Playa Bonita - Image 1
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Playa Bonita

4.5
·5k reviews·Panamá, Panama

An upscale, all-inclusive resort with Spanish colonial charm, offering ocean views, pools, and attentive service near Panama City.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Pools are perfect for a dip

CrowdMedium
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Playa Bonita - Image 1

Playa Bonita

Best Time

Afternoons

Pools are perfect for a dip

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An upscale, all-inclusive resort with Spanish colonial charm, offering ocean views, pools, and attentive service near Panama City.

4.5
(5k reviews)

"The customer service at the Westin is truly unmatched, making you feel included and special."

Vertical photo
TIP

🏖️ Rocky Beach Alert

Ocean swimming is limited due to rocks; pools are your best bet for a dip! :pool_8ball:

🚗 Transport Costs

Factor in extra charges for transport if you plan to explore outside the resort. :taxi:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean View Rooms

Ocean View Rooms

Guest Rooms

Wake up to breathtaking ocean vistas from your Spanish colonial-style suite.

Beachfront Pools

Beachfront Pools

Pool Areas

Multiple, well-maintained pools offer a refreshing escape with ample seating.

Starfish Grill

Starfish Grill

Restaurant

Enjoy exceptional service and delicious food, a repeat visit favorite.

Canal Ship Watching

Canal Ship Watching

Beachfront

Witness the fascinating sight of ships waiting to transit the Panama Canal.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the All-Inclusive Experience

Playa Bonita offers an all-inclusive escape, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Consider booking an all-inclusive package for a seamless experience, as venturing out can incur extra charges.Reddit

Beach Realities & Pool Paradise

While the beachfront location is stunning, the beach itself is quite rocky, making ocean swimming challenging. The resort's multiple pools are a fantastic alternative for water activities and relaxation.Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Pools are perfect for a dip
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy resort dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Westin Playa Bonita Panama

🏖️ Rocky Beach Alert

Ocean swimming is limited due to rocks; pools are your best bet for a dip! :pool_8ball:

🚗 Transport Costs

Factor in extra charges for transport if you plan to explore outside the resort. :taxi:

reddit.com

Mejores "Todo-incluido" en Panamá

reddit.com

Considering heading to Panama City, Panama with the family for spring break - hotel recs

☕ Early Bird Coffee

The coffee shop opens late (8 AM), plan accordingly if you need an early caffeine fix. :coffee:

🌟 Exceptional Staff

Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially at restaurants. :star:

reddit.com

Recommendations for Panama City?

Tips

from all over the internet

🏖️ Rocky Beach Alert

Ocean swimming is limited due to rocks; pools are your best bet for a dip! :pool_8ball:

🚗 Transport Costs

Factor in extra charges for transport if you plan to explore outside the resort. :taxi:

☕ Early Bird Coffee

The coffee shop opens late (8 AM), plan accordingly if you need an early caffeine fix. :coffee:

🌟 Exceptional Staff

Many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, especially at restaurants. :star:

🛏️ Bed Size Note

Beds might be smaller than expected, especially for taller guests. :bed:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Playa Bonita is praised for its exceptional customer service, beautiful ocean views, and well-maintained pools, making it a relaxing all-inclusive getaway. While the rocky beach limits ocean swimming, the resort's amenities and attentive staff create a memorable experience for many. Some guests noted minor issues with bed size and coffee shop hours.

"This resort is amazing! From the excellent ocean view from my room to the amenities to the staff, I had a wonderful experience. I especially loved Alan and the team at Starfish Grill. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. They came back two nights in a row because of the service and great food! I will definitely visit this resort again!"

Andrea Alford

"Hotel was nice, in a beautiful location. The distance to any activities incurred an additional charge for pickup, hence the lower location rating. Staff was friendly and helpful upon our early arrival. I'm grateful we arrived when the tide was out, to see how very rocky the beach is. Seeing the ships waiting for the canal every day was neat. We did not swim in the ocean because of the rocks, but the beach walks were nice and full of shells! There was plenty of seating for the pools and all three were nicely maintained. The room was spacious, the view from the tub was beautiful. The beds, while comfortable, were small. Maybe a full size. I'm just over 5 foot and MY feet hung off the bed. The restaurants were nice, easy to book reservations for the couple that required them and the buffet restaurant had a good variety each day. Bar service inside near lobby while friendly was weird. He disappeared often, leaving and coming back to people waiting. Coffee restaurant has weird hours, not opening until 8am.
If you want a slow pace, away from everything feel this is a great place. There are plenty of amenities and a friendly staff throughout to make it so you don’t have to leave at all."

Kathy Aponte

"The customer service at the Westin is truly unmatched. It all started with a conversation I’ve had over the phone from the lobby. I had some questions and they all helped my as a team to answer my questions and made me feel included and special. I went with Westin in a heartbeat after my phone conversation. Then, I had lunch there and Marilyn was also extremely great in making sure I’ve had everything I needed during my nice time outside eating delicious food. Just wow. Great experience. Looking forward to being back!"

Nathalie Lazo

What People Like

Exceptional staff service
Beautiful ocean views
Well-maintained pools

What People Dislike

Rocky beach
Small bed sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Playa Bonita is located near Panama City. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available for transport. If you plan to explore beyond the resort, be aware that transportation costs can add up.Reddit

Playa Bonita is a relatively short drive from Tocumen International Airport, making it a convenient destination for travelers arriving by air.

The hotel can arrange transportation, but it comes with an additional charge. For budget-conscious travelers, researching local taxi services or ride-sharing apps might be beneficial.

