World-leading hospitality group Accor has announced the debut of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama in fall 2022. This will mark the sixth legendary address in the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand, and the first in the North and Central America region.
Destined to become one of the most enchanting locales in Panama City, the hotel will embrace local culture and artfully blend the heart of the destination with the brand’s art-de-vivre spirit, offering the finest in French hospitality.
Uniquely located on a waterfront enclave, once the site of the former Club Union of Panama and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotel will stand apart, bringing undeniable French savoir-faire to one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
It will feature 159 beautifully appointed rooms and suites — many with enviable seascapes — along with five spectacular food and beverage venues (including a Skybar and lounge) and an oceanfront pool. Other signature brand offerings will include Majordome butler service as well as access to a full-service Sofitel Spa and Sofitel Fitness exercise studio overlooking the ocean.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with sweeping vistas of the Panama City skyline, the hotel is situated in the heart of Casco Viejo, on the former site of the iconic and revered Club Union of Panama. Established at the beginning of the 20th century, for decades Club Union was the most exclusive and elegant social club in Panama City, frequented by several legendary personalities throughout history, including Albert Einstein, Queen Elizabeth II, and Helen Keller, to name a few. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will continue the glamourous legacy of days gone by, honoring the historical and cultural importance of Club Union while embracing modern times – a stunning, soon-to-be revealed destination where heritage meets modernity. Behind its restored colonial façade complemented by new, state-of-the-art construction, this exclusive locale merges legendary history with contemporary splendor, providing a singular experience from the moment guests arrive, in one of the most desirable locations within the Casco Viejo district.
Directly built out into the water, with unobstructed and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and Panama city skyline, the hotel will feature a superior mix of facilities and amenities, including 159 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the vast majority with enviable seascapes; five spectacular food and beverage venues, including a Skybar and lounge; an oceanfront pool; and approximately 9,880 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space offering unique and innovative concepts in the market.
Signature brand offerings will include Majordome butler service as well as access to a full-service Sofitel Spa and Sofitel Fitness exercise studio overlooking the ocean. Sofitel Spa will unveil an urban retreat for pampering and relaxation. The spa will offer an array of services with treatments inspired by local Panamanian culture, luxurious amenities including a spacious tea room, and serene relaxation rooms for in-between treatments.
Manuel Choy of Architect S.A. of Panama, one of the most prominent Panamanian architects specializing in building restoration in Casco Viejo, was appointed to lead the project alongside Accor North & Central America’s design and technical services team.
The hotel’s impressive exterior will be reminiscent of the allure and history of Casco Viejo and the iconic Club Union, having retained vestiges of the building’s original French colonial architecture. The French stylings of the building’s architecture are carried through into the interior by incorporating luxurious finishes such as the ballroom’s marble checkerboard floors, wrought iron balcony detailing and brass touches, and contrasted by the use of contemporary Panamanian design elements, including local artwork, handmade encaustic tiles, and colorful furnishings inspired by the diverse flora and fauna found throughout the country. Upon entering the hotel, the lobby’s dramatic décor immediately engages guests, visually depicting the country’s important story of the remarkable architectural wonder that is the Panama Canal and is adorned with nautical design elements including custom-made sculptures, striking artwork, historic photographs on display, and maritime navigational instruments.
The hotel’s masterful culinary program, led by an award-winning Michelin-Star Chef, will include a varied collection of food and beverage offerings. Overlooking the waterfront, Ammi SkyBar, will feature indoor and outdoor dining with 180-degree views of the ocean and city skyline, and will transform into an exclusive lounge at night. Caleta, the hotel’s bi-level Mediterranean brasserie will feature a flavor-driven menu with a seafood focus, using fresh local seasonal ingredients. Mayda Lobby Bar & Plaza will offer classic cocktails and small plates, and will take guests on a journey back in time with a unique culinary experience inspired by Panama’s history and culture. Guests can either sip and savor in the lobby area or at The Plaza, in a picturesque courtyard setting. The hotel will also include a grab-and-go venue, Vera Gourmet Café, a patisserie offering freshly baked French pastries and exclusively blended Panamanian coffee. Lastly, the hotel’s Pool Bar will feature freshly prepared juices, handcrafted cocktails and healthy fare.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama joins a legendary collection of timeless heritage luxury hotels set within awe-inspiring and culturally rich destinations, including 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).
Further solidifying its position as the second largest luxury operator in North America, Accor will also open Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences in early 2023, and most recently celebrated the debut of the landmark Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.