P.H. Yoo Panama — Local services in Bella Vista

Do not buy or rent here for living. Former penthouse resident. We were one of the first families to receive our apartment—it was delivered late, and we had to move in while the building was still under construction, with workers and noise at all hours. Immediately after delivery we were fixing defects (including window leaks that caused flooding), and even on a 70+ floor we heard constant traffic—clear sign of poor build quality. For penthouses there are only three elevators, and most days only one actually worked; when that single car failed, we had to walk down the stairs to floor 68 to grab an elevator, which happened regularly. The freight elevator only reaches 68, making moves to higher floors—and the pet rules for penthouses—impractical. Car access was another daily headache: valet shares the entrance with three restaurants, so we routinely waited 20–30 minutes just to enter, exit, or get the car.

Security was the worst part. Our apartment was robbed; during the investigation we discovered most cameras in elevators and many common areas weren’t working—and hadn’t been for a while—so there was no footage. We also learned other apartments had been robbed at different times (separate incidents). On another separate occasion, burglars tailgated a vehicle into the garage and stole the car. Many times the parking doors’ electronic locks failed, letting people walk in from the garages, take the stairs, and access floors—an easy target. The couple directly below us held 24–48-hour parties (sometimes midweek); the electronic music shook our unit, unknown guests came and went, and every time we reported it, security said there was nothing they could do. Restaurant visitors also weren’t well controlled at exits.

Short stays are common here even though this is a residential building. In Panama City, stays under 45 nights require a building-level tourist-lodging permit (ATP). From my understanding, this building does not have that permit.

Only positives: our ocean-view penthouse had truly spectacular sunrises and sunsets (most other units face standard avenue views depending on position), and the reception/concierge staff were consistently kind and helpful.

Investor caution: We thought this was a good investment—the marketing made it look better than it was. After this, we’ve learned never to purchase when a project is brand-new or still “in the making.” If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. In Panama, many projects look luxurious from the outside, but once you live with them the reality is poor management, poor maintenance, and a product that isn’t what was sold. We sold two...

They’ve dropped the ball. There’s been a noticeable change for the worse. I’ve happily stayed at Yoo several times with amenities and staff being top-notch. That’s no longer so. 1st I’m charged up front without being told problem w my apartment’s availability, then I’m shown inferior model apartment 30sq feet smaller than paid for. I notice this! so then offered no sea-view apartment being told it’s equivalent but I want seaview like I paid. Nothing else available and no upgrade offered. 2 hours later still unsorted and others given priority. Boss not on site and didn’t do anything (like upgrade).Then I’m offered another apartment on low level (I’d paid high floor) that wasn’t ready for occupation (aircon smelt). So 1st night in inferior apartment and then had to stay in no sea-view one as “take it or leave it, you’ve paid.” Inappropriate when Yoo’s fault. I then got told gas turned off 4th day of stay, so no hot water, laundry facility or cooking etc). I therefore took Yoo’s offer to check out 1 day early for refund but 2 weeks later am still waiting for that $120+. They claim wrong account info- nonsense. Same card handed over at check-out. Stay posted to see what happens! It’s 1 thing to not supply apartment booked, but another to not promptly refund what offered through failure to supply habitable apartment. I’m astonished at this.

**Updating the above, I’ve just received the I night refund today. My above comments...

THE WORSE PLACE!!! First night we arrived at the yoo and the reception told us that the key was inside the apartment and the door was open, when we arrived at the door was closed and we had to wait one hour for them to figured out where was the other key. It was HORRIBLE we came from a 12H flight and we couldn’t enter the apartment. They told us they will refund 50% of the night and until now nothing has come to the account. They have valet service and everyday the car took longer to arrived. The building itself has a few restaurant so makes the place very public and crowded, long queques for taxi to arrived. water heater was broken and we had 5 days without hot water. We stayed for 19 nights and nobody ever came to clean the apartment or at least refill the toilet paper, they don’t even have cleaning tools to clean so you have to buy absolutely everything. We regret staying there and It was a very disappointing for the price they charge and the poor facilities, nothing is maintained not even clean you can see dust in the furniture. We have to figure out where to throw the trash and everything else. Very bad management that don’t care about the guest experience just about the money! Will never stay in this place again and I will not...