Due to the rocky nature of the beach and its somewhat secluded location, walking to distant attractions is not typically recommended. The resort is designed for an 'away from everything' feel.Reddit

While the hotel can assist with arranging transport, specific shuttle services for excursions would need to be confirmed directly with the hotel's concierge.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, Playa Bonita is known for its all-inclusive offerings, providing a comprehensive vacation experience with food and drinks included.Reddit

Standard check-in and check-out times apply. Early arrival was accommodated for some guests, but it's always best to confirm with the hotel in advance.

Reservations are required for some of the resort's restaurants, while others, like the buffet, are typically walk-in. It's advisable to book popular dining spots upon arrival.

As an all-inclusive resort, access to the pools and beach areas is generally included for guests. There are no separate entrance fees for these amenities.

As an all-inclusive, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted to ensure guests utilize the resort's dining options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The resort offers various activities, including lounging by the pools, beach walks, and enjoying the amenities. Guests can also observe ships waiting for the Panama Canal transit.Reddit

The beach is quite rocky, which makes swimming in the ocean difficult for many. The resort's pools are a more popular and accessible option for water activities.Reddit

Pool hours are generally generous, allowing guests to enjoy them throughout the day. Specific hours may vary, so it's best to check with the resort upon arrival.

While specific details on kid-focused activities aren't extensively mentioned, the pools and beach offer general recreational opportunities for families.

Wi-Fi is typically available throughout the resort, though speeds and reliability can vary. It's recommended to check with the front desk for the most current information.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Playa Bonita features multiple restaurants, including the highly-rated Starfish Grill and Oregano Grill, as well as a buffet with daily variety.Reddit

Reviews indicate a good variety and quality of food, with specific praise for restaurants like Starfish Grill and Oregano Grill.Reddit

The coffee shop has somewhat unusual hours, not opening until 8 AM, which might be inconvenient for early risers.Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, most resorts of this caliber offer a range of options. It's recommended to inquire with the restaurant staff about specific dietary needs.

Bar service, particularly in the lobby area, has been noted as inconsistent at times, with staff occasionally disappearing, leading to wait times.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ocean view rooms offer stunning backdrops. The beachfront with views of ships waiting for the canal and the well-maintained pools also provide great photo opportunities.

Yes, the beach offers a unique vantage point to photograph the ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal, a distinctive feature of the location.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or photography of other guests without permission may be restricted. It's always good practice to be mindful of others.

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for beach photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.

Drone usage is typically regulated and often prohibited in resort areas and near airports. It's essential to check with the resort management and local aviation authorities before flying a drone.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Playa Bonita offers a relaxing all-inclusive environment suitable for families. The multiple swimming pools are a major draw for children, providing safe and fun water activities. While the ocean beach is rocky, the resort's amenities and the unique sight of ships at the Panama Canal can still provide engaging experiences for younger guests. Consider booking an all-inclusive package to manage food and drink costs easily, ensuring a stress-free vacation for everyone.

💑 Couples Seeking Relaxation

For couples looking for a tranquil escape, Playa Bonita's Spanish colonial-style rooms with ocean views offer a romantic setting. The resort's focus on providing a 'slow pace, away from everything' feel is ideal for unwinding.Reddit Enjoy intimate dinners at specialty restaurants like Starfish Grill and relax by the pools. While the beach isn't ideal for swimming, the serene atmosphere and attentive service create a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.

✈️ Day-Trippers & Short Stays

If you're looking for a convenient escape near Panama City, Playa Bonita can be a good option for a day trip or a short stay. Its proximity to the city makes it accessible. However, be mindful that the resort is designed for a more immersive, all-inclusive experience. If you plan to venture out, factor in transportation costs. The pools offer a refreshing break, and the unique views of the canal ships can be a brief, interesting diversion.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Rocky Shores

Playa Bonita's beachfront is characterized by its rocky terrain, which significantly impacts the swimming experience in the ocean. While beautiful for walks and shell collecting, the rocks make it less ideal for casual swimming compared to sandy beaches.Reddit Many guests find the resort's multiple swimming pools to be the primary and most enjoyable water-based activity. These pools are well-maintained and offer ample seating, providing a comfortable alternative for sunbathing and cooling off.

Despite the rocky shore, the beachfront location still offers scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. The unique sight of ships waiting to transit the Panama Canal adds a distinctive element to the landscape, providing a fascinating backdrop for relaxation and photography. For those who enjoy beachcombing, the rocky shores can yield interesting shells and natural finds.

All-Inclusive Dining Delights

Playa Bonita operates as an all-inclusive resort, meaning your stay typically covers meals and drinks. The resort boasts several dining venues, including the highly praised Starfish Grill and Oregano Grill, which have received specific commendations for their food and service.Reddit The buffet restaurant is noted for offering a good variety of dishes daily, catering to different tastes. This all-inclusive nature allows guests to enjoy a hassle-free dining experience without worrying about separate bills for each meal.

While the dining options are generally well-received, there are a few points to note. The coffee shop has later opening hours, starting at 8 AM, which might be a consideration for early risers needing their morning coffee.Reddit Additionally, bar service, particularly in the lobby, has been mentioned as occasionally inconsistent, with staff sometimes being hard to find.Reddit Despite these minor points, the overall consensus points to a satisfying culinary experience within the resort.

Exceptional Service Standards

A recurring theme in guest feedback for Playa Bonita, particularly for the Westin brand, is the exceptional customer service. Staff members are frequently highlighted for their friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile. From the front desk to restaurant servers and housekeeping, the team aims to make guests feel included and special.Reddit This dedication to service is a significant factor in many guests' positive experiences and their desire to return.

Specific shout-outs are often given to individuals like Alan and his team at Starfish Grill, Marilyn during lunch, and Dayaicela and Mavis from housekeeping. These team members are noted for anticipating guest needs, providing warm interactions, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay. This level of personalized attention contributes to the resort's reputation for a high-quality guest experience, making it a standout choice for those seeking attentive service.

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