JW Marriott Panama [In-Depth Hotel Review]

^{The author stayed as an invited guest of the JW Marriott Panama. All opinions are the author’s own, and JW Marriott Panama had no input in any part of this review.}

Although I haven’t traveled to every country in the world, I’ve had the chance to visit over 40 countries, and I’m always excited to discover new places. When I had the opportunity to visit the JW Marriott Panama, I was ecstatic to explore a new destination and discover the luxurious city hotel.

Aside from the brand’s reputation for luxury, what piqued my interest the most was that the JW Marriott Panama occupies the tallest building in Panama and Central America.

Outside of wanting to experience Panama’s culture and biodiversity firsthand, as well as visit the famous Panama Canal, I was really excited to stay at the JW Marriott Panama for 2 nights because I am an avid fan of big-city hotels.

Let’s take a look at my 2-night stay in April 2024 at the JW Marriott Panama and get a glimpse of what awaits you when you visit.

Booking the JW Marriott Panama

The JW Marriott Panama, formerly known as the Bahia Grand Panama Hotel, became the first JW Marriott hotel in Panama when it was rebranded in 2018. The luxury property has 320 guest rooms, including 41 suites, spread across 24 floors. It proudly boasts the largest hotel rooms in the city, with rooms starting at a generous 549 square feet.

I had the opportunity to visit the JW Marriott Panama as part of a media stay. However, rates for this hotel start at $164 per night during off-peak dates and can exceed $300 per night during busier periods. If you’re paying with cash, you might want to consider one of our recommended credit cards for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists.

If you’d prefer to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, you can expect to pay between 35,000 and 50,000 per night at the JW Marriott Panama. During my stay, award nights would have cost 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for a standard deluxe guest room with a king bed.

This presents a decent opportunity to make use of Marriott’s 35,000-point and 50,000-point free night certificates, provided you’re a cardholder of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card.

If your certificate doesn’t cover the full amount, you can always top it off with up to 15,000 points to redeem for a free night’s stay.

Hot Tip:

We value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents apiece, so 50,000 Bonvoy points are worth about $350 in our book. As always, you’ll want to compare the value of the points redeemed to the cash rates to determine whether you’re getting a good redemption.

JW Marriott Panama Location

The JW Marriott Panama is located in Punta Pacifica, Panama City’s vibrant downtown area. The neighborhood is crowded with tall skyscrapers and modern condominiums, and the JW Marriott operates within Central America’s largest mixed-use waterfront hotel and condominium tower. It occupies 24 floors, stretching from its lobby on the 12th floor all the way to the 35th floor.

The impressive building stands tall, with a total of 70 floors.

While the JW Marriott Panama’s neighborhood is well-known for its bustling business activity, the hotel also showcases spectacular ocean views from every room, so you don’t feel confined to the concrete jungle surrounding you.

The JW Marriott Panama is also conveniently located about 20 minutes away from Panama City’s most popular tourist site, the iconic Miraflores Locks Visitor Center at the Panama Canal. It’s about the same distance away from Tocumen International Airport (PTY).

The price for a taxi or Uber ride from the airport to the JW Marriott Panama ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the traffic conditions.

Check-In

When approaching the JW Marriott Panama from the airport, I couldn’t help but notice the downtown skyline in the distance. It reminded me of the cluster of white high-rises found in Miami’s financial district, the Brickell neighborhood.

When I reached the hotel, I was surrounded by towering skyscrapers. After exiting the vehicle, I entered the building’s ground-level arrival lobby.

From there, I took the elevator up to the 15th floor, where the hotel’s check-in lobby was located.

At first glance, the lobby area exuded elegance with its warm lighting fixtures and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. I liked everything about the decor and vibe of the reception area.

However, I was a bit surprised by the relatively compact size of the check-in area for a hotel of this size. Still, I never saw a long line of people waiting to talk to someone at the front desk, so it wasn’t a problem.

I did have to wait for a short amount of time before the front desk agent attended to me, as there were a few people ahead of me, but it wasn’t too long of a wait.

