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  • 1/5 Ashley M. 1 year ago on Google
    My boyfriend and I booked an all inclusive trip to the Westin Playa Bonita Panama. We paid over $6000 for a 7 day stay. The first few days were good, all meals were served buffet style in a restaurant type setting. On the third day we noticed a lot of people from 3 different conventions. That evening, we headed to the lobby for dinner, we noticed that the doors to the buffet were closed. We had to ask the front desk where dinner would be served. We were notified it would be outside. We then saw tables outside with place settings of eight. This was frustrating as a party of two we weren’t too keen on sitting with six random people. We asked if it was possible to take dinner to our room, we were then provided take out boxes. We started going through the buffet to find empty plates and what was left was cold as there were no burners underneath some of the plates to keep the warm. As per outlines posted all around the hotel, dinner is served 5pm to maybe 9pm, we attended around 6pm. So to find no food or cold food only after an hour was infuriating. We left our take out boxes and having no other option we ordered room service which of course is an additional charge. It took 15 minutes to get through to someone to be able to order, 40 minutes to receive the food, then 30 minutes to get change back as I paid in cash. I also had to call the front desk to notify them I was still waiting on change. The night after this, same thing. No food or cold food. We spoke to a supervisor at the front desk this time, the response we got was “Okay, I’ll let food service know.” Again, we were very angry with this and didn’t have dinner that night as we did not want to pay for room service again or attend one of the three restaurants at the hotel considering we paid a pretty penny for an all inclusive trip. The night after this, the same thing. No food or cold food. This time, we heard others saying that everything was empty. It seems as the kitchen cannot keep up with multiple conventions at a time plus regular guests. Nor is it fair for the hotel to favour the conventions when there are other people who paid a lot to be there. We again, spoke to the front desk but were not so kind. They offered us a complimentary pizza. We waited 30 minutes for this and when it arrived it was partially frozen still. The cheese wasn’t even melted. On our final day, we went to the front desk again, finally someone grabbed Linda Ortiz who we believe is the manager. We explained everything, she was apologetic. She took our emails and phone numbers and told us she would be in contact either that evening or the next morning. It is now 3 days later and still nothing. For future they should notify regular guests that dinner will be including the convention guests or separate them so that the regular guests are still accommodated and still receiving good service. If we had known this we would have went to one of the restaurants later on instead of spending money right from the beginning. We would appreciate a partial refund for the three dinners that were supposed to be included but couldn’t even be provided and a refund for the room service we had to order because of the inconvenience. But we are doubting it will happen. Therefore, it is very easy for us to say, we will not be staying at the Westin Playa Bonita Panama again or even recommending it.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christie P. 2 years ago on Google
    The Westin Playa Bonita was my first stay at an all-inclusive resort and it won't be my last stay at a resort. I tend to be a bit of a self sufficient traveller and tend to opt for hotels near attractions that allow me to explore a city by foot. The Westin changed that. From the moment my friends and I stepped foot on the grounds of the resort we received stellar service during our 4 night stay. Our rooms were on the ocean side and it was absolutely amazing to wake up to waves outside my window. We did all of the standard things around the resort; lounging around and in the pool, eating all the food, and drinking until our hearts were content. We pretty much ate at the buffet and, as a public health professional, I was very impressed with the precautions they had in place (offering masks and plastic gloves) to make sure utensils were handled in a sanitary manner. They served a variety of great options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And our SERVER Frederico, he was amazing!!!!! We tried to sit in his section for every meal as he was very kind and attentive to anything it looked like we may have needed. On our last day we scheduled spa services and like everything else at this resort, it was stellar. Before our services we spent time in the saunas and the tubs as well as the complementary cucumber water. 10/10, all the stars, highly recommend and I cannot wait to return.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Heidi K. 1 year ago on Google
    I paid for an all-inclusive trip for 4 people in my family. I arrived, and they stated I only got the room and not all-inclusive. Well, I have already traveled from the United States and am at the hotel. What am I supposed to do????? So I pay $4,000 more again for all-inclusive. Keep in mind that I have already paid over $6000 for the vacation that was supposed to be, flight, hotel, and all-inclusive. I think this was a scam. I asked if they could help us out and maybe upgrade the room for no charge because of the misunderstanding. They said no. Never would come back nor suggest this place to anyone. When booking, make sure you are getting what you paid for and not having to pay twice. Also, this hotel caters to businesses. Anyone who goes here just as a family is not treated well. Businesses get extra care, shows, and treatment. The staff is not friendly, except the bartenders at the lobby bar, they were very friendly and helpful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kali B. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a very nice hotel. The staff was very helpful. Great pools. Nice view. Comfortable beds. The bad thing was that around the pool throughout the day got more and more messy. I wish they had someone cleaning up the trash as people left instead of waiting till when the pool closes to do it. Plastic cups with drinks left in them made bees swarm. My Baby got stung twice. And the empty plastic cups were blowing onto the beach.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alejandro R. 2 years ago on Google
    We stayed 7 days and had a great time. Super friendly staff. Spacious room, great views, spa and massage was one of the best I've had. Beach is there, bit rocky and tide goes out 50 yards. Restaurants and food were very good. Breakfast buffet well stocked with usual dishes and omelet station. Dinner buffet changed daily, different theme nights (Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean). Hotel offers weekend day passes to locals so pools more busy then but Panamanians are very friendly and well mannered. Wish the Jacuzzis were heated, pool temp only. Unique location about 20 minutes Uber ride from city center. Had Covid test at hotel for return flight home. Great place to relax and unwind, will not hesitate to return.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Solomon W. 1 year ago on Google
    We had the most amazing week, while celebrating our 20 year wedding anniversary. The Westin staff treated us like they valued us as loyal Marriott customers. Their extraordinary efforts to help us celebrate was apparent in everything they did for us. I can't say enough about the beautiful scenery. We also felt like this was one the best possible value we have received at the various Marriott properties. We can't wait to find a reason to return to the Westin Playa Bonita. I highly recommend you give it a try.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donna W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful hotel overlooking the beach. All inclusive resort which is quite a way outside of the city. 4 onsite restaurants, two require reservations. The steakhouse was great, they serve huge portions. The Asian restaurant was also very nice. The room were comfortable and my husband enjoyed the rain shower. They offered a safe in the room and a refrigerator stocked with local beers. There were 4 pools available and one shallow one for the kids. The spa was quite nice and I had a therapeutic massage which was relaxing. Evening entertainment was also available. The highlight was the ice cream/bakery store, with so many wonderful flavors and too many choices. Would go again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Betsi L. 2 years ago on Google
