Hospitality Design - December 2011 - 56

perspectives
By Alia Akkam

places: panama

hot tropics
Long before Panama gained independence from Colombia at the beginning of the 20th century, plans were laid to build a canal ambitiously linking the Atlantic and Paciﬁc Oceans from the skinny isthmus. After a decade of construction hardships, the engineering marvel ﬁnally opened to shipping in 1914, revolutionizing maritime trade. Now, Noriega regime scandals and years of U.S. clashes long behind Panama, the beach and rainforest-laden country is poised for yet another economic—and tourism boost—with the unveiling, a century after its debut, of the canal’s multi-billion dollar expansion in 2014. Rock Star suites, some multi-level, boast Panama City views. And in true Hard Rock form, there will be a DJ and bottle service-fueled nightclub complete with dance platforms and intriguing lighting combining special effects and technology.

Energy Shot
According of to Bruce Ford, senior at VP business development Lodging

Econometrics, there are 15 projects under development in Panama City, with more than 4,800 rooms under construction. “Panama’s economy continues to grow by double digit rates in the face of a worldwide slowdown. Its leading position in ship transits makes it a logical place for investment in the services and other industries, including tourism, ﬁnance, and similar pursuits,” says Michael Shindler, executive vice president, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, which will open its casino-free ﬂagship Central America property, the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis, in Panama City this spring. “Typically, these characteristics make a destination ripe for hotel investment and similar tourist endeavors. The combination of the canal as a catalyst for economic growth, the historic relationship between the U.S. and Panama, the use of the U.S. dollar as a local currency, and its location in the middle of the Americas, all make Panama a natural destination for hospitality growth.” The 64-story, 1,499-room hotel in Panama’s capital will boast a helipad and “impressive high-rise contemporary architectural to Joe design style,” of according design and Emanuele, VP Another global brand to make recent inroads into Panama is Hilton Worldwide, which arrived in Panama City this fall with a DoubleTree, “an existing old hotel that had been closed for years,” says John Walters, Hilton’s VP of architecture America and and construction, Latin

Clockwise from above left: The 111-room expansion of the Bristol Panama in January includes the new luxe Tower suite; after the debut of a DoubleTree this fall, Hilton Worldwide maintains its presence in the capital city with the Hilton Panama opening in August; and ambitious sustainable real estate development, Pearl Island, is poised to include a 24-suite hotel.

the Caribbean. The company’s plans for development in Panama City are robust, with a Hilton Garden Inn rolling out in early 2012 followed by the Hilton Panama in August, and as Walters points out, “a lot of interest in Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites” down the road. The plethora of banks makes the country a viable business hub, says Walters, and quality shopping often attracts regular visitors from

development, Hard Rock International. The “spacious international design hotel rooms and suites” will be outﬁtted with balconies, contemporary furniture, and of course, rock ‘n’ roll graphics, while coveted

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Hospitality Design - December 2011