When it was my turn to check in, I handed over my ID and credit card to the front desk associate. As he processed my check-in, he acknowledged my Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and thanked me for my loyalty.

Elite Benefits

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites are typically eligible for the following benefits:

• Complimentary in-room internet access
• Late checkout of 2 p.m.
• In-hotel welcome gift of points
• Enhanced room upgrade (based on availability)

Elevators

After tapping my key card on the panel inside the elevator, just a few steps from the lobby, I selected the floor of my room by pressing the corresponding numbers on the touchscreen. With that complete, I was on my way up.

The hotel’s 4 clear-glass elevators, which transport guests between floors 12 and 35, were hardly ever crowded. I also never had to wait longer than a minute for an elevator, and they moved fast.

Amenities

The building the hotel is housed in offers a variety of amenities that improve the entire experience for both those who live in the JW Marriott Residences and guests of the hotel. On the ground floor, you’ll find an array of amenities, such as a casino, retailers, and a few restaurants. Additionally, there’s a spa located on the 13th floor. It’s worth noting that the hotel does not operate any of these amenities.

Despite this, I did find that the hotel had a decent range of amenities that I took advantage of during my stay.

Pools

The hotel boasts 4 pools located on its 13th floor, including 2 stunning infinity pools with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the city’s skyline, and the Pearl Islands.

The pool deck offers a serene atmosphere with adults-only pools and family-friendly pools all intertwined.

Guests can relax on comfortable lounge chairs or rent cabanas for added luxury.

The pools are split apart by Azul Pool Bar and Grill (more on this later), a casual-fare eatery located on the pool deck.

In addition to the small adults-only pool with a waterfall feature, there’s an adults-only infinity pool with remarkable views.

The other side features a family-friendly infinity pool and an additional, smaller pool that was much warmer and more suitable for young children.

The pool area never felt crowded, and guests had easy access to towels and plenty of seating. The atmosphere was perfect for unwinding and taking in breathtaking scenery, whether you wanted to lounge in the sun or go for a refreshing swim.

When the sun set, the pool deck transformed into a vibrant atmosphere, complete with a DJ spinning tunes and adults unwinding against the stunning backdrop of Panama City’s skyline.

The pools are open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fitness Center

The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center was enormous, located on the same floor as the pool deck.

The enormous size of the gym was the one thing that genuinely surprised me about this property.

It featured an abundance of free weights, training equipment, and cardio machines.

Additionally, it featured a towel and water drinking station, televisions, and a room specifically dedicated to hosting fitness classes.

An attendant was working at the fitness center counter, so it felt more like a neighborhood gym than a small hotel gym.

Executive Lounge

The Executive Lounge on the 14th floor of the JW Marriott Panama offered breakfast in addition to light snacks throughout the rest of the day.

If you’ve reserved an executive-level room (or higher), you’ll have access to this lounge. In addition, members who have achieved the highest elite status levels in Marriott Bonvoy — Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite — are entitled to complimentary access to the lounge and are welcome to bring along 1 guest.

If you don’t have access through elite status or by booking an executive club room, there is a fee of $50 per person to enjoy the lounge facilities.

Although I technically did not have access to the Executive Lounge’s perks during my stay, I decided to just drop by and take a glance at its offerings.

Apart from ample indoor and outdoor seating, the Executive Lounge offered guests a variety of light snacks and drinks, including a beverage station with an espresso machine, an assortment of teas, bottled beers, and a selection of red and white wines.

Cheeses, cold cuts, and spreads were aplenty when I arrived.

Ingredients were set out so that guests could prepare their own nachos.

For those with a sweet tooth, caramel mousse and red velvet cake were also available.

A group of guests were savoring their wine in the lounge’s outdoor seating area, enjoying the refreshing breeze and the view of the pools.

Wi-Fi

Even though the Wi-Fi speeds at the hotel weren’t the quickest I’ve ever encountered, they were sufficient for me to make calls on WhatsApp, check my email, and download streaming content on my phone. The JW Marriott Panama offers free Wi-Fi to all hotel guests.

