My first venture to Panama City was nothing but surprises for me, right down to the emerging food scene that was so much fun to explore. I say everything was a surprise, but really it wasn’t… As I had no idea to expect in the first place! But if I did, I would have never in a million years imagined something as luxe as the Panama City Trump Ocean Club, which opened at the end of 2011. It came highly recommended from friends in Costa Rica, so I jumped at the opportunity to stay there. I’m so glad I did! My mini-vacation before my “good life” stay in my former homeland of Costa Rica was a blast.
I mean, look at this POOL!
Even though I knew Panama City was much more cosmopolitan than the small towns in Central America that I was used to, I still didn’t expect that the skyscrapers would be so close together, or as distinct. I spotted a spiral building, a rainbow one, and much more. And they were so close together! This was the view from the elevator:
Just in case you weren’t convinced yet, here’s one more shot from the infinity pool!
And in case you’re still not convinced, check out this sunrise photo. Yes, sunrise, not sunset. When you’re in the tropics and want to do fun water activities, that means you get up awfully early in the morning. I’m used to it!
Some tips:
Brunch at Panama City Trump Ocean Club has quickly become famous around town. Do it! You are allowed to do brunch there, even if you’re not staying there.
If you’re staying at Trump yet trying to save money, do not jump into the cabs waiting outside. Instead, walk down the half-circle entrance to jump into a yellow cab. I recommend finding one driver who can take you around all weekend. You will feel more comfortable — and save money.
Have fun!
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That pool looks delicious!!
I am dying to visit Panama City. I’ve heard it’s sort of like the Miami of Central America and your pictures are confirming that for me. WANT TO GO!!!!
Yes! My friends in CR go there when they can’t make it to… Miami. I would go back. I’d like to spend more time in Casco Viejo — and make it out to the farther islands.
Your posts have put Panama City on my list. That pool is awesome & that sunrise was well worth getting up early.
I’m so glad you like it! The hotel was definitely a unique property. 70 stories high!
They were still in the process of building the Trump Ocean Club when we were in Panama in March 2011, I wish it would’ve been open already when we were there!! I would have loved to splurge there for a few days – that pool alone is worth it, I think!! Gorgeous!
You would love it!! I had friends recently go to Panama City. They didn’t even stay there — but loved the bar and brunch!
I have to admit that I was far more enthusiastic when I thought it was a sunset not a sunrise. Still looks like a nice place to stay though. Any celebrities hanging around? Besides yourself I mean.
Has a Panamanian I’m glad you liked the Trump
Plaza. I’m going soon to visit family I would visit th Trump Hotel sounds like a nice place
I was there couple of years ago when they were still working on the hotel.
Thank you for writing in, Rudy! I had a blast in Panama!
I wish we had known about this place when we were stuck in Panama during a big holiday without a place to stay. We didn’t want to stay in Panama City, but I think I would have changed my mind for this place.
Yes, you really could have used a bottle of champagne at the infinity pool, after what you went through.
When I heard Trump was building a hotel in Panama City years back, I was skeptical. Seems that those thoughts were totally off base. My kind of hotel!
Take me on vacation with you!! Those places are Gorgeous!! Love the sunset pic, especially
Cathy Trails
I’ve never actually been in an infinity pool before – I should remedy that, pronto!
Yes, you should!! Off to Mexico, stat!
Crazy coincidence, I literally just wrote a piece for Preferred Hotels’ magazine about gourmet coffees around the world, and this was one of the hotels we referenced in the sidebar on places to stay! We spent a couple nights in Panama City, but most of our time in the country was out on the remote private island of Islas Secas (near Coiba), so we didn’t get any time at all to explore the city.
Great sunrise shot! I do like sunrises, but I generally find myself preferring bed
My boyfriend went to Panama years ago and speaks so highly of it. You make it sound even more enticing!
Wow! The views from the pool and the sunrise make me want to go NOW!
It looks amazing. All in all you had a great experience!
I think we saw the sunrise all three days — you have to rise early in the tropics!
When I was in Panama City, I stayed with my cousins who were renting a condo just a 5-10 minute walk from the Trump City Ocean Club. That whole area is so ridiculously posh, and the taxi drivers tried to rip me off every time.
Yes. It took us one time. We were so mad! But then we met our driver who took care of us the rest of our trip. We didn’t go anywhere without him! He was so good to us, even as the Trump doormen sniffed their noses lol
That pool looks amazing, Abby! Panama City looks a perfect combination of city and beach/resort vacation.
That’s what we thought, too!