BOSTON - March 1, 2013 -- Sonesta International Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of its first hotel in Panama, the 304-room Royal Sonesta Hotel & Casino Panama. Located in the center of the business district of Panama City, the hotel offers an ideal proximity to the city’s major corporations, while providing an oasis of entertainment options. This breathtaking hotel pays tribute to the Panamanian culture through its modern design that draws inspiration from the local wildlife and traditions. Just a 2 hour flight from Miami, this hotel and its sister Sonesta Hotels in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile are managed by Colombia based GHL Grupo Hoteles.

“Royal Sonesta Hotel & Casino Panama is an exciting addition to our collection,” said Stephanie Sonnabend, president of Sonesta. “The hotel is our first international Royal Sonesta property. It is located in an international crossroads for business and leisure travel for guests from both North and South America, and the hotel is a great next step in the growth of the Sonesta Collection.”

The hotel is located in downtown Panama City and is just a few miles from Tocumen International Airport. The hotel offers 304 luxurious guest room with 24 hour guest service and in-room dining, 2 restaurants, bar and sushi bar, fitness center, sauna, Turkish bath, spa, beauty center, and business center. The hotel’s casino and spectacular rooftop swimming pool will be opening later this year. The hotel can be found online at www.sonesta.com/panama

Panama is a cosmopolitan destination that has been an international crossroads connecting North and South America for generations. Panama City, which is the capital and largest city in Panama, offers the beautiful old city, Casco Viejo, public parks, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife.

GHL Grupo Hoteles, who has managed Sonesta Hotels in Peru since 2005, owns and operates hotels throughout South America. With more than 40 years of experience in the hotel industry, GHL currently, operates 16 Sonesta Hotels located in Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and now Panama.

Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts, cruise ships and extended stay hotels. Every property reflects the energy, style and spirit of its location. Locally inspired and artfully presented cuisine, luxurious accommodations and passionate personal service create an authentic and memorable guest experience.

Discover Sonesta Hotels & Resorts in Baltimore, Boston, Hilton Head Island, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Panama, Sint Maarten (2), Chile (3), Colombia (4), Ecuador, Peru (7), and Egypt (13). Sonesta Hotels & Resorts are opening soon in: Escazu, Costa Rica and Doha, Qatar. Sonesta ES Suites is a new extended stay hotel brand managed by Sonesta. Each property features rooms with a dynamic work area designed for today’s traveler, locally inspired food and beverage and flexible common space for connecting with others. You will find Sonesta ES Suites in Andover MA, Atlanta GA, Auburn Hills MI, Burlington MA, Charlotte NC, Columbia MD, Dublin OH, Flagstaff AZ, Houston TX, Orlando FL, Parsippany NJ, Princeton NJ, Malvern PA, Myrtle Beach SC, St. Louis MO, Schaumburg IL and Somerset NJ. For more about the Sonesta Collection, visit Sonesta.com or call +1.617.315.9100 or 800.Sonesta (800.766.3782) in the U.S. and Canada.