10 Best Hotels in Panama City, Panama [2024 Guide]

Panama City was once thought of as a destination just for business travelers, whose back-to-back meetings required their stopover in what is the financial capital of Central America. Those days are long gone. As Panama City revitalizes its historic and cultural gems – and accumulates an impressive list of new luxury hotels – the city is being remade into a travel destination all its own.

Whether you’re visiting Panama City for a few hours or even a few weeks, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing where to stay, no matter your budget. Read on for the best hotels in Panama City, handpicked by travel experts and locals as the very best the city has to offer.

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Best Hotels in Panama City, Panama

Cosmopolitan Panama City has a range of hotels to choose from, including lodge-like getaways shaded by palm trees and soaring, glittering skyscrapers home to business traveler-friendly hotels. These are our top recommendations for the best hotels in Panama City for every kind of traveler:

As Panama City has transformed into an increasingly sought-after destination, the city has added a few stunning new properties worth special consideration. The buzzy new Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, just opened last year, and we absolutely love Hotel La Compañía for its one-of-a-kind historic features and timeless design.

Read on for more recommendations and all the details from our handpicked list of the best places to stay in Panama City; you’ll be impressed with the destinations our travel experts and local guides recommend for your stay!

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama City

Best Luxury Hotel in Panama City

$$$ | Casco Viejo

Last year’s debut of the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in the heart of Panama City’s most beautiful and historic neighborhood was the talk of the town, even the region. Formerly an early 20th-century social club that welcomed the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, this meticulously restored building now welcomes the newest generation of well-heeled travelers flocking to this newly trending city.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo offers 159 decadently decorated, beautifully designed rooms that marry modern luxury and historic elegance. The Mayda Lobby Bar regularly welcomes the best and brightest of Panama City, while the signature Caleta restaurant boasts a menu and ambiance that instantly helped it shoot to the top of the list of the best restaurants in the city. It is all the more reason to call it your home away from home in Panama.

Check Rates and Availability: Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Amarla Boutique Hotel

Best Boutique Hotel in Panama City

$$ – $$$ | Casco Viejo

Get up close and personal with Panama City’s revitalized Casco Viejo historic center at Amarla Boutique Hotel, hands down our top pick for the best boutique hotel in the city. A carefully crafted collection of individually designed rooms and effusively friendly, personalized service make this an oasis within the heart of the city.

Hidden within this restored historic property in the city’s own town, Amarla Boutique Hotel offers thoughtful amenities, like a rooftop jacuzzi for guests and a delicious onsite restaurant called Kaandela, which offers a refined menu of local bites. You won’t want to leave.

Check Rates and Availability: Amarla Boutique Hotel

Selina Casco Viejo

Best Affordable Hotel in Panama City

$ | Casco Viejo

Nestled in the heart of the historic Casco Viejo Selina Casco Viejo is by far our favorite budget place to stay in Panama City. Part hotel, part hostel, and part coliving space, it has a little something for everyone, no matter how long you’ll be staying.

You’ll be surprised by the number of amenities it offers for budget travelers and backpackers in Panama alike. The pool and rooftop bar at Selina Casco Viejo offer great views over the city and frequently feature live music, themed gatherings, and other events that make it a popular gathering place for guests and locals alike. Keep in mind that it can get a bit loud at times, which is something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.

Check Rates and Availability: Selina Casco Viejo

JW Marriott Panama

Best City Resort in Panama City

$$ – $$$ | Punta Pacifica

Located on Punta Pacifica near Panama City’s modern, lively financial district, the waterfront JW Marriott Panama is an excellent choice for business and leisure travelers alike who are looking for resort-like amenities without leaving the city. Expect a spacious spa, gourmet dining at restaurant MASI for Panamian cuisine with a twist, and plenty more that make it feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

The JW Marriott doesn’t just offer incredible skyline views – it’s one of the most memorable parts of the Panama City skyline itself. Located within the tallest building in Central America, the JW Marriott Panama is shaped like an elegant open sail facing the ocean. You have to see it to believe it!

