JW Marriott Panama

Trump International Hotel & Tower is easy to spot in a cluster of skyscrapers for its stand-out look. The lower part of the building is rectangular, and houses the three-story lobby, casino, restaurants, and meeting spaces. A gorgeous outdoor pool deck tops this 13-story section, and the dozens of floors above are in a sail-shaped curve which towers above the sea. Inside, the three-story lobby is elegant and sophisticated. Striking, oversized paintings and freeform sculptures adorn a space done in marble tiles, giant mirrored pillars, and warm wood paneling. Glass elevators offer a dizzying ride, all the more fantastic from higher floors. Beyond the luxury style, couples find this hotel appealing for the romantic rooms, al fresco dining, and adult entertainment, like the casino. Meeting space and proximity to the financial district appeals to business travelers. Families come as well, but lack of privacy in rooms and limited entertainment for kids makes it a less popular choice. Some past guests have complained of issues like unresolved maintenance issues and slow service at restaurants that take some of the luster off the brand.

Trump International Tower and Hotel is in Punta Pacifica, a high-end residential and commercial area of Panama City. The small peninsula is crowded with skyscrapers housing hotels and condominiums, within a five-minute drive of the financial district. There are a few eateries within a three-minute walk of the hotel, and shopping areas with supermarkets and restaurants are within a 12-minute walk. The nearest bus stop is three minutes away.  The upscale Multiplaza Pacific Mall is a six-minute drive from the hotel. The sights, culture, and nightlife of Casco Viejo are a 15-minute drive, while it is a 20-minute drive to the Miraflores Locks, where guests can watch ships traversing the famous locks of the Panama Canal and visit a small museum detailing their history. Tocumen International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Standard rooms are beautiful and relaxing with cool ivory, blue, and yellow tones. The design is modern, from stylish furnishings to pretty artwork and quality amenities. King-size or double beds have Serta mattresses, comfortable linens, and extra pillows. The room is spacious, but in some rooms the freestanding bathtub juts into the bedroom, cutting into the space. A marble countertop with two vessel sinks sits behind the tub. There are a frosted glass cabin for the toilet, and a partially frosted cabin for the shower with rainfall showerhead. It is a romantic option for couples, but less appealing to families or business travelers sharing a room, even with the curtain drawn. Upgraded rooms are larger and include options for suites with living rooms and dining spaces, kitchenettes, and an extra half bathroom. All rooms have 55-inch flat-screen TVs -- or larger -- plus minibars, Nespresso machines, iPod docks, irons, and a small, free safe. Every room has a furnished balcony, many with stunning views of the city or ocean. Hairdryers, toiletries, and robes are provided.

Quality amenities make this a good place to relax on-site. The luxurious 13th-floor pool deck is the highlight of the hotel. There are several small pools -- some shallow for children -- each surrounded by padded loungers, beds, and curtained cabanas with sofas. The star of the space is an infinity-edge pool, perched on the side of the building, which appears to merge with the sea beyond. The pool bar includes a grill, and it serves light meals all day. The space is popular, but thanks to plenty of room to spread out, it usually doesn’t feel crowded. The two restaurants have good food, each with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Tejas is a fresh seafood restaurant with Latin American and Caribbean flavors. The terrace includes a wooden deck surrounded by a water feature and greenery. Barcelona is a Tapas Bar with a breakfast buffet and Panamanian specialties. Outside seating is in a lovely garden with tables spread out on wooden decks and grassy areas, all with a view of the city below. Lunch is a la carte, and Sunday brunch includes a wide variety of flavors. A wine bar in the lobby opens in the late afternoon. Guests generally find meals pricey, though there is a package which includes the buffet breakfast. The fitness room is huge, with a wide range of weight-training equipment, free weights, and ample cardio machines. It includes a towel and drink station, flat-screen TVs, and an exercise room for classes. A small shopping mall offers jewelry, art, a convenience store, and a beauty salon. The business center is a letdown for a luxury hotel with a business focus. There are a few worn, low-quality desks with computers in a functional space that lacks the style of the rest of the hotel. There’s no spa, which is unusual for this category of hotel. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though the connection is not always reliable. Pets are welcome, and specific packages to make them more comfortable are available.