JW Marriott to Open First Hotel in Panama

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Marriott International's luxury JW Marriott brand is about to make its debut in Panama as part of the upscale master-planned resort community of Buenaventura.

There are 55 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 78 properties in 28 countries.

The future JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort will be located near the town of Rio Hato, about 80 miles southwest of Panama City. The property, situated along the Pacific Coast of Panama, will be operated by Marriott under an agreement with the Bristol Hospitality Group, which will retain ownership of the resort.

"Bristol Buenaventura's exotic and tropical seaside location along with its luxurious accommodations, amenities and services, has made it Panama's premier resort destination," said Bristol Hospitality Group owner Alberto Vallarino Clement, whose company is converting the existing 118-room Bristol Buenaventura. "We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Marriott International and to join the portfolio of world-class luxury JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand."

Buenaventura is nestled on 1,000 lush acres with 118 accommodations, including five expansive suites and four residence-style villas.

"Mr. Alberto Vallarino had an extraordinary vision to build the country's top luxury beach and golf resort community and we are honored to brand this beautiful hotel as a JW Marriott and begin this new collaboration with Bristol Hospitality Group in Panama," says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean & Latin America. "The pacific coast of Panama has all of the ingredients to become a world class resort destination and we are excited to be at the forefront of that effort with our flagship brand."

In addition to 118 guest rooms and suites, the resort features five restaurants, a recently opened 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, fitness center, spa, kids club and new beach club complete with breathtaking infinity pool and waterfront butler service. The hotel has 517 square meters of meeting space, including a grand ballroom and four smaller meeting rooms.

Marriott International is currently represented in Panama by the 296-room Panama City Marriott Hotel, the 248-room Courtyard by Marriott Panama Real Hotel, the 120-room Courtyard Panama City MetroMall and the 126-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Panama City, Finisterre.