    Me and my boyfriend just came back from this hotel a few days ago. We spend about 3 days in this hotel and I have to say it was an amazing experience and a great choice. The staff is attentive, the hotel is beautiful and clean. The restaurant are in the hotel everyone had fantastic customer service. This is a great place to stay at while in panama.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Robert M. 1 year ago on Google
    I wouldn't class 2 stars as 'OK', it is just a bit poor. The view of the sea is wonderful, Panama is a great country and the coastline is simply beautiful. However, I would not recommend the Westin Playa Bonita hotel to enjoy it. I am currently staying here and only 2 of the 6 lifts are working, so you must queue to get back to the room. (Don't forget anything). The room service is unavailable. The phone either rings out, or they answer and put you on hold. I yesterday tested how long they keep you 'on hold for'. The phone was on for 15 minutes before it cut out. The rooms facing the sea are extremely noise polluted; there is a very old generator pumping out 60-decibel roars 24 hours a day. I don't wish to venture downstairs again as I do not wish to queue for the elevator to return to the room. But I will have to as room service is yet again unavailable. The hotel does not seem to wish to make any profit from your desire, or need, for food. Which is a shame, because when we have eaten here the food was superb. I would return to Panama, but will leave this hotel as soon as possible and never look back.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Cerina B. 1 year ago on Google
    Yikes. 2 stars at best. Stayed here when my family booked at this hotel through DirectBuy travel (also yikes). My husband and I decided we would book our own room separately and join in on the “fun”. Needless to say, the whole thing was overly expensive for bad service and a bad experience. Should have saved up that money for a trip where things would have been way more worth the money. Let’s start with night one, walked into a smelly room later to find out the smell was coming from the toilet and smelled of sewage. We switched two rooms down and later that night noticed a big white pipe going down the hall. 3 days of drilling and hammers and 10 men screaming outside of our rooms later, along with a couple of hours of no water to shower with, there’s a nice big hole and wet carpet we get to walk through. They tried to dry the carpet with a loud fan only to make the whole floor smell like a nursing home (smell of urine). Did we get notified this would happen? Nope. Did we get compensated? Yeah, only after we complained and we only got one night of 7 compensated. They fixed the whole thing after about 5 days just in time for the doctor convention that showed up. Next, let’s start with the food. The food was absolutely tasteless and rubbery. It’s about $20-30 a person for a buffet and drinks are added on separately. 100% not worth it. Rented a car after night one so we could get some real food off the resort. The cherry on top was when I waited in line to be seated at the buffet and was purposely ignored by the hostess who greeted the doctor who was a man behind me first. Thankfully, the man told the hostess I was first in line. The pools are nice. The gym which was nowhere near the hotel rooms, was nice. Majority of the staff was friendly and nice. The beach was trashy and NOT nice. The rooms were decent and the beds were amazing. A great view of the ships going into the canal. You have to wait in a super long line to checkin because it seems they’re short staffed. Basically, don’t do it. Save your money for some place else. It’s a 2 star hotel at most.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Josh K. 2 years ago on Google
    I had to cancel my reservation upon arrival because the hotel decided to inform me on the spot and not in the reservation that it is no longer all-inclusive as it has been the past 10 years. I was informed all-inclusive would be an additional $200 in addition to the $200 room rate I already paid. There is a promotion currently being offered from an outside supplier, Oferta Simple, giving an all inclusive room for less than $200. When I showed this to their management and asked if I could buy the Oferta and check-in on the spot, they refused. Telling me this most be done 48 hours in advance. Not only did they offer zero help to rectify the situation (I'm Marriott Preferred Member), they were also rude about it. They rejected my suggestion of offering any type of discount to meet in the middle.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Isabelita S. 1 year ago on Google
    The hotel is a beautiful resort and we spent all our time in a relax atmosphere. The staff was very helpful. But the room was not fully clean. The bed sheets looked so worn and grey. The cleaning staff would open the door and barge in. The mop and pail were filthy and they left the floor completely wet. We had to ask for do not disturb signs and ask not to have any more room cleaning. The resort offers various restaurants but they serve more or less the same food. The Bordeaux was never open. However we enjoyed a beautiful wedding. Farah transport was the best way to travel to and from. The pools and gardens can be better kept. The heat in December is exhausting and the air conditioning is only best in the room. The best part was the view from our room watching ships in line to go to the Panama canal. And the beautiful setting for the wedding.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sifa M. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful place near the city but not in the city itself. It's about 20-25 minutes drive from downtown Panama City. The staff are very friendly and courteous. Great customer service all around. The place does get busy at the weekend but if you are there longer, it does quieten down during the weekdays. Though it's a buffet dinning, the meals are still pretty tasty and well made, no difference from any well worth restaurant. I'll definitely recommend this place for any type of traveller, we went as a family, but I've seen singles and couples there too. Everyone was having a good time. They cater to everyone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Suzanne Van der Wall A. 2 years ago on Google
    Stay away! You expect to be a guest in a Marriott resort... well it's not. This hotel sells to locals an all inclusive day package under $60. The pool area is flooded with very loud locals who get drunk in 45 min and behave terrible for the rest of the day. There is no food or drink quality as you normally can expect in a Marriott resort as they cater to local all inclusive, but they do charge for it! The gym is too disgusting to touch. No cleaning for 4 days straight. No disinfection, towels or water... 12 out 15 exercise machine were broken... the club lounge is conveniently closed... and the list goes on. This hotel managed to screw up the COVID testing and refuses to take ownership. The hotel manager has promised to do something.... 7 week ago. Don't get me wrong. We have seen some resorts before. Good and bad, even with Marriott, but the difference is that employees give there best. This place is toxic!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 roberto v. 2 years ago on Google
