The Westin Panama is the third Starwood property to be developed and operated by Bern Hotels & Resorts, and the seventh Starwood Hotels property in the Central American nation.

Osvaldo Librizzi, Co-President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Americas, said Panama was becoming the continent’s fastest-growing market and business hub.

“In the past few years, Starwood has emerged as one of the leading global hospitality companies in Panama, which is experiencing an influx of foreign investment and large-scale infrastructure improvements, including the soon-to-be-completed enlargement of the Panama Canal,” he said.

The newly constructed Westin Panama boasts 218 rooms, including 45 suites, and 14,460 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and function space. The hotel is a key element of the Costa del Este financial center, which includes several luxurious real estate developments and numerous multi-national corporate offices.

“Global travelers now have the option of staying with Westin in more than one great location within Panama, as we continue to aggressively expand the brand throughout Latin America,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “The phenomenal success of the Westin brand’s distinct wellness positioning has attracted great interest among owners and developers in many of the world’s fastest growing economies.”

More than 2,500 rooms have been added to Starwood’s Latin American portfolio in the past 24 months, representing an increase of 20%. With the opening of The Westin Panama, Westin now has 12 hotels in Latin America, spanning five countries including Panama, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala. On track to open its 200th hotel in 2013, Westin will open the vast majority of its new hotels outside of North America.

All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Panama feature the Westin Heavenly bed and bath amenities, along with the brand’s signature SuperFoodsRX menu, which includes nutrient-rich and delicious options to tempt every palate.

“We are proud to open The Westin Panama, following the recent opening of The Westin Playa Bonita Resort & Spa,” said Glen Champion, Vice-president of Bern Hotels & Resorts Panama. “Our partnership with Starwood has accelerated the introduction of high-caliber global hotel brands in Panama, one of the most dynamic markets in Latin America.”

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