Historic waterfront hotel with French flair, luxe spa, fine dining


















C. 1a Oeste, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama Get directions
"Opened in 2023 after a five-year, locally guided restoration, this 159-room, 35-suite property revived an iconic French colonial building that once served as the city's premier social club and hosted notable figures like Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. The renovation restored period-appropriate 1917 design elements while integrating Panamanian artwork and furnishings, and the hotel is praised for exceptional, over-the-top service. Suite guests receive dedicated butler service for everything from unpacking and laundry to indulgent touches like flower-flecked bubble baths, and the concierge routinely arranges elevated experiences such as helicopter tours and private sails, all from a highly convenient historic-district location." - Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning Sarah Bruning is the special projects and surveys editor at Travel + Leisure, where she has been on staff since 2018. She assigns stories across the magazine, primarily for the Experiences section and feature well. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Staying at the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo places you in a 159‑room grande dame on Panama City's colonial waterfront, pairing historic character with French flair and uplifting design." - Caitlin Morton

"A neoclassical hotel with sea-facing views, expansive spa and pool, wellness center, and a restaurant patio perfect for cocktails at sunset."
"An elegant waterfront hotel in a historic old-town district that evokes a private-club atmosphere with nautically influenced interiors and sophisticated dining that includes standout small-plate seafood." - Paul Brady Paul Brady Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Skift, and The Huffington Post. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"A beautiful hotel in the historic colonial downtown of Panama City, featuring the rich culture and history of the region."