However, I had Enhanced Wi-Fi, a benefit available to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite members and above. I gained this status by being a card member of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, and as mentioned, it worked fine.

Parking

If you’re in Panama City for work, relying on Uber or taxis for transportation within the city and to and from the airport is common. However, if you plan to stay at the JW Marriott Panama and use it as a base for exploring other areas of Panama, you might want to consider renting a car. The hotel offers on-site parking for a reasonable $15 per day, which includes valet service with in-and-out privileges.

The Room

The Deluxe King guestroom I had was equivalent in size to suites at other hotels I’ve stayed at, even though it’s considered a standard room at this property. Beyond its impressive space, its style had a contemporary touch.

Upon walking in, I immediately noticed the standalone bathtub in the center of the room.

It felt a bit awkward to have the tub in the center of the room like that, but I got used to this quirky room design as the stay went on. The bathtub set the tone for the room’s design, which included an open floor plan with the bathroom and bedroom flowing together seamlessly.

The JW Marriott Panama also offers rooms with a half-bath and kitchenette, but since it was just me and my daughter, the standard King Deluxe room was more than adequate for our stay.

Bedroom

The king bed was comfortable, although the mattress was a bit soft for my liking.

There were 2 nightstands beside the bed, each with a drawer and an open shelf, perfect for storing valuable items and charging devices.

A television was atop a ledge with a desk next to it to provide additional counter space and charging opportunities.

In the corner of the bedroom was a comfortable contemporary chair with a standing lamp and a circular marble side table.

Next to the bed was a large counter with numerous amenities, including snacks and drinks available for purchase, a minifridge, a minibar, and a safe.

The minifridge had alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Above the minifridge was a minibar with a variety of full-bottle spirits available.

The room had an Illy espresso machine above the minifridge. Coffee pods, creamers, and a selection of mugs and cups were provided.

The room’s closet was conveniently situated at the entrance to the right, offering ample space for hanging clothes and storing luggage.

Inside was an iron with an ironing board, an umbrella, and extra drawers to keep your clothes organized.

All rooms at the JW Marriott Panama feature balconies with stunning city and water views.

That means every guest can savor a breathtaking sunrise from their balcony each morning, just as I did.

Bathroom

A sprawling countertop with double sinks was situated behind the elegant standalone bathtub.

I found toiletries from Aromatherapy Associates, including facial soap and body lotion, as well as additional essentials like a dental kit, cotton swabs, and mouthwash.

Another design … quirk … of this room was that the shower and toilet rooms were shielded from the rest of the room simply by frosted glass doors. Depending on who you’re traveling with, this could be just fine or a little awkward.

A curtain separated the bedroom from the bathroom, providing a little more privacy should you require it.

The shower was very roomy and had a rainfall showerhead that provided excellent pressure.

A robe was provided and hung at the entrance of the shower door.

The shower toiletries were also from Aromatherapy Associates and included shampoo, conditioner, and body wash products.

Food and Beverage

Let’s take a look at what you can expect in the way of dining and drinking at the JW Marriott Panama.

Masi

I was thoroughly impressed with my experience at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Masi.

Masi is where breakfast is served daily, but it’s also open for lunch and dinner.

If you’d rather enjoy your meal in the open air while taking in the city views, the outdoor patio provides a beautiful alternative to dining inside.

Masi offers a diverse menu that showcases the flavors of Latin America. It uses high-quality ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

We had 2 days of breakfast at the hotel, and each day offered a variety of foods. I was particularly happy to see these delicious Panamanian tamales.

There was an omelet station as well as made-to-order egg options that could be requested from a server.

Elsewhere, there were empanadas and other fried Panamanian treats — but I resisted them during this stay.

Other hot items at the buffet included bacon, chorizo, and scrambled eggs.

My daughter loved that she could add any toppings she desired to her pancakes.

She wasn’t the only one excited about some particular breakfast items. In a moment of surprise and delight, I saw gyoza and an assortment of dumplings on the bar counter. I did not expect to see any Asian-inspired options at the breakfast buffet, but I was happy there were.

