"I recently stayed at W Panama and had a mixed experience.
**Check-in experience**
I arrived about 10 minutes before the posted 3pm check-in time. I was told my room wasn’t ready, which I completely understood since I was slightly early. The staff kindly gave me a complimentary drink card and asked for a little time.
Shortly after 3pm, I checked again and was told the room was still being cleaned and would be ready in about 15 minutes. Fifteen minutes later, I asked again and was told the same thing - that the room was still being cleaned. At that point I asked to speak with a manager.
The manager explained that the room had been occupied by a premier guest who is allowed to check out as late as 4pm. My question was simple: if previous guests can check out at 4pm, why does the website advertise a 3pm check-in time, and why wasn’t the real reason for the delay communicated earlier? While the manager empathized with my frustration, I didn’t receive a clear explanation.
After more than an hour of waiting, the room finally became available. Breakfast was comped during my stay as a gesture, which I appreciated, although by that point I was exhausted from a long day of travel and just wanted to settle in.
**The room**
The large yellow entrance doors are fantastic and make a strong first impression. When you enter, there’s a mirror and a small floating shelf. However, the foyer area is quite large and feels empty. A painting, plant, or some furniture would make the entrance feel warmer and more intentional. As it is, the space feels unfinished and takes away from the room’s overall design.
**The tub**
The bathtub is huge, and its size was actually the main reason I chose this room. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to soak comfortably because there’s nothing to keep you from floating when leaning back against the pillow. The size is impressive, but the usability could be improved.
**The shower**
The shower is also very large, but again the design feels incomplete. With that much space, additional hooks for towels or bathing suits would have been very useful. A shower bench would also have been a great addition.
Instead of having to lower the shades, frosted windows would make the experience far more pleasant because of natural light. The small drain is also a design flaw; water drains slowly and begins pooling around your feet during a shower.
**The food**
Unfortunately, nothing I ordered through room service was satisfactory. The food tasted as though very little seasoning was used. Even the pizza was subpar and lacked flavor.
Breakfast was fine mainly because of the smoked salmon and eggs. I can’t speak to the meat items since I’m a pescatarian.
**The hotel overall**
The property feels like it needs a refresh. The furniture, the pool area, and some of the décor look dated and would benefit from an upgrade.
**The good**
The staff were the highlight of the stay. Everyone I encountered was pleasant, helpful, and accommodating.
While I appreciated the service from the staff, the design flaws, food quality, and overall condition of the property mean I would likely choose a different hotel on my next visit to Panama City.
Oh, the congestion from the traffic during peak hours is incredible."
A Tripadvisor traveler review
Mar 14, 2026
