The Central American country will add the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama, a luxurious property with 159 rooms and suites
Source SNIP Panama
Accor, a global hotel group, has announced the upcoming opening of the first Sofitel Legend in North and Central America, with the debut of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama in the last quarter of 2022. With a unique location in the former Club Unión de Panamá and in a enclave overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the hotel will be located in the heart of the Casco Viejo district, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and will stand out for its undeniable French savoir-faire.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will be the sixth legendary location of the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand, with hotels located in emblematic cities around the world, each recognized for its captivating architecture, historical location and rich past. Destined to become one of the most distinguished spaces in Panama City, the hotel will embrace the local culture and merge the heart of the destination with the brand's art de vivre spirit, offering the most exceptional French hospitality: cultural experiences, authentic and unique along with impeccable service.
“We feel privileged to be able to present the exceptional Sofitel Legend brand in North and Central America in a destination as vibrant and prosperous as Panama City, and within a historic and culturally rich district as represented by Casco Viejo. It is a significant addition to our portfolio, as Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will be the brand's flagship in the region and will present a distinctive offer of luxury hotels in the country”, said Heather McCrory, CEO of Accor North and Central America. . "Inspired by the essence of the city, and where the local culture is celebrated and the passion for French art de vivre is shared, the hotel is poised to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the country."
Facing the Pacific Ocean and with sweeping views of the Panama City skyline, the hotel is situated in the heart of Casco Viejo and the former location of Panama's iconic and exclusive Union Club. Established at the beginning of the 20th century, Club Unión was for decades the most renowned and elegant social club in Panama City, being visited by illustrious personalities of world history, such as Albert Einstein, Queen Elizabeth II and Helen Keller, to name a few. Some. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will continue the chic legacy of yesteryear, honoring the historical and cultural importance of Club Unión, while embracing modern times, where heritage meets modernity. Behind its restored colonial façade complemented by a new and state-of-the-art construction,
“I feel very honored to lead the opening of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama this year, an important milestone for the country's tourism offer. This hotel is destined to be a leader in luxury hospitality within a destination as cosmopolitan as Casco Viejo. The hotel will be an extraordinary value for the area and will have unique offers that will cater to both locals and international visitors,” said David Kianni, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama.
“Together with my amazing team, I am fully committed to providing authentic luxury experiences and look forward to welcoming guests and showcasing all that Panama has to offer with a special French touch.”
The hotel will have a superior offer of facilities and services, including 159 elegantly decorated rooms and suites, the vast majority with enviable seascapes; five wonderful food and beverage spaces, including a Sky Bar and lounge; a pool facing the sea; and approximately 800 square meters of spaces for events that will offer unique and innovative concepts in the market.
The brand's exclusive offers will include the Majordome service for suites, as well as access to the Sofitel Spa and Sofitel Fitness with sea views. Sofitel Spa will become an urban haven for pampering and relaxation. Located on the first floor, it will offer a variety of services with treatments inspired by local Panamanian culture, along with luxury amenities including a spacious tea room and quiet relaxation rooms between treatments.
Manuel Choy of Architect SA of Panama, one of the most prominent Panamanian architects specialized in the restoration of buildings in the Casco Viejo, was appointed to lead this project together with the design and technical services team of Accor North and Central America.
The impressive exterior of the hotel will be a tribute to the charm and history of Casco Viejo and the iconic Union Club, preserving traces of the original French colonial architecture of the building and creating an artistic mix with the interiors of the hotel inspired by the modernity of our times and that they are unique to Panama City. The French styles of the building's architecture are carried over to the interior through the addition of luxurious finishes such as marble floors in the ballroom, wrought iron balcony details and brass touches. These contrast with the use of elements of contemporary Panamanian art, such as works by local artists and handmade encaustic painting. Also,
Upon entering the hotel, guests are immediately drawn in by the impressive décor of the lobby, visually representing the country's important history and remarkable architectural wonder that is the Panama Canal. It will be adorned with nautical design elements including custom sculptures, stunning artwork and historic photography, along with maritime navigational instruments.
The hotel's extraordinary culinary program, led by a Michelin-starred chef, will include a varied gastronomic offer. On one side will be the Ammi SkyBar, which will offer indoor and outdoor food and beverage options with 180-degree views of the ocean and the city skyline. At night, it will be transformed into an exclusive lounge. Caleta, a Mediterranean brasserie, will feature a menu focused on seafood, using fresh local ingredients in season. Mayda Lobby Bar & Plaza will offer classic cocktails and appetizers that will take guests on a journey through time with a unique culinary experience. Guests can also taste the hotel's specialties in the lobby area or in La Plaza, in a picturesque courtyard. The hotel will also include a Vera Gourmet Café grab-and-go, a patisserie featuring freshly baked French pastries and exclusively blended Panamanian coffee. For its part, the Pool Bar will offer fresh juices, craft cocktails and healthy meals.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama joins a legendary collection of luxury hotels and timeless heritage, located in extraordinary culturally rich destinations: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Vietnam), Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan (Egypt), Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian (China).
Once opened, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will join one of the most attractive and powerful loyalty programs in the world, ALL – Accor Live Limitless.