    I really liked this place to relax and forget about everything else without having to drive for more than an hour to reach the other beaches in Panama.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natasha P. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great weekend getaway! We traveled to Panamá for a friends birthday and the hotel did not disappoint. Prior to arriving I spoke with Armando regarding our upcoming stay and how it was for my friend’s birthday, he went out of his way to help plan to have balloons, and cake in the room for our arrival. Upon arrival the entire staff was so friendly and helpful. The hotel was clean and had a great selection of onsite restaurants and bars. If you are looking for an all-inclusive with friendly staff, clean facilities, and great restaurant selections I would highly recommend The Westin Playa Bonita. I would like to recognize Armando, Jose, and Linda for outstanding customer service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nina L. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a nice, secluded, beachfront resort away from the city. The views from the balcony are wonderful. They have an outdoor event space, as well as multiple restaurants and pools. They also have a lounge that came alive in the evening with Karaoke and a DJ. I also enjoyed the all-inclusive option, which always makes things on vacation so much more convenient.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Liz D. 9 months ago on Google
    Good service, beautiful beach with an interesting tidal pattern. Within easy driving distance of city attractions and restaurants. But very loud. Pool plays music all day -- can't even hear the waves 100 feet away -- and on weekends they have live music until midnight, audible in our room several stories up. They also sell weekend day passes and by noon the pool is full of drunk people. Not a relaxing vibe, unexpected from a Westin.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Otso 1 year ago on Google
    Rooms and food are okay; not bad not stunning. However the walls and windows provide no sound isolation whatsoever, I can follow a conversation in the pool from my 6th floor room with the doors closed. The behaviour of the guests is the worst I've ever seen, in any hotel in my life. The location is in the middle of nowhere, you are not meant to really leave this place. The beach is okay but it's very rocky, though it's interesting to see what you can find during low tide. The building itself sure looks big and great, but is in a state of disrepair. Only a third of the elevators work, and a lot of other things are unmaintained as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JJ M. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place with 3 amazing pools. Rooms are clean, ample and very updated. Ask for the oceanside view. Pay for the breakfast buffet. It's stupendous.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dylan A. 8 months ago on Google
    I cannot rank the rooms because we just got a day pass! This place is awesome! If you are looking for an all inclusive Panamanian getaway, look no further! The service was great! The food and virgin cocktails were delicious! The amenities were awesome with a great beach and pools!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 M D. 8 months ago on Google
    I recently stayed at the Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel for 5 nights while attending a conference. While the location and amenities were generally satisfactory, I had an extremely unpleasant experience that overshadowed my stay. During my time at the poolside, my Apple Watch was stolen, apparently by one of the poolside towel collector staff. I was able to track the location of the watch and promptly reported the incident to the hotel's security and management. However, their response was far from satisfactory. Despite providing them with the exact location of the stolen item, the hotel's management did not take any immediate action to investigate the matter. They did not question the staff at the towel station by the pools, nor did they make any effort to assist me in recovering my property. Instead, they simply told me to contact the local police, showing a lack of responsibility and concern for their guests' safety and belongings. This incident has left me feeling frustrated and disappointed with the Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel. While the facilities and surroundings may be appealing, the lack of support and empathy from the management in handling a serious issue such as theft is unacceptable. I would advise potential guests to be cautious with their belongings and to consider other accommodation options where guest security and satisfaction are prioritized.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gabriella N. 2 years ago on Google
    For such a huge beautifully built 5 stars, how can you have such poor management!! Guest service is very poor. Lobby front desk do NOT answer the guest room promptly. U have to keep calling!! No control inside room over air conditioning. Many amenities have low or zero air condition including restaurants and bathrooms at a 90 F degree weather!!! Many bathrooms are locked!!! The variety of the food is also poor and limited. "Express Service" is definitely far from being express. Most employees do NOT speak English!!Cannot recommend this hotel to anybody. Please pay more attention to this beautiful hotel. Really disappointing!!.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ibeth M. 1 year ago on Google
    We love it from the second we walked in! The bed was clean and the room has all the amenities. However, the room AC was a disaster! it made an awful sound all night long !!! We could NOT sleep very well, manager said they fixed but the sound was still on. We got to try different restaurants from the all-inclusive premium package and food was amazing, drinks on point and, staff went above and beyond to make us happy. Highly recommend 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandy M. 2 years ago on Google
    The food is good, the staff speak English and even the room serves are great. The view is spectacular. Rooms are disinfected before you book in. Overall a great choice for your next stop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Isis M. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice place to stay for a day. Beach is not the most beautiful in Panamá, but the hotel makes a balance
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dan D. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful hotel on the ocean,rooms are well equipped an spacious, safe in room, robes, soft towels, bathtub and shower. Most rooms with balcony, choice ocean view or mountain view.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Erin L. 1 year ago on Google
    We were there for 3 weeks and the rooms were ok a little repairs to be done and some broken things like coffee maker, electric sockets curtains and in room phones but over all decent and the beds were very comfortable, so that was good. The tile floors amplify sound and the door knob mechanisms shut very loud so pray your neighbors on the floor aren't up much later or earlier than you. Most of the service was very good there were 3 less than helpful staff member interactions but all in all it was a nice stay
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Courtney B. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely stay here if you come to Panama the reviews do it no justice. It's new, modern, clean, and great service. They even allowed me to dine for breakfast complimentary even though I'm staying at the neighboring hotel that doesn't offer dining, thank you Westin.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elina 4 months ago on Google
    Well I went with my hubby, it was a.shirt trip but had a great time. Enjoyed the beach view. My hubby just loved the part of the booze. But overall the resort/food/staff were friendly and helpful. I recommend going there if you are planning a couple's retreat or even just to relax....I even saw lots of kids and activities for them. But in my personal opinion, I enjoyed it bc I got to be lazy and just truly relax from all even from the hubby lol.

