The Westin Playa Bonita Panama - All Inclusive

Customer ratings & reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

5749 reviews

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  Check the details if you book through Sunwing-West Jet! Important things not mentioned at booking.

  This hotel is lovely, we had a rain forest/parking lot view but still enjoyed the room with balcony. Excellent bed and sheets, a very nice bathroom with ample towels, massive shower; room has coffee maker, safe and mini-fridge, all kept very clean. Beware - all inclusive is not quite "resort inclusive". This is a hotel and while the buffet and drinks were unlimited and included in the price - the specialty restaurants are not and the cafe only had some things that were included. This was not clear at booking (Sunwing - WestJet). The pools are beautiful and there were two bars (one swim up), with lots of pool/beach chaise lounges (it wasn't busy). There was only free around the pool lunch options (buffet containers and fresh made pizza) on some days - but this was related to a large company gifting their employees a truly all-inclusive vacation, and not part of the regular vacation package (lunch buffet was available). This isn't mentioned at all - while the beach is large with either sand and/or crushed shells, there is a tide that is out in the morning, comes in around 2:30 pm and goes back out. This means the water/beach in the picture seen here, is only there SOME of the time, with wet mud/sand and rock the rest of the time - ugly. Definitely no lounges on the beach! Panama rains for 9 months, and the remaining 3 in this area are overcast, sun/cloud with light rain. This canal area has trade winds, that are hurricane/tornado force that calm down late week - it is warm (30C), but be prepared for excessive humidity. It was interesting to see (very hazy) all the boats waiting out there to go through the canal - quite a line up each day. Panama has horrific traffic - but the hotel has an excellent taxi stand, $25 USD one-way to mid town. Most staff speak some English (Spanish), and are very pleasant and helpful. The buffet restaurant is very good, we liked the selection for all three meals. The food tasted fine, but everything was only ever warm or outright cold (microwave needed). Desserts were good - not overly sweet, and the fruit (watermelon, pineapple) was excellent. There is only one other hotel beside the Westin and a condo tower, otherwise it is sparsely developed in this area - no vendors selling anything! There is no entertainment at the hotel at night, but some poolside activities during the day - the staff try, but be prepared to go by taxi/uber for nightlife. There is a spa and gym (we didn't go) and many tours to book, with smaller white buses that provide transportation. A nice lobby giftshop sells the essentials/souvenirs. Another little something we were not aware of: the hotel is not that far away from the Tocumen Airport (PTY), but Sunwing-West Jet out of Toronto lands at the Scarlett Martinez International Airport (RIH), an old American military base with a very bad runway (I thought we blew a tire on landing), that is a 2 hour bus ride from the Westin. Also, be prepared for a long airport wait on arrival - Panama Customs photographs and digital fingerprints all incoming tourists. Although we had a nice rest, I would not go back as I prefer a true resort all inclusive experience, entertainment, food variety, no long bus rides and more predictable sunny weather. Based on this experience, I now will not chance Costa Rica in the future.

  Feb 10, 2026
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  Asiana experience

  Had an amazing meal at Asiana with delicious Satay & an even better waiter in Jahir. The vibes were immaculate and the food was delicious.

  Feb 07, 2026
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  Great time!

  Food was delicious and service was excellet. Jahir took great care of us! Overall a great experience and would highly recommend.

  Feb 07, 2026
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  Excellent

  Mailin was the best bartender/hostess ever!!!! I loved her! Thank you 😘😘😘

  Feb 05, 2026
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  Playa bonita oreganos.

  Alan at oreganos restaurant is very accommodating, really good waiter. The food was awesome. I Highly recommend it. The calzone was delicious, the dough was light and fluffy. Very relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious food. Highly recommend it!

  Feb 03, 2026