One of my favorite aspects of traveling to Latin America is that most countries serve incredible fruit juices that you can’t find often in the U.S. Besides freshly squeezed orange juice, Masi’s breakfast buffet had numerous other fresh juices to choose from, like pineapple-guava juice.

The breakfast spread also included a wide selection of cold cuts, cheeses, and fruits.

A nice selection of baked items was also available for those who crave carbs in the morning.

Pastries included croissants, scones, and bagels with homemade jams.

If you happen to be staying at the hotel on a Friday night, Masi offers an irresistible all-you-can-eat grill special that includes several delicious types of meat — particularly intriguing for a carnivore like me.

For just $40, guests can indulge in a delectable spread of meat and various delicious sides like corn, plantains, and potatoes.

Although we had already made dinner plans, the aroma and appearance of the grilled steaks from the outdoor grill made our mouths water.

Azul

Azul serves as the hotel’s pool deck restaurant and bar. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers a variety of casual food options, including fish and chips, burgers, salads, and more.

The bartenders at Azul were happy to whip up hand-made cocktails while guests basked in the sun and awaited their lunch.

Azul also serves breakfast, though its menu is much more limited than Masi’s, so we decided to dine at the latter each morning. However, if I had a day to relax and unwind by the pool, Azul would have been the perfect choice to satisfy my hunger without needing to go find food elsewhere.

Cava 15

Cava 15 is the hotel’s speakeasy and piano bar. It’s open from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 12 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

I had a look around the space while it was closed, and I loved how it was designed.

The mahogany wood floors and the elegant black piano raised from the floor created a truly inviting atmosphere.

The space exuded an upscale vibe, with leather sofas and velvet drapes creating an elegant atmosphere perfect for sipping cocktails and unwinding.

This speakeasy bar was stunning — I can’t wait to spend an evening there the next time I’m in town.

JW Market

The JW Market is located just a few steps from the lobby and is ideal for a quick coffee or tea.

It also offers a variety of seating alternatives, as well as quiet areas to work in.

In addition to caffeinated beverages, customers can purchase baked products such as muffins and sweet pastries to accompany their beverage as a convenient to-go option when leaving the hotel to explore the city.

JW Market is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. but closed on Sundays.

Service

The hotel staff we encountered, from the front desk to the pool and restaurant, were consistently warm and accommodating. There were moments when I felt a little disoriented and unsure of where things were in the massive building. However, every time I asked a staff member for help, they were always eager to assist me and to point me in the right direction.

Another example of the exceptional service I experienced during my stay was when I accidentally left my passport in the room’s safe. I frequently store my passport in the hotel safe, ensuring its safety until checkout. Unfortunately, I forgot to remind myself this time and found myself at the airport without my passport in hand.

I immediately contacted the hotel and made them aware of the incident. In no time at all, they made their way to my room, effortlessly opened the safe, retrieved my passports, and within a mere 30 minutes, I had them securely in my hand. A driver from the hotel quickly arrived at the airport to hand deliver them to me.

The level of care at the JW Marriott Panama was superb, and I was blown away by the gesture. It reflects the characteristics of luxury properties that place a high value on providing guests with exceptional service.

Final Thoughts

The JW Marriott Panama is a terrific property that caters to a diverse group of guests. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family with kids needing an upscale hotel with a fantastic pool setup, or a group of friends searching for a convenient base to explore Panama City, this luxurious, business-focused hotel is a great choice.

Although the bathroom layout may not offer complete privacy, it was a non-issue for me as I was traveling with my daughter. However, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with someone you may not feel completely comfortable with.

Nevertheless, the hotel boasts numerous remarkable features that help it stand out from a crowded hotel market in the city. In my opinion, one of the most captivating aspects is that every room offers a balcony with breathtaking water views. Additionally, the hotel rooms are among the largest in the city.

When it comes to luxurious lodging in Panama City, the JW Marriott Panama is unquestionably among the best. Moreover, booking a stay there won’t break the bank thanks to affordable cash rates and reasonable award rates.