  • 4/5 Jenn H. 6 months ago on Google
    Had a great deal from Travel Zoo and always wanted to see Panama. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. Ocean balcony upgrade well worth it. Staff everywhere were friendly and helpful and working hard. Some of the reviews I saw really worried me but I have zero complaints. It’s not Uber luxury but it’s way more impressive than my usual travel. Food is average. It’s similar to Cancun but quieter and less activities on site. That was fine. We did a couple tours to Casco Viejo which were awesome and safe and to the Canal locks which was informative. There was a wedding one night and we got to see fireworks at eye level from our balcony which was a one of a kind experience!! People in Panama are friendly. It’s all tourism-driven which means they want to please tourists and make tips. Pay in cash they deserve it. As always be mindful of bad actors and theft anywhere you travel. You’ll be fine. Enjoy!!!!

  • 3/5 Matthew M. 7 months ago on Google
    Summary: if you have to stay at a Westin, go for the one in Panama City instead, it’s much better. Pros: - The view from the room is stunning - Staff are not unfriendly - Room interiors are relatively new and don’t feel outdated - Bed is comfortable - Tierra y Fuego Steakhouse is decent - Pools are quite big and there’s lots of loungers - WiFi is decent for a Panama hotel, we got 15 mb/s on the non-upgraded package Cons: - Poolside bar food is pretty bad - Common areas are very outdated and dark. Evidence of wear and tear is everywhere. Paint job on the outside of the hotel is really poor - Jacuzzis didn’t work (was September so don’t know if that’s some seasonal thing) - There’s tons of tiny insects that bite all the time, there’s signs about it in the reception and they give out repellant but it doesn’t solve the problem. This isn’t the hotel’s fault because it’s nature but at the end of the day it does worsen the experience - No drinks in the mini-bar - The drain on the bath is super low in the room so you’re barely covered in any water

