We were in Panama celebrating almost a year of building Finding Our Forte, so we decided to splurge. When the front desk offered a suite upgrade for a steal on top of that, it was an easy yes. That is how we ended up in one of the nicest hotel rooms we have ever stayed in, high above Panama City at the Waldorf Astoria Panama. Here is the full breakdown, plus why it makes a great home base for a city trip.
Is the Waldorf Astoria Panama worth it?
Yes, if you want luxury and a killer location. It sits right in Panama City's financial district, a block from the waterfront Cinta Costera, with easy access to Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, and the Canal. The rooms are spacious and beautifully finished, and the skyline views are the kind you remember. For a special-occasion or treat-yourself city stay, it delivers.
The suite upgrade
We got a special offer to bump up to a suite, and the price was too good to pass up. What we walked into felt less like a hotel room and more like a high-rise apartment.
The living space was generously sized, with a comfortable seating area and a TV, plus a dining table (handy if you make friends in the city and want to host). There was even a full kitchen with a fridge and freezer, microwave, sink, a two-burner cooktop, and bar stools, which would make a longer stay genuinely easy.
The bedroom was set off by a decorative divider, with a king-size bed, a chaise lounge in the corner for reading, and another television.
The bathroom is where the "welcome to luxury" moment hit. A backlit mirror, a separate close-up makeup mirror, a bowl sink, and a massive walk-in shower with both a spray and a rain head, plus a bench. Complimentary robes and slippers, a vanity space for unpacking, a separate water closet, and double wardrobes rounded it out.
The service (where Waldorf earns its name)
If you have never stayed somewhere truly top-tier, the service is the part that surprises you. A concierge reached out before we even arrived to help arrange our transport from the airport. They greeted us at the car, took our luggage, and handed us a welcome drink, a refreshing iced tea with a touch of mint. We were escorted up to our room and met with a plate of sparkly macaroons, with plush embroidered robes waiting in the bathroom. That kind of attention to detail is exactly what makes a splurge feel worth it.
The view
The whole reason to book high here is the view, and it did not disappoint. From the living area we had a roughly 180-degree panorama of the Panama City skyscrapers and the ocean beyond. Waking up to that skyline, and watching it light up at night, was the highlight of the stay.
Location
The Waldorf Astoria sits in the heart of the financial district, one block from the Cinta Costera waterfront. That puts you minutes from the city's best, the historic Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway and Panama sign, rooftop restaurants, and the drive out to the Miraflores Locks. Park once and let the city come to you.
Tips for staying here
Ask about an upgrade. Ours was offered at check-in for a great rate. It never hurts to ask.
Request a high floor. The skyline and ocean views are the whole point.
Use it as a base. The central location makes a packed one-day city itinerary easy.
Lean on the amenities. The property has a spa, fitness center, pool, and dining if you want to slow down.
FAQ
Where is the Waldorf Astoria Panama?
In Panama City's financial district, one block from the Cinta Costera waterfront.
Is it still a Waldorf Astoria?
Yes. It is an operating Waldorf Astoria property within the Hilton luxury portfolio.
What's the room like?
We stayed in an upgraded suite with a full kitchen, separate living and bedroom areas, a luxury bathroom, and a 180-degree skyline and ocean view.
Is it a good base for exploring Panama City?
Excellent. It is central and close to Casco Viejo, the Causeway, and the Canal.
The Verdict
The Waldorf Astoria Panama gave us a suite that felt like a home in the sky, with a skyline view we did not want to leave. Between the space, the finishes, and the unbeatable location, it set the tone for the whole trip. If you want to do Panama City in style, this is an easy one to recommend.
Want the full walk-through? Watch the room tour on YouTube: Waldorf Astoria Panama Room Tour, and see what we did with our day in our 24 Hours in Panama City guide. Subscribe to Finding Our Forte for more.
