The highly anticipated Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City, situated on a peaceful waterfront overlooking the Pacific Ocean, has opened in the historic Casco Viejo district of Panama City.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo blends historic French colonial architecture with contemporary Panamanian design, creating a distinctive identity that celebrates local culture and refined French savoir-faire. The lobby’s dramatic décor immediately welcomes guests with nautical motifs that pay tribute to Panama’s greatest engineering marvel, the Panama Canal, using custom sculptures, striking artwork, historic photographs and maritime instruments.
© Julie Soefer
The hotel’s French heritage is evident in many refined details — marble checkerboard floors in the ballroom, wrought-iron balconies and brass accents — while Panamanian influences appear through local artwork, handmade encaustic tiles and vibrant furnishings inspired by the country’s rich flora and fauna. The result is a layered aesthetic that honors history while offering modern comfort.
Built on the former site of Club Union, once the most exclusive social club in early 20th-century Panama City, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo preserves the location’s glamorous legacy while embracing contemporary hospitality. It sits within walking distance of cultural landmarks such as the Teatro Nacional, the Panama Canal viewpoints and the MUMO Museum.
© Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
The property features 159 generously sized rooms, including 35 suites, many of which offer balconies with sweeping views of the city and the sea. An oceanfront terrace and pool create a relaxing focal point for guests to enjoy sunlight and waterfront scenery.
Dining options include five distinct outlets that showcase seasonally inspired menus. Caleta, a Mediterranean brasserie led by Executive Chef Lorenzo Di Gravio, highlights the region’s freshest seafood and bold flavors. MAYDA Lobby Bar & Plaza offers light bites, classic cocktails and afternoon tea with pastries crafted by Pastry Chef John Moreno. A pool bar below The Plaza serves fresh juices, smoothies and healthy bowls. Vera Café provides specialty coffee sourced from Panamanian highlands alongside freshly baked croissants, chocolate confections and gourmet sandwiches. Ammi, the rooftop bar, delivers panoramic ocean and skyline views and a lively atmosphere with Latin music, handcrafted cocktails, grilled dishes, ceviche and pizzettas.
© Julie Soefer
Wellness amenities include a full-service Sofitel Spa that partners with KOS Paris to offer treatments rooted in ancestral healing rituals, along with a relaxation area, tearoom and plunge pool. A 24-hour Sofitel Fitness studio provides state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, one-on-one training with certified trainers and a range of group classes suited to different fitness levels.
For events, the hotel offers 9,880 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space, ideal for weddings, conferences, meetings and private gatherings. With its blend of heritage architecture, contemporary Panamanian design and upscale amenities, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo positions itself as a distinguished destination for both leisure and business travelers visiting Panama City.