  • 5/5 Ben C. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing hotel and location. The service and bars were outstanding! Maximo and Joel were top notch, Joel specifically made the best drinks I’ve ever had on vacation, truly an expert!

  • 3/5 It's C. 6 months ago on Google
    I imagine this was the place to be during its prime.. it has a certain majestic feel to it but perhaps hasn't been well-maintained over the years..? We had both a a beach view and a forest view. It wasn't too busy or crowded. Service was amazing - everyone we encountered was incredibly helpful and welcoming. we sometimes had trouble getting an uber because of how far removed from everything the location is. If you plan to stay here and not really explore, then it's the perfect location!

  • 4/5 Cheree N. 7 months ago on Google
    I visited Panama and stayed at the The Westin Playa Bonita with my friend very recently. We spent 1 week. I had a very good trip overall. When we first arrived at the resort, we noticed the beauty of the resort. I like that they had security at the front gate. Security could use some improvement but it was better than nothing. The staff at the resort and Panama residents are friendly people. The hallway did smell moldy and I believe thats from the carpets getting wet. The rooms are nice, lots of space. The bathroom is equippeded with tub and separate shower. Unfortunately my tub couldnot be plugged. There are 4 pools, one with a hot tub but the hot tub is not hot not even warm. The swim up bar was not open during my stay, except one time for a private party. There are several restaurants, but only 3 are open at any given time. Two buffets and one a la carte which requires reservation. The food was ok. As a "foodie," it wasn't horrible or inedible. I have heard horror stories about the resort next door. Anyways, there a good choices and the food was edible, but could be better. By the way The Westin is one of the very few All inclusive resorts in Panama and one of two resorts in Playa Bonita area. Although, it's all inclusive, it offers other plans as well. So please pay attention to what plan your buying and getting. I had the All inclusive premium plan which means everything is included. Some plans does not include everything. Overall, I had good stay and great time in Panama.

  • 3/5 Claris C. 8 months ago on Google
    Yes, photos look great. But, I don’t know whether this is what you want for your vacation. :p I was here for attending a conference. Wifi was extremely weak in the room, I need to go here and there to find the stable connectivity for my online lectures. The hotel is isolated from the other areas of the city and the hotel doesn’t provide a shuttle service. So you have to call a Uber or pay USD 20 per person to catch a travel agency’s shopping bus. There are several restaurants but not all of them opened and I think the chefs covering all restaurants as food tastes are quite similar no matter what cuisine you are choosing. 😂 It was Westin, but the service was not Westin level.

  • 4/5 Claudia Marina Romero P. 7 months ago on Google
    I only spent few hours at the hotel, but it was nice. The only sad and bad thing is that my daughter-in-law and my son made the resevation that supposed to include lunch for the three of us, but it wasn't. The reservation only includes my lunch.

  • 5/5 Diana G. 8 months ago on Google
    I recently stayed for 5 nights at the Westin with a friend, we arrived early (around 10am) so Iris (really kind) suggested we should have breakfast. We went and the food was great! We came back an hour later and our room was ready (17th floor) and recently cleaned, the view was just amazing during the day and night, we could see the ocean, islands and all the ships. It was spacious, neat and had a hot jacuzzi with a minibar so you could have your drinks available. We went out to the canal and when we returned they left us a welcome note along with a sparkling wine and a Ron Abuelo, thanks for the detail Linda, we really appreciate it. That night we had dinner at Tierra y Fuego, let me tell you the food was 100/10 (we asked for ribs and rib eye) and Roberto the restaurant manager greeted us from that day to the next at each restaurant. There were two waiters at that restaurant who were also amazing, I'm Mexican so we had a great chat over tequila and mezcal. We also had lunch at Starfish and guess what, the food was delicious again! You have to try the shrimps and salmon. Our favorite waitress was also there, unfortunately I don't remember her name but I'm sure Roberto will know it because we told him that we left her a tip on the table but since the wind was a bit strong we wanted her to be careful. But the people who did an outstanding job were definitely Maria, Reynaldo and I think his name is Michael in the lobby bar. Every night when we were there they already knew what we were going to have and had it ready! They were just great and tipping will never be enough to show them how much we appreciate their passion for their job. María, amiga, te espero en México! The other two members who also did a great job were Yahir and the lady from the pool bar. Yahir went out of his way to make mexican micheladas for us and made some mixed shots as well. If you are lucky enough to meet them, be sure to tip them appropriately. Last but not least we want to thank Mr. Oliver and Mr. Miguel for the hospitality, their work is amazing and it is certainly reflected in the attitude of their staff and the property. There may be some comments about how ''long'' they had to wait for the elevators, but I mean, they were a group of 600 pax, of course it would take a couple more minutes to go to their room. Come on, you're already in this great hotel, make the best of it instead of complaining. Before them, we never had that problem. In summary, it is a beautiful hotel, well maintained, with top notch food and staff. Important to mention that the location is excellent, you can take an uber and be in the city in 20 minutes or you can spend the day at the beach. We also scheduled our transportation with Panamazing and both trips were great and punctual, the drivers explained details about the country and the city to us, as well as being very kind. Until next time! -Claudia & Andrés

