The hotel occupies the former Club Unión, a landmark building dating to 1917 and designed by James C. Wright, on the waterfront of Casco Viejo, Panama City's UNESCO-listed historic district. The club once received Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II; following an extensive restoration, it opened as Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in January 2023. The hotel has 159 rooms and suites, many with balconies and Pacific Ocean views, ranging from 35-square-metre rooms to the 190-square-metre Imperial Ocean Front Suite. Dining and drinking options include Caleta, Ammi Skybar & Grill, Vera Café, Mayda Lobby Bar, Arcano Speakeasy and Pool Bar. The pool, the largest in Casco Viejo, looks over the ocean, and there is a Sofitel Spa and a gym with sea views. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo was named No. 63 and a New Entry in The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026. Outside the door are the old quarter's colonial mansions, galleries and cafés.
- Rooms
- 159 rooms and suites
Insider tip Ask for a room with a balcony and an ocean view, and go up to Ammi on the roof for a drink at sunset.
Why I choose it A restored landmark inside Casco Viejo, so the old town is on foot and the sea in front; it is our Panama City base before the Osa Peninsula or Cartagena.