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W Panama

Best Hotel in Panama City for Business Travel

$$ | Marbella

Offering stunning skyline views, a luxurious spa, and incredible dining options, W Panama easily tops the list of the best places to stay in Panama City. Just wait until you’re relaxing at the hotel’s pool deck, enjoying drinks and live music at La Cajita bar, and sampling Spanish cuisine at Moró Restaurant – you’ll see why it has long been considered one of the city’s best.

We love W Panama for business travel to the city, especially given its location in the heart of the financial district. However, it’s also close to some of the city’s best shopping, most celebrated restaurants, and all the best things to do in Panama City, while only 15 minutes from the heart of the Casco Viejo. It’s the best of both modern and historic Panama City at your doorstep.

Check Rates and Availability: W Panama

Hotel La Compañía

$$$ | Casco Viejo

A former Jesuit convert meticulously restored and given new life as one of the city’s finest luxury hotels, Hotel La Compañía embodies the essence of the revitalized Panama City: a newly shined-up jewel just waiting to be discovered.

It’s easy to see why Hotel La Compañía has quickly become one of the most sought-after hotels in Panama City. Between its intimate spa, multiple restaurants, and a rooftop bar and lounge complete with an infinity pool and sweeping views, you’ll barely need to leave the hotel for a memorable stay. Exquisite service and attention to detail complete the luxury experience.

Check Rates and Availability: Hotel La Compañía

Las Clementinas

$$ | Casco Viejo

Expect handpicked decor and personalized touches in every room in Las Clementinas, one of the best places to stay in Casco Viejo for a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel experience. This tiny property has just nine apartment-style rooms, offering both apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens and living rooms and more traditional studio-style rooms are budget friendly.

Las Clementinas has a beautiful on-site restaurant, Mahalo Cocina y Jardin, offering delicious food and gorgeous decor, plus a lovely patio space. You’ll want to plan a visit to even if you’re staying across town.

Check Rates and Availability: Las Clementinas

The Westin Panama

$$ – $$$ | Costa del Este

Located in the ritzy, residential Costa del Este neighborhood north of the heart of the city, The Westin Panama is a great choice for travelers looking for a retreat. Offering a small but lovely pool deck, an excellent fitness center, and impressive ocean-view balconies, The Westin has plenty for both leisure and business travelers looking to make the most of their time here.

While the neighborhood around the hotel is a beautiful one and offers close proximity to the Panama Viejo ruins of the Spanish colonial period, The Westin Panama is relatively removed from the rest of the city. Expect a 30+ minute drive from the Casco Viejo and other popular spots.

Check Rates and Availability: The Westin Panama

Monkey Lodge Panama

$ | Parque Nacional Soberanía

Looking for a stay inspired by the tropics? Consider booking a room at Monkey Lodge Panama, one of the most unique accommodations you’ll find just outside of Panama City.

Just a shockingly smooth 20-minute drive from downtown, Monkey Lodge Panama feels a world away from the big city Located within the stunning and lush Soberania National Park, Monkey Lodge Panama offers four beautiful bungalows, a pool, delicious food, and unique opportunities for cultural excursions or guided tours of the national park. It’s affordable, and truly a destination in and of itself. And yes, you can count on meeting some monkeys during your stay!

Check Rates and Availability: Monkey Lodge Panama

Bristol Panama

$$ | Marbella

Close to the city’s financial center and all the lovely shops, cafes, and restaurants of the Marbella neighborhood, Bristol Panama has plenty to offer guests. It’s surprisingly affordable for all it has to offer, location included!

For a modern hotel near the financial center, Bristol Panama still feels cozy and comfortable, perhaps due to attention to detail, like featuring art and textiles designed by Panamanian and Latin American artists. It also features a variety of apartment-style rooms as well as traditional hotel rooms, making it a great choice for travelers with families or long-term travelers.

Check Rates and Availability: Bristol Panama