PANAMA CITY, Panama and MCLEAN, Va. – July 31, 2012 – Hilton Worldwide has announced the official name of its first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Latin America – Waldorf Astoria Panama.  Formerly known as The Panamera, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the new designation brings the distinguished brand name to the forefront, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to the service and hospitality that are synonymous with the name Waldorf Astoria.  Waldorf Astoria Panama is on schedule to open this year and is now accepting reservations for 2013.

“The Waldorf Astoria name is known throughout the world as representing the best in luxury and hospitality,” commented Danny Hughes, senior vice president, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide.  “Placing the brand prominently at the front of the hotel name reinforces our commitment to deliver unparalleled service and quality at this first ever Waldorf Astoria hotel in Latin America.”

Located steps away from Calle Uruguay, in the heart of the entertainment area, Waldorf Astoria Panama is approximately 25 minutes from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and two blocks from the city center and financial district.  Within walking distance of Cinta Costera, one of Latin America’s best running and walking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the luxury hotel is just 20 minutes from the Panama Canal and 10 minutes from the historic center known as Casco Viejo.

Featuring 248 guest rooms and luxury residences, Waldorf Astoria Panama will boast an exquisite elegance displayed throughout the hotel’s public areas and accommodations.  Rooms will be tastefully designed featuring the finest linens and amenities, including spacious marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers.   The property will also offer an array of recreational facilities including a 2,000-square-foot fitness center by Life Fitness, a 2,000-square-foot spa and an outdoor swimming pool with mosaic gold tiles.

For the perfect meeting environment, the hotel will feature Level 5, a multi-event venue for meetings and social gatherings where Manhattan penthouse design blends with a trendy Latin American ambiance.  The more than 3,500 square feet of meeting space includes three multi-purpose meeting rooms and a ballroom, complemented by a versatile business center where guests can access a variety of services.

Featuring four distinct restaurants and bars, Waldorf Astoria Panama, will tempt guests with Peacock Alley, a sophisticated and intimate lobby bar; Ginger, an authentic and exotic lounge and sushi bar that incorporates ginger in its Asian specialty menu; Bungalow Terrace & Pool Bar, a welcome oasis in a relaxing poolside atmosphere; and Brasserie Brillo, a casual all day dining restaurant perfect for a fresh meal made with local ingredients.

At Waldorf Astoria Panama guests will experience True Waldorf Service.  Under this new service initiative, a personal concierge is assigned to each qualified guest and acts as their primary contact, before, during and – an industry first – after a stay, to guarantee every want and request is met.

The hotel will also participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

Travelers looking for luxury accommodation in Panama City can now make reservations at the Waldorf Astoria Panama, by visiting www.waldorfastoriapanama.com or calling 1-800-WALDORF.

Hilton Worldwide currently has a portfolio of 50 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travelers in Latin America.   The company is actively pursuing additional Latin American growth opportunities with a robust development pipeline that includes properties in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 91 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.