Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Excellent location at the far end of Casco Viejo, offering a quiet escape and chance for recovery from your travels, soaking in views of the Panama City skyline, or watching cars pass on the coastal strip bypass road. Staff coordination could be better, as I attempted to confirm room details and early check-in via email ahead of my early morning arrival. ALL status not recognized during check-in. The Sofitel Legend is more isolated from road and revelry noise than other luxury accommodations in Casco Viejo due to its location extending over the beach and towards the ocean. I enjoyed the pool area with views out towards the ocean and the fitness center featured premium equipment for a newer hotel. Blackout curtains and whole room light controls next to each side of the bed helped manage the amount of light in the room day or night. My room's location on the exterior of the hotel provided privacy even when the curtains were open, with views looking out towards the Panama City skyline. My room included a refrigerator drawer and a well-functioning air conditioner. Avoid rooms on the second floor due to noise from access doors to the rest of the hotel regularly slamming as guests come and go into the public area of the hotel. I had tried to arrange an early check-in over email weeks before my stay to explore my options given my ALL status and an early check out on my day of departure. I asked again in person for potential early access to a room, but the only person working the front desk would only tell me my room was not yet ready, with no estimate of when the room might be ready. As I retrieved some clothes from my bag to shower in the fitness center, a new person appeared and I was offered an upsell to a different room at earlier access at what I thought was a one-time charge but was billed as a per-night charge. I soon discovered why the room was available, likely due to its noisy location next to a main entrance. All details I expected could have been better coordinated after my advance outreach weeks in advance. I was surprised to find my room was still not serviced after I returned from a day of exploring, even after hanging the proper door tag and selecting the service button inside of the room.

Service Staff are friendly and polite, though the warmth doesn’t quite compare to what we experienced in Costa Rica, where everyone felt genuinely welcoming. Housekeeping was a little inconsistent during our six-night stay – it varied day to day, and a couple of times our room hadn’t been cleaned by 3pm. However, poolside service was prompt and attentive, with staff happy to make up your lounger and take orders. Food and Drink The food is good across the board – tasty, well-prepared meals with a focus on quality Panamanian cuisine if you’re keen to try something local. While nothing was particularly memorable or standout, it’s a strong offering overall. The hotel’s speakeasy is a real highlight: chilled, stylish atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails. Amenities and Room The pool area is quiet, with plenty of loungers always available – it would benefit from a bit of ambient music, but the peacefulness is lovely. The room was excellent – high-end, spotless, and very comfortable with daily restocks of tea and coffee. The bed and linens are top-tier, though the pillows are quite high and could cause neck strain. We had a “partial” ocean view room, but the view was full-on sea – absolutely superb.

this is truly one of the greatest hotels I have ever stayed in. The rooms were great well laid out with finest materials. But what made it so great was the service. I have never had such good service at any hotel as I’ve had at this one. it has a great pool. The restaurants are very, very good. But I keep coming back to Service. I highly recommend this place and if ever I go back to Panama City, I will stay here.

What can I say? This place fully deserves its inclusion on all those Top xx Hotels in the World lists. Spectacular location, and (a rarity for us!) no real complaints about any strange design ‘features’ in the room. It was a pleasure to stay and a shame to leave.

I cannot speak more highly about this property and the service here. If you are visiting Panama City and Casco Viejo, this property is worth every dollar. I would say my favorite was the rooftop bar and the speakeasy but honestly the service was impeccable. Don’t think twice.