This just in: the former Trump hotel in Panama, which went independent in March 2018 as the Bahia Grand, will rebrand as a JW Marriott property this year.

Official Marriott announcement is inevitably on the way, but below is an article confirming the agreement.

khabah

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JW Marriott Hotel Coming to Panama

June 28, 2018 - Ithaca Capital today announced that the Bahia Grand Panama Hotel in Panama City, housed in the tallest building in Panama and Central America, is set to become a JW Marriott hotel.

Ithaca Capital today announced that the Bahia Grand Panama Hotel in Panama City, housed in the tallest building in Panama and Central America, is set to become a JW Marriott hotel.

The hotel, which originally opened in 2011, has been operating as an independent property since March 2018. Ithaca Capital, Hotel ToC and Marriott International signed agreements to rebrand the hotel as a JW Marriott, under a long-term management contract with Marriott International.

"We are thrilled that our hotel will operate as a JW Marriott and we believe that this partnership, together with a talented team and spectacular hotel amenities, will be a success. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to this iconic property," said Orestes Fintiklis, managing partner of Ithaca Capital.

At 284 meters height (932 feet), the property's modern architecture has become emblematic of Panama City and its skyline. Located at the ocean front of Panama City's prestigious Punta Pacifica neighborhood, close to the banking, commercial and entertainment areas, the hotel offers the seclusion and privacy of an urban oasis.

Guests will be able to enjoy three world-class restaurants, a popular bar (Cava 15), an expansive pool deck and a state-of-the-art conference facility. Averaging 600 square feet each, the hotel's 369-rooms are the largest in the city with many directly on the oceanfront enjoying open views of the Gulf of Panama and the city's skyline.

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of superb and distinctive properties at key urban and resort locations around the world. Today, there are more than 80 JW Marriott hotels in over 25 countries and territories.

"Marriott International is proud to partner with Ithaca Capital for the re-launch of this iconic hotel in Panama City, a growing gateway city and a critical hub for Latin America. This hotel will represent the twelfth operating JW Marriott branded hotel in our region, catering to sophisticated travelers, seeking the world-class JW Treatment�," said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International, Caribbean & Latin America Region.

Source: https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article100653.html

I thought it was mostly apartment-style condos?

I think the hotel may be a section of a condo building. Looks intriguing though.

The hotel's website [www.thebahiagrand.com] markets 369 rooms and suites, from the 554 square foot deluxe rooms to the 1562 square foot Presidential Suite. The deluxe rooms are between floor 16 and 24 and the Presidential Suite is on the 35th, so I think 16-35 is the hotel portion of the building and the rest is condos.

Will be interesting to see what comes of the conversion. According to this article [https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...00673911.html], the conversion will happen in September 2018. I'm sure changes will be introduced to ensure brand standards as well as other enhancements; who knows, for example, if a lounge will be added?

Bottom line: good to see more MR-branded options out there for us to take advantage of.

khabah

It just seems like this would have been a better fit for Luxury Collection or Autograph Collection. Some of these re-flags to J.W. Marriott (like the Singapore property) don't really fit with the look and feel of the brand, particularly the new properties. I presume this will force the existing Sortis, Autograph Collection and Marriott properties in Panama to drop their rates as there will be some competition now, especially if the J.W. Marriott isn't classified as a resort.

Opening September '18. Not a lot of info on the website yet, so wonder if opening will get pushed. Has 41 suites, so upgrades might work out.

Hotel website:

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...rriott-panama/

"Our Hotel in Panama City is belonging to the soul of a vibrant metropolis, where history, culture, and modernity fuse together effortlessly. JW Marriott Panama is an upscale hotel close to numerous local attractions. Whether it’s relaxing at one of the sparkling pools on-site, exploring Panama’s tropical natural beauty, getting lost in the alleys of Panama’s colonial “Casco Viejo”, or soaking in the local culture through art and energetic nightlife, your stay will be filled with unforgettable experiences. Arrive at our hotel and immediately feel at ease in our spacious guest rooms and suites, which feature thoughtful details and modern amenities....The only hotel in Panama City right on the water."

Wrong forum and apparently duplicate. Moderators, please move.

Drat - I did a search & it didn't show up. Apologies for the duplicate. But also perhaps it should get switched to the new forum, rather than the SPG sub-forum, since it's a JW?

Cheers.

Marriott press release re: the property today:

JW Marriott Diversifies Portfolio with Debut of JW Marriott Panama, Panama City?s Newest Luxury Hotel | Marriott News Center

Any stays? How's the lounge and food? 24/7 it says... Pool at Hilton is closing Oct 25 so this property looks like the next best choice for that, looks outstanding

Hotel should be a luxury collection. It is an old trump hotel, and definitely is one of the best luxury hotel choices even there are tons in Panama.

Insane hotel, insane view , insane lounge. Great free menu in The lounge I made a dinner easily of it. Ceviche was just as good as Peru. Drinks too. The lounge has its own terrace. Pool views are probably best in Americas. I’ll update in the morning. For $140 usd it’s a steal.

Got double upgrade as just gold from ocean view concierge level to executive suite. Room has three balconies. Spotless clean. So happy I chose this hotel over Waldorf. 33rd floor.


Snacks.




















Executive lounge terrace

Lol all the lounge food is made In the restaurant next door off their menu and brought over. Free Restaurant quality.


pool views. nuts

pool views... breathtaking


views from room