  • 4/5 Alan Dennis, Baron of C. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a typical Westin in design and amenities. The food in the restaurant and at our conference events has been truly excellent. Surprisingly good to have this quality at scale. The breakfast buffet is good but they run out of things (e.g eggs, Coffee, tea) and it takes while. The staff is nice but not terribly effective. Our room had a mild mildrew smell from the AC. The beach is gravel and shells, not a great sandy beach. It is fun to beach comb at low tide, when the water is far from the beach. The Panamazing tour people are outstanding. The location is outside the city so it take Uber a bit to get there, so plan ahead, but it is not a problem.

  • 2/5 Ditzia D. 2 years ago on Google
    I stayed at Westin Playa Bonita in 2018 when I visited Panama last. The hotelleft such an impression on me that I vowed to stay here when visiting again. However, I am extremely disappointed in my current stay. There is only one open restaurant, (which they are overcharging for meals) limited activity services, one pool bar providing mediocre drinks at best. I am fully aware of the impact of COVID-19, however if they're trying to attract tourists and increase tourism they need to do much better.

  • 4/5 Angela G. 8 months ago on Google
    We went during the shoulder season, so the resort was not very busy. However, the staff was friendly and worked hard. Since there were so few people there, not all the amenities were open. This meant the evening buffet rotates between restaurants, but it was all well labeled in the elevators and front desk what was going on. The staff kept the resort clean, but I can see how some people say that the resort needs to be refreshed, but while we were there they were cleaning the carpets, painting the exterior, and working on the pool area. The pools were fantastic and the beach was alright. The staff really made this place special. Their English was good enough to do their job as we were always able to get our point across.

  • 1/5 Kelly S. 8 months ago on Google
    The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Equals Food Poisoning My family and I stayed at the Westin Playa Bonita for 5 nights to celebrate a birthday. The hotel is beautiful, and the staff were amazing. The maids and other staff members were friendly and attentive. The room was beautifully appointed. We had a balcony room which faced the ocean. Every day we would watch the ships line up to enter the Panama Canal. The ladies at the Spa were just awesome. We enjoyed the pool and all of the folks working in the pool area. Our reservation included breakfast and lunch as a result of the July 4th special. However, the food was horrible! On our first day, we arrived around lunch time and ended up having to pay for lunch. We chose to eat from the buffet for a charge of 33 dollars. The quality of the food was terrible. It did not look appealing, but because we were hungry, we decided we would eat there and then choose from one of several restaurants at the hotel for our dinner. Well, at dinner time there was only one restaurant open and that was the StarFish. The food served at dinner was the exact same thing that we had for lunch. Each day the foods were the exact same items but prepared in various forms. Despite having several restaurants on site, only one opened up at a time. The same staff and the same foods are moved to the one restaurant that is open. Each day the food lacked visual appeal and tasted like garbage. They did not serve even a decent salad!! On the 3rd day, I ordered A La Carte and that was when my problem began. The burger I ordered for dinner tasted delicious, but by the time I could make it back to my room I had developed stomach problems. Each day after that, I was sick, so I started eating bread and drinking milk for breakfast. Then my daughter started feeling queasy. By the time we checked out of the hotel, both my daughter and I were feeling sick. We left the Westin and went to the Sheraton where we stayed in our room for 3 days. The day after leaving the Westin, I was so sick I ended up in the emergency room with a bill for over 400.00 and 4 prescriptions. I was diagnosed with food poison. My daughter was not as ill, but continued to feel queasy. We ordered food at the Sheraton, and we could see the contrast in the quality and freshness of the food. The food at the Sheraton was superior to that of the Westin. By the time we left Panama we were both ill. My daughter became ill on the flight back to the states and began throwing up mid-flight. Once we landed in Miami, she continued to be ill. I feel that the food served at the Westin was not fresh and was of poor quality and possibly recycled! I believe that they served leftovers from a period of several days. I also believe that there is no chef on staff. Pay attention to the reviews about the food! During the weekdays, there were never more than 10 people dining at one time. On our last days there, which was a Saturday, we counted 20 people dining for breakfast. For a hotel this massive, with over 600 rooms and fully booked, that was a sign that we should have picked up on. In addition to the horrible food, for several days, I was presented with a bill for our meals and each day they had to get a supervisor to verify that meals were included in my room rate. Finally on the 4th day, I had the hostess go with me to the front desk to verify that meals were included. I did a review on the Marriott website, but of course they did not post it. I also sent email messages to both management at the Westin Playa Bonita and a complaint to the Marriott Corporation asking for reimbursement for the money I paid out for the emergency services. Of course, I have not heard from the corporate office or management regarding my request. What a nightmare this was. My advice is stay at the Westin, just don't eat the food!!!

