Approaching an expansive international portfolio of 75 hotels since its New York City debut in 1998, Marriot’s W brand has opened its first Central American property in Panama City. Housed within the 50-storey Evolution Tower in the city’s financial district, W Panama revels in its location, represented by both the interior design and proximate hot spots, which include the city’s historic old quarter Casco Viejo, the world’s oldest Pacific Coast European settlement Panamá Viejo and the Weil Art Gallery.
Inside, Studio Gaia and W Hotels’ design team have created a strong sense of local colour. Referencing the Panama Canal, salvaged shipping containers emblazoned with graffiti by artist Oscar Melgar feature in the public spaces, one of which doubles as a bar, Cargo. The 117 light-filled rooms and 32 suites incorporate contemporary takes on local handmade textiles and patterns from Panama’s indigenous Guna and Emberá communities, and feature breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Enjoy a selection of on-site amenities including the spa, or a poolside cocktail up on the 15th-floor. Then, head to Moró, which serves up locally sourced comfort food, or, for a more casual experience, try La Cajita, this hotel’s 24/7 take on a food truck, which serves healthy grab-and-go options during the day and ceviche, snacks, rum and bottled craft beers at night.
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Calle 50 and Calle Aquilino de la Guardia
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