The Hotel Riu Plaza Panama has officially reopened its doors in Panama City after completing the most extensive renovation in its history. The property, a landmark in the city’s financial district, unveiled its full transformation to guests in October 2025. This multimillion-dollar refresh modernizes the entire guest experience, targeting both business and leisure travelers seeking contemporary comfort in a prime urban location.
Project managers for Riu Hotels & Resorts confirmed the renovation touched every area of the 34-story hotel. Updates include all 600 guest rooms, multiple dining venues, the outdoor pool deck, and the hotel’s extensive conference facilities. The goal was to elevate the property into a modern urban haven without losing its connection to the vibrant energy of the Panamanian capital.
“This renovation represents a profound renewal of our commitment to Panama and our guests. We have meticulously redesigned spaces to meet the evolving needs of today’s traveler, blending sophisticated design with practical functionality for both work and relaxation,” said a company spokesperson. [Translated from Spanish]
Guests began checking into the revitalized hotel immediately following its soft opening last fall. The reopening signals a significant upgrade in the city’s hospitality landscape, particularly for the bustling financial district around Calle 50. It follows a trend of strategic refurbishments across Panama’s tourism sector, similar to other public attractions that have reopens after major renewal projects.
A Complete Overhaul of Guest Rooms and Amenities
Designers focused intensely on the in-room experience. They replaced the former decor with a new aesthetic defined by neutral color palettes, warm wood tones, and integrated indirect lighting. Each room now features optimized furniture layouts aimed at longer stays, more practical workspaces, and updated entertainment systems.
All accommodations retain amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi, satellite television, and minibars. Executive rooms and suites continue to offer enhanced benefits such as private check-in services and access to exclusive concierge support. The redesign prioritizes a sense of calm and sophistication from the moment a guest enters.
New Dining and Social Experiences
The hotel’s food and beverage offerings received a parallel transformation. The Ibiza restaurant, serving daily breakfast and all-day dining, was reconfigured with contemporary furnishings to improve traffic flow. Its new design caters to busy morning crowds and more leisurely lunches.
Studio 50, the lobby bar and sushi lounge, has been reimagined as a central social hub. The space now emphasizes evening mixology and after-work gatherings in an elegantly vibrant setting. These updated venues reflect a strategic shift by Riu to provide versatile, cosmopolitan dining options within the hotel’s walls.
Enhanced Leisure and Business Facilities
Perhaps the most visually striking change is the redesigned outdoor pool area on the hotel’s terrace. The space features new contemporary furniture and a refined layout, creating an urban oasis with panoramic views of the panama city skyline. Updated snack and beverage service aims to position the pool as a leisure destination in its own right.
For corporate clients, the renovation brings substantial upgrades. The hotel’s 23 meeting rooms, which can collectively host over 1,300 attendees, now feature state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and improved acoustics. These meeting facilities are critical for the hotel’s competitive position in Panama’s busy convention market. The business center also received modern equipment to serve traveling executives.
Strategic Location and Market Position
The hotel’s location at Calle 50 con 53 Este in the Marbella district remains a key asset. It sits in the heart of Panama’s banking and business sector, with walking access to major shopping centers like Soho Mall. The Iglesia del Carmen and Via Argentina metro stations are nearby, providing quick transit links to cultural sites like the historic Casco Viejo district.
This renovation directly responds to broader trends in urban hospitality. Today’s travelers often demand spaces that seamlessly transition between work and relaxation, all supported by flawless technology and thoughtful design. By meeting these expectations, Riu Plaza Panama strengthens its appeal to an international clientele. The project demonstrates a significant private investment in Panama City’s tourism infrastructure, echoing other civic investments seen after major renovation projects for public facilities.
Returning visitors will notice the subtle details. Soft lighting defines the lobby. Warm textures adorn the guest room corridors. The gentle ambiance of the new bar areas invites conversation. For the frequent traveler, whether visiting for a conference or a city getaway, the renewed Riu Plaza Panama now offers a distinctly modern base camp in a dynamic Latin American capital.