Le Meridien Opens First Property in Central America

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced the opening of Le Méridien Panama, the European-rooted hotel brand’s first property in Central America. Set in Panama’s capital city, Le Méridien Panama, owned by developers Bern Hotels & Resorts Panama, is a modern, contemporary building located on the edge of the Bay of Panama, boasting views of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama City skyline.

Surrounded by the cafes and galleries of Panama City’s Uruguay Street, Le Méridien Panama is within the city’s financial district and a short distance from Panama City’s major tourism attractions, such as the Panama Canal, considered one of the “Eight Wonders of the Modern World.”

Designed by Panamanian architect Mallol Ignacio, Le Méridien Panama features a double-height entry with an overturned glass pyramid that reflects vibrant colors throughout the sleek black granite lobby. Offering 111 guestrooms, including 29 suites, the hotel also has 4,000 square feet of function space ideal for corporate meetings and events as well as intimate social affairs.

In addition, Le Méridien Panama features a signature restaurant, Latitudes, by Panamanian Chef Anibal Chiari, a contemporary fusion concept of international cuisine that can seat 75 guests, including a communal table and private dining room.

Latitudes also offers Le Méridien signature breakfast, which includes reinvented favorites with components developed by three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Coffee Culture, a global program developed in partnership with illycaffè.

The hotel also offers spa treatments in the Sensory Spa by Clarins with six treatment rooms and a fully-equipped fitness center and outdoor pool and terrace, overlooking the Bay of Panama.

Le Méridien Panama showcases the newly introduced global Le Méridien arrival experience, curated by international arts provocateur Jérôme Sans, the hotel brand’s cultural curator since 2006, and developed together with members of the LM100, Le Méridien’s family of cultural innovators.

Le Méridien arrival experience, designed to make the first 10 minutes of the guest’s stay memorable, consists of four signature elements, including the transitional portal, which is a visual and audio “wall” of art and sound at the entrance of the hotel that engulfs each guest to reset their minds, leaving the outside world behind for the world of Le Méridien; the sensory experience, illustrated through Le Méridien signature scent, sound and use of light, creating a unique and distinctive atmosphere; Unlock Art program, which features an artist designed key card collection that not only offers access to the guestroom but also to Le Méridien affiliated contemporary cultural centers; and lastly, the elevated experience, which transforms the event of riding an elevator into an “elevating experience” through sound.