Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo - Panama City — Hotel in San Felipe

Let me start by saying that there are only 5 Sofitel Legends in the world so it was an extreme privilege to experience Sofitel Casco Viejo, Panama. The hotel had JUST opened its doors in December so we were extremely fortunate to be a part of its soft opening. The decor and architecture combines Panamanian spirit with the age old French chic and sophistication; from the hardwood details, white washed walls and mosaic tiles. You almost forget that you’re not on the French Riviera or Valencia in some instances. My husband and I stayed in one of their suites (corner king with an L shaped balcony with amazing views) l, we had the privilege of having a team of butlers at our disposal who took care of any and every single concern you can imagine; from arranging turn down service, to reserving restaurants. The entire team was extremely attentive and very informative. They welcomed any feedback we had on our experience in the area and the hotel amenities and services. Eric was the head butler and he was such a joy to greet in the lobby every day. His colleagues, Kenny, Francisco and Emilio were equally helpful and absolutely friendly. One night we wanted dinner in the room and they set up a lovely little romantic dinner on our bedroom balcony. Are your bags packed yet? Because they should be. We had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Caleta, twice. It’s the same room that breakfast is served in. The food was great. The dinner menu is small and has just enough options that you don’t feel overwhelmed. There is an outside patio that serves lunches and breakfasts as well. It overlooks the pool and has a great view. I can not say enough about the view and the atmosphere at the hotel. Everyone is always attentive and rushing over at your every beck and call. The cocktails from the lobby bar are excellent. And don’t worry, if there’s something you want and it’s not on the menu, they will do their best to make it. My husband wanted a Tom Collins and Lorenzo rolled up his sleeves and made a delicious one. Ricardo, another mixologist, happily made me my very fist martini and also shared amazing stories about the various islands of Panama. The concierge services are great. We had the pleasure of getting to know Zuyimara on our stay. She shared so much history about Panama with us. Things we didn’t know and were happy to learn. The only complaint I have towards her is that her planning/organizing wasn’t that great as she made a little mistake when planning an excursion for my husband and me. But overall she was wonderful. We didn’t get to interact with the other concierges. All of their facilities were not yet open but by some luck of the universe, the spa opened the very day that we were scheduled to leave. We were able to book a couples massage and be their very first clients. The facilities were amazing. Carolina and Ana were our message therapists and they were absolutely amazing. There is also a salon (not open at the time), a tea room (which we used) and a plunge pool (not open yet). There is still a rooftop bar and a speakeasy that is scheduled to open in March. That is supposed to be their official opening. Okay, I’m at the end now. Honestly this was the most amazing experience. The facilities are incredible. The level of professionalism and hospitality shown by every single person we interacted with at the hotel added to the magic of our stay. I wish I could describe every single moment but I must leave something to be desired. I hope that by now your tickets are booked and your bags are packed because I 100% recommend Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo as your destination hotel. I cannot...