  • 4/5 Nakul N. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful grand beach, nice swimming pools and a tropical setting. Rooms are big and clean and the hotel lobby is open and airy. 4 restaurants and a coffee shop onsite but not much else nearby. If you go, take a 5 mins taxi to Praia restaurant.

  • 3/5 Sianon B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful property but a good drive from the airport and city. Pools close early, and although breakfast was included, every morning was a guessing game as to where it would be. During my 4 day stay, breakfast was served in a different location every morning which I found a little odd. The properties phone line was down so I had to communicate with the front desk via WhatsApp.... But I couldn't get the app to work so I ended up having to communicate via someone else acct which was kind of annoying.

  • 4/5 Luis C. 9 months ago on Google
    The hotel is beautiful with multiple pools. Unfortunately one was being repaired while there but the kids had fun in the others. The views are awesome. All rooms had balcony with beach view and view of the ships waiting to enter the canal. As beautiful as it looks, the draw back is the beach itself. The sand is actually crushed shells which makes it harsher in the feet. Their are rocks in the water, so can't go out to far, though during high tide the wayer is calm enough for a good swim. The food is good, be ready to eat and gain some weight. Drive into the city is pretty easy, take uber for cost effective way to travel to mall, etc. Great fun overall.

  • 5/5 Natrina L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hotel! Very comfortable all the staff is helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend great breakfast buffet, good sized rooms and bathrooms, comfortable beds, awesome views, lots of pools and in hotel activities every night like salsa dancing aquafitness and karaoke.

  • 1/5 Simone B. 1 year ago on Google
    TLDR: Bed bugs, unprofessional and unresponsive management, bad food, watery drinks Do NOT stay here! I booked a lovely trip for my niece and myself to unwind. The all-inclusive food and watered down drinks are sub par. Did not feel like I got to try Panamanian food at all. Even the restaurant that we paid to get food at looking for one decent dinner was soggy vegetables and overcooked steak. This does not even bring me to the bed bugs issue. I had more than 200 BITES on my body that I now have scars from and had to go to Urgent Care once I got back home for insatiable itching. After being promised a full refund from a manager (Oliver san Martin I believe his name was), it has been TWO MONTHS since my vacation and I have heard NOTHING from management. Phone numbers and email addresses that were working perfectly before when I was communicating with them to organize my trip suddenly are not being answered anymore. Neither myself nor my bank nor the travel agency has been able to contact anyone from this hotel regarding my refund, which is laughably coincidental. All I can say is that I am grateful my niece did not sleep in the bed I was in. The ONLY positive thing I have to say about this resort is that the rain forest view from the room was spectacular.

  • 1/5 Rylie P. 2 years ago on Google
    Not sure how this place has this good of reviews…. My friend and I have been here for 3 days so far, and truthfully the only thing I can say we have enjoyed is that the hotel is beautiful. We purchased the “all-inclusive” package (white wristband) with our booking online. Apparently it really is not all-inclusive. It includes the bottom shelf liquors and Buffett food. That is it. All of the restaurants, you have to pay separately for. And let me tell you, we have been extremely sick from the food since we arrived. We found out yesterday that there is the black wristband that is a “premium all-inclusive” package but that is not available online and it costs $146 per person, per day. Who eats/drinks that much each day?!?! I’m blown away. This place does NOT understand the concept of money. We asked how much it would cost to use the microwave to pop popcorn that we brought from home…they said $50?!? The tours are ridiculously priced, the resort doesn’t try to entertain their guests with music/shows at night, and if you’re a coffee person…there’s no coffee shop. Will never be coming back here.

  • 5/5 nina m. 2 years ago on Google
    Hands down the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. A week wasn't long enough, cannot wait to go back. Nice selection of restaurants and bars. The pool also has a swim-up bar which I've only ever seen in the movies.

  • 5/5 Yᴏᴜʀ ʟᴏᴄᴀʟ �. 2 years ago on Google
    I went in the hotel with my parents on Wednesday, beautiful pool and beautiful room. I would recommend it maybe, lines are long as you enter the hotel but sometimes you need patient for that. My stay continues until yesterday, my mom and I loved it, she even says to me that it was good. Never been in any hotel since pandemic started until like now. So yeah, great place.

  • 4/5 Kristal S. 2 years ago on Google
    Hotel was enjoyable. Very clean. Updated room. Bed was comfortable and the water pressure on point. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. It's about 15 minutes from downtown and 30+ to the airport. There is a beach, albeit rocky and the water recedes 2000 ft every 12 hours. Only complaint was that the hot tubs were.... cold and 1 out of 3 worked during our short stay. Food was ok.

  • 5/5 Stacey K. 1 year ago on Google
    Relaxing, friendly staff, great food, amazing drinks. We have stayed in resorts all over the world and have very high standards. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Westin. Ronaldo & Joel made amazing drinks at the bar. The hotel manager Miguel was extremely professional & courteous. Rooms were very quiet and clean, beds were comfortable The concierge desk was very helpful in arranging sight seeing excursions throughout Panama as we did not want to use group tours.

