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Cassidy S

Happy with my stay with one minor complaint

3.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 8 Jan 2024
The JW Marriot in Panama definitely has nice curb appeal. The rooms were nice enough and the staff was friendly. The breakfast buffet was also nice.

PROS:
-The breakfast buffet was great with quite a bit of choices if you do not have food allergies. I do have Celiac disease which makes me allergic to Gluten which made eating a little difficult. I was able to have the omelet bar and they always had some sort of potato. If you are sensitive to cross contamination, I would be certain to ask the hotel prior to booking about how they guard/protect against this. I would also recommend paying ahead for this as you got a discount for paying ahead. I think typically the breakfast is around $25 but with the discount/prepaying it was about $17.
-The pool area is great with very pretty views. It does seem like one of the places you need to get to early if you are interested in getting a seat— they fill up quickly.
-The location also was great. There is a grocery store (Super 99) that is about a 5 minute walk. Prices here seem very reasonable. I would recommend purchasing alcohol at this grocery store as the alcohol at the hotel is pretty pricey (I.e., glass of Prosecco is $15, glass of wine $17). We found a bottle of vodka for $7 at the grocery store, white claw per can was $1.20). There also is a very small fridge in the hotel room which was convenient as well.
-The rooftop bar in the casino (Panaviera) was incredible. I would definitely recommend getting a cocktail and see the views of the city from this spot.
-The staff also went above and beyond to ensure that my mother had a happy 60th birthday. They made sure to have a cake and card in her room prior to her arrival -- something that we all really appreciated.

CONS:
Complaints I have about this hotel stem predominately from the elevator system. This hotel is very big (upwards of 66 floors) so waiting for an elevator makes a little sense. However, I found myself waiting at LEAST 5-10 minutes each time I needed to use the elevator. Even simply going down a few floors took an incredibly long time. I asked staff multiple times where the stairs were as I have no issue walking, however each time I was told there are not stairs available for guests unless it is an emergency (I.e., fire in the building).

Additionally, if there are more than 5 people in the elevator it is “overloaded” so people have to get out and wait for the next one. There are 4 elevators in the building to get up to the hotel rooms, however it seemed like only 2 worked throughout my 5 day stay. People started getting frustrated waiting so they would cut the “line” and go into an elevator before people who had been waiting much longer—there is no system/ staff members there to guide guests to the available elevator in the most fair way which led to chaos and irritation.
Date of stay: December 2023
Trip type: Travelled with family
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
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Edgar Rodriguez, Otro at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this review
Responded 14 Feb 2024
Dear Cassidy365,

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're glad to hear that overall you enjoyed your stay at the JW Marriott in Panama and that you found the curb appeal, rooms, and staff to be to your satisfaction. We appreciate your detailed feedback regarding the various aspects of your stay.
We're pleased that you enjoyed the breakfast buffet and that there were options available for your dietary needs, although we apologize for any difficulties you experienced due to your Celiac disease. We'll certainly consider your suggestion to improve our accommodations for guests with food allergies.

Thank you for your review. We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your stay at the JW Marriott in Panama, including the nice rooms, friendly staff, and great breakfast buffet. We appreciate your feedback regarding the elevator system and will work to improve this aspect for our guests' convenience.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
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Reviewed 8 January 2024

Architecturally impressive hotel with modern amenities, adjoined with the Ocean Club in a bustling area of Panama City. Very close to many attractions. Close walk to nice supermarket and some restaurants, although very cheap Ubers make that an easy option as well. Great views, would suggest facing north to get water and city view (only get water view in the other direction, both classified as partial ocean view since there are tall buildings bordering both sides of the hotel). Room service was outstanding.

Room tip: Request high room facing north to get water and city view.
Date of stay: January 2024
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
2  Thank utrobk1
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar Rodriguez, Otro at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this reviewResponded 15 February 2024

Dear utobk1,

Thank you for your detailed review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at our hotel, with its impressive architecture and modern amenities. We're thrilled to be located in a bustling area of Panama City, close to numerous attractions and with easy access to supermarkets and restaurants. We're glad you enjoyed the views from your room and that our room service met your expectations. We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Thank you for choosing us as your lodging destination in Panama!