This hotel is a slice of Paradise in Old Town Panamá. The location is wonderful on the waterfront in historic Casco Viejo, which is old town Panama City. The facility is first rate, a beautifully restored historic building that has kept the old world charm while incorporating all the modern and luxury amenities you could want. From the luxurious reception lobby to Caleta, the wonderful restaurant run by Michelin star chef Lorenzo Di Gravio, to the lobby restaurant and cafe, the beautiful pool area, the well appointed fitness center and beautiful spa, the rooftop bar and the hidden "speakeasy" bar (that requires a password that they will give you) to the variety of guest rooms and suites...everything is first rate. Those are the things that make this a beautiful hotel. So, why is it a slice of Paradise? It is the people that elevate this destination above all the rest.|| General Manager David Kianni has assembled a group of hospitality professionals unlike any I've ever encountered before. David has personally greeted us in the past, and his passion for warm hospitality has become infectious among all of the wonderful staff in the hotel. We have stayed here many times (17, I think) for both business and pleasure. We have come to personally know by name many of the hospitality professionals, and they know us personally as well. When we arrive in our car, the bellmen, valets and door greeters welcome us "home" by name with warm smiles and often with hugs and the traditional French cheek kiss. Their joy and affection are not manufactured but obviously genuine. This has become our home away from home.|| Our last stay was for my wife's birthday. I may have mentioned it a month earlier when we had been there, and they did not forget. She was celebrated for three days. We had a fruit plate and macarons with a nice, chilled bottle of champagne awaiting us in our room. I arranged a spa day for her the next day, and the ladies were so thrilled to show me ahead of time the locker they had for her with her robe and slippers and a "Happy Birthday" tiara. Between treatments they took her to the tea salon which they had decorated for her birthday. At the end, they sent her upstairs with a small, beautiful, delicious birthday cake. At dinner that night there was complimentary sparkling wine and dessert. And, of course, they sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Two of the sweet hostesses bought her a beautiful pair of earrings and wrote her the kindest card. Another hostess also wrote her a very nice birthday card. The waiters and bartenders know us and always greet us so warmly. The housekeepers and maintenance personnel provide wonderful service and also offer a big smile and warm greeting whenever you see them. I didn't even mention the reception staff who are always so happy to see us return.|| I could go on forever. I would mention by name our many (probably more than 20) Sofitel "family" members that we have come to know and love, but I am sure I would forget some. You could settle for less expensive hotels in Casco Viejo, but why would you miss this experience? Life is too short to settle for mediocre. Go ahead...treat yourself to a slice of Paradise at the...

We recently stayed for about a week at the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a brand-new Panama gem, and could not have been happier with the five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Casco Viejo. You feel as though you are approaching an embassy as you pull up to the hotel, which sits at the end of the old town area overlooking the ocean with views of the breathtaking Panama City skyline across the bay. You’re warmly greeted by impeccably dressed staff and a door attendant who welcomes you in with a beautiful Panamanian smile and a “Bonjour, Bienvenue”, maintaining a perfect balance of local heritage and Sofitel’s French brand DNA.

The lobby is warm and inviting and evokes a feeling of being on a luxury steamer crossing the Panama Canal during the golden era when luxury travel was ‘true luxury’. The attentive front desk staff, always there to assist with every need, are both efficient and caring, greeting you by name as if you’re returning to your home.

The concierge and butler staff, including Hector, Desler, Ariel and Francisco, to name a few, take personalized care to the next level. Always available in person or with a quick WhatsApp text, any request is immediately addressed in minutes. They spoil you both prior to arrival (planning your visit) and throughout your entire stay, ensuring every detail is perfect.

Situated in the center the chic old town area, you’re just a short walk to amazing restaurants and picturesque city sites. Though, within the hotel there are also several bars and restaurants where the reservations are coveted. These include Mayda lobby bar, Ammi rooftop bar with live music and incredible views, Arcana, the timeless enchanting speakeasy bar, and Caleta, the award-winning restaurant with incredible local cuisine that’s both delicious and a true work of art. There’s also a gourmet coffee shop with decadent pastries and coffee —the best of Paris to Panama.

The gym, spa and pool are equally important for a well-rounded stay. And there, too, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo does not disappoint. The gym overlooks the bay and is full of brand-new state-of-the-art equipment in a modern sleek setting. Next door is the stunning spa, offering every possible massage, facial, and beauty treatment you can imagine.

And then there’s the pool and pool staff. Overlooking the bay as well, the intimate pool is relaxing, at the perfect temperature and surrounded by plush lounge chairs. The attentive staff provides anything you may need, including food and beautiful cocktails from the bar/restaurant bordering the pool’s edge.

If it’s not yet clear, we loved this hotel and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Panama looking for top-notch service, personalized care, an amazing best location, beautiful modern rooms with historical feel and flare. This hotel is the epitome of well-rounded total comfort. Your stay is sure to be everything you dreamed...