  • 5/5 Leslie H. 2 years ago on Google
    We spent 10 lovely days here. Everything was impeccably clean and modern. The rooms are clean and fresh. We had a room on the non ocean side and overlooked the mountains and greenery. It was also the quiet side. Everything is provided and there is no need to leave the resort, but the city is an uber ride away. There is a travel agency in the lobby and we had three great trips. They even bring someone to do the Covid tests. So convenient. This was a lovely vacation for our family.

  • 4/5 Debra D. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been here for 10 days and the place is wonderful the staff is great and the food is very good. I have the black wrist band so am able to go to all the dinning venues. The buffet is good, same food for breakfast but they do change the dinners up. The starfish grill is great, a good variety of food options. The 2 main restaurant alternate every other day, I did not go to the Asian restaurant but the steak house is amazing. The only bad thing about this place is that they allow locals to come in and it is packed on the weekends to the point that we were not able to get a chair and hard to get a drink.I don't think is fair seeing how I am staying here, they should put the people coming in on a day pass to a certain area, or limit how many they allow in. There were tons of kids and people getting drunk, for that reason I probably would not stay here again, but other than that the place is nice.

  • 4/5 Yosip P. 1 year ago on Google
    Place is clean and the overall service is good. There are always things to improve like the food options in the buffet. I understand they may be saving some of the best stuff for the other non all-inclusive options, but still I believe they could have exchanged a few options to make it more memorable

  • 4/5 Roger J. Rodríguez B. 10 months ago on Google
    At counter very courteous but it would be best if they give a bit more description about breakfast and locations.. Very great view, nice and quite..very nice that sandwiches and snacks are complementary At the pool, the bar needs better organization, they get orders from anyone even if they're last in line.. They got a small shop inside to get souvenirs... Getting to the beach, not recommended but you can still go if you want.. Good experience,

  • 5/5 Brad M. 10 months ago on Google
    Our stay here was absolutely perfect. From the moment we arrived, we were treated as valued guests. The room (renewal suit) was clean and very spacious. It is a little far outside the city, which makes it a little more expensive to get back to the city. I want to thank the staff for a great time and we will definitely be back. Ps. We did the May special spa and massage. Only time in my life I have fell asleep during a massage.

  • 5/5 Eduardo B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for vacationing with family. Food are great. Outstanding personnel. Rooms are spacious. loved the bath robes

  • 2/5 Bill S. 1 year ago on Google
    Bring your own horrific music to play by the pool at full volume and screaming out-of-control children - everybody else does. Not at all what I expected when I booked a last minute weekend break here. From the half hour wait in line to check in, to the mediocre buffet and noisy, overcrowded pool area, very little lends itself to enjoyment or relaxation. The rooms are okay (though our toilet blocked, which didn't add to the experience). Playa Bonita is beautiful and just a stone's throw from Panama City, but if you're thinking of coming here, there are much better local options.

  • 5/5 Alejandra F. 9 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Westin Hotel in Panama City, and I must say, it left me feeling motivated and inspired. This hotel is a true gem that combines luxury, comfort, and an uplifting atmosphere. From the moment I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted by a team of dedicated and friendly staff members. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality immediately made me feel welcome and appreciated. Throughout my stay, they went above and beyond to ensure that I had everything I needed, creating a positive and memorable experience. The rooms at the Westin Hotel were nothing short of exceptional. They were spacious, beautifully designed, and equipped with modern amenities that catered to both my professional and personal needs. The comfortable bedding, ample workspace, and high-speed internet allowed me to stay productive and motivated during my stay. One of the highlights of this hotel is its incredible fitness facilities. As a fitness enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover the state-of-the-art gym that offered a wide range of equipment and fitness classes. The well-maintained swimming pool and spa facilities provided a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. The Westin Hotel's location in Panama City is also worth mentioning. It offers easy access to the city's vibrant culture, stunning attractions, and bustling business district. Whether I was exploring the historic old town or attending meetings, the hotel's central location made it convenient for me to navigate and make the most of my time in the city. Moreover, the hotel's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility impressed me. The Westin Hotel's initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy aligned with my own values, making my stay even more fulfilling. In conclusion, the Westin Hotel in Panama City is a truly motivating place to stay. The attentive staff, luxurious rooms, fantastic fitness facilities, and convenient location all contribute to an experience that inspires and uplifts. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this hotel is sure to leave you feeling motivated and energized.

  • 5/5 Chris A. 1 month ago on Google • 236 reviews New
    Gorgeous resort with amazing views, beautiful rooms, lobby, bars and restaurants. There are several pools, a swim-up pool bar, pool volleyball and even a few hot tubs. There are plenty of lounge chairs at the pools with a variety of shade and sun. The food options were a little limited but the Pacifica buffet was very good for both dinner and lunch. The Starfish grill was sub-par. The rooms were very clean and spacious and beautiful.


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