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 25 December 2023

I am a platinum elite member
A few nights from titanium
It was represented to me two days before I checked in that I would receive an upgrade free of charge to the grand suite
When I checked in they said that they don’t a have a grand suite anymore
But they said if I wanted it they would charge 200 a night
When I said why did you say you don’t have any suites then you said they did but I would be charged

The bottom line when you make definitive representations and you don’t delivery

That’s the worst thing you can do

And on top of that they lied to my face

They are stupid and lost a very good customer

Date of stay: December 2023
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank Danyzuko86
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar Rodriguez, Otros at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this reviewResponded 28 December 2023

Dear Danyzuko86,

Thank you for sharing your recent experience with us, and we truly appreciate your Platinum Elite membership. Your loyalty is highly valued, and we are grateful for the opportunity to address your feedback.

We understand there was a discrepancy regarding the information provided about the availability of the Grand Suite, and we regret any confusion caused. To enhance your future stays, we have reviewed and updated our internal communication processes.

Moving forward, we are committed to ensuring clearer and more precise communication to ensure our guests enjoy a seamless experience. If there are any specific preferences or special requirements you would like to highlight for your future stays, we would be delighted to accommodate them and ensure your visit is flawless.

We appreciate your feedback as it helps us continually improve. We look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you again and providing the attention and high-quality service you deserve as a Platinum Elite member.

Best regards,

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 21 December 2023

perfect multi - pools - staff so generous- surprised me with a cake and bubbly in my room for my birthday- great location- love the multi restaurant options - walking neighborhood with other hotels - Uber easy

Room tip: Wake up early for ur pool chair
Date of stay: December 2023
  • Trip type: Travelled with friends
    • Value
    • Location
    • Service
Thank LEZBLOWUP11
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar Rodriguez, Otros at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this reviewResponded 23 December 2023

Dear Lezblowup11,

Thank you for your kind words about your stay at JW Marriott Panama.
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our multiple pools, the friendly staff, and the birthday surprises.
It's great to know that you appreciated the convenient location, diverse dining options, and easy access with Uber.
We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Thanks for choosing us to celebrate your birthday!

Best regards!

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 17 December 2023 via mobile

This is a beautiful hotel, and it is located near the water with great views. For me, it was like being at a resort with everything you have in the hotel building and the surrounding area. What impressed me the most was when I went to the lounge to get breakfast and was greeted by Ms. Elizabeth with the biggest smile on her face. She really made me feel welcome. She made sure to ask how I was enjoying my stay, and she encouraged me to return for my next visit. Just going to the pool area and being able to look over the body of water from the 14th floor and being able to work out in that dynamic gym is worth me standing here again when I can travel.

Date of stay: December 2023
Trip type: Travelled solo
Thank VikMoody
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar Rodriguez, Other at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this reviewResponded 21 December 2023

Dear VikMoody,

Thank you for sharing your incredibly positive experience at our hotel! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beauty of the place, the views, and the resort-like ambiance. We appreciate your kind words about our attentive host, Ms. Elizabeth, and will be sure to pass on your comment to her.

We're glad you enjoyed our facilities, from the pool to the 13th-floor gym with breathtaking views. We look forward to welcoming you back on your next trip. If there's anything specific you'd like for your next stay, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Thanks again, and see you soon!

Warm regards,

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 14 December 2023 via mobile

Shooting in the main lobby of the building hosting JW Marriott Hotel. I was staying in the hotel building and suddenly I saw police everywhere and shooting in the area. I was terrified. Lately, Panama is in general getting more and more dangerous and criminality is on the rise. Not to say that such spots such as JW Marriott building become despite security always more popular and exposed to criminal activity. So be cautious. In addition, I would like to outline that the hotel rooms have not been upgraded since many years, you can see spots everywhere on the floor and shower and the room rates are among the highest in the city. At the pool the mattresses of the deckchairs are noticeably old and used. Despite the location the hotel is in need of some refreshment.

Room tip: Be cautious in Panama. Criminality rate is on the rise
Date of stay: December 2023
Trip type: Travelled solo
2  Thank 95saa95
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgar Rodriguez, Otro at Jw Marriott Panama, responded to this reviewResponded 16 December 2023

Dear 95saa95

First and foremost, thank you for letting us know about your concerns during your stay. The safety and security of all our guests and associates are always a top priority, and we take your comments very seriously about the incident in the building where the hotel is located. We want to ensure all our guests have a wonderful stay and would like to address the reported issues directly with you. We are available for you at kimberly.hodgson@marriott.com.

We take your observations about the condition of our rooms and hotel facilities seriously. We are currently making significant improvements to our rooms and the pool area. Your perspective helps us identify areas where we can grow and enhance.

We sincerely appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you back to the JW Marriott Panama in the near future.

Regards,

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