancy and the time of year.

The rooftop Sensory Spa by Clarins is intimate and modern with the same dark, chic decor found in every other common area. Aside from traditional and specialty massage treatments, the list of additional services, including a sauna, a steam room, rain showers, and a hydrotherapy facility with a private balcony lounge -- is surprisingly long for such a small space.

Just off the lobby is a sleek, open-concept space that includes Saril restaurant/bar, a tiny lounge, and an alfresco deck. The restaurant serves a large, hot, gourmet breakfast that's not included in room rates. Lunch and dinner are available a la carte with a menu that’s primarily Western-friendly with a dash of Panamanian dishes (like locally sourced seafood) as well. The adjacent bar serves specialty cocktails with a focus on local rum. For a fee, 24-hour room service is also available.

The rooftop gym is modestly sized and equipped. The water views through the floor-to-ceiling windows are excellent. A tiny business center is crammed into the rear of the hotel’s sales office and feels like an afterthought. The space features a handful of modern computer workstations as well as basic printing services. Wi-Fi is fast, reliable, and available throughout the property. The service is only free for Starwood SPG loyalty members -- though the program is free to join. Paid valet parking is available, or guests can opt to self-park in a secure garage for free.