CASCO ANTIGUO, Panama – December 13, 2022 – Hotel La Compañía, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first property in Central America, has opened the American Wing thus completing the final phase of the hotel’s seven-year restoration. The new addition houses four of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets and completes the hotel’s creation as a living museum. Guests can catch a glimpse into the American period of the Panama Canal construction. The hotel opened in Panama’s Casco Antiguo in April of this year and is already receiving accolades as one of the top hotels in Central America.
Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the construction of Hotel La Compañía is a work of art that celebrates Panama’s colorful past through design-forward experiences. While the main section of the hotel dates back to a 17th century Jesuit convent, the Beaux-Art era design of the American Wing is Hotel La Compañía’s youngest building, originally a high-end department store called American Bazaar in 1904. The American Wing’s 23 guestrooms reflect a vintage-era inspiration from the early 20th century with elegant wainscoting panels accentuated with a timeless black and white photo wall.
“The debut of the American Wing is an exciting time for our team,” said General Manager Fidel Reyes. “When we set out to create the hotel experience, the layout and architecture of the structure told us what we needed to do to bring that building to life. We worked hard to create a space that stayed true to the historical integrity of the building while providing a modern experience. We’re thrilled with how it has all come together with the Spanish and French Colonial Wings to tell an amazing story about Panama through art and design.”
The opening of the American Wing leads to the unveiling of four much-anticipated dining outlets – American Bazaar, Capella, Luigi’s, and Hari’s. Poised to be an entertainment and dining destination within the vibrant Casco Antiguo neighborhood, Hotel La Compañía offers an exceptional culinary experience in Panama with the addition of these new outlets:
- American Bazaar, named after the building’s original department store, pays homage to its past. The restaurant is an authentic replica of the former retail store where guests can admire the eclectic surroundings and enjoy timeless North American selections in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Luigi’s is a classic Italian restaurant that tells the fictional story of Luigi Cagnoni, a disillusioned Italian man who fought against Mussolini’s regime and hence stowed away on a cruise ship headed to the Americas to start a new life. However, fate has him landing in Panamá where he rolls up his sleeves and delights the locals with his nonna’s cucina povera recipes.
- Capella is the hotel’s rooftop bar, providing sweeping views of the city. Named after the brightest star in the northern constellation of Auriga, this stylish cocktail bar designed with a stunning onyx backdrop serves up creative concoctions inspired by the night sky.
- Hari’s is inspired by the bright, mismatched and eclectic furniture pieces of famed 1980s designer Harry Segil. It brings an explosion of color and outrageously quirky entertainment to the hotel. Serving an innovative Nikkei cuisine menu, Hari’s is a non-traditional dining experience where anything goes and guests are wowed from the moment they step into this quirky establishment.
Hotel La Compañía also features: 1739, a French fine-dining outlet with a 300-year-old wine cellar; El Santuario, an all-day dining outlet reminiscent of a Spanish church; La Panaderia, the bakery; and Exilio, its lobby bar.
