During our recent visit, we were absolutely amazed by Panama City’s amazing mixture of old and new. Traditional merchant houses from the 17th and 18th century exist side-by-side with gleaming glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
The meeting of tradition and innovation also translates into the city’s landscape of accommodations, so you’ll find both old world-charm and modern convenience in the city (or simply a cheap and sociable hostel, which is usually what we prefer).
Here’s our list of the best places to stay in Panama City. Most of them are located in Casco Viejo, the city’s traditional old town, but a few can be found in the hip, modern neighbourhoods of El Cangrejo and Marbella at the eastern end of the Cinta Costera.
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Hostels and Affordable Hotels
While we can totally see the allures of staying in a beautiful historic hotel or in a modern place surrounded by all the amenities we need (or would never have thought of), we usually just look for a nice, affordable place to lay our head between extensive explorations of the city. If you’re the same, check out these great budget choices.
El Machico Hostel
This hostel is in the lively neighbourhood of Marbella, is where we stayed at the beginning of our trip. There are both dorms and private en-suite rooms available, plus there’s a big lounge area, pool table and even a swimming pool. If that’s your thing, they also organize group tours, including a day trip to the San Blas Archipelago.
Hotel Caracas
At the end of our trip, we were looking for a place a little closer to Casco Viejo – Panama City’s pretty old town. Caracas Hotel is located at the cute Plaza Santa Ana, and has great-value privates available. The rooms are pretty spare, but brightly painted, and I don’t think you can get more affordable private rooms this close to the centre.
Bodhi Hostel Panama City
Panama City’s branch of the popular hostel chain sits in the Marbella Neighbourhood and offers dormitory beds and private rooms grouped around a central swimming pool. If you’re planning on doing some self-catering, some of the privates even feature a small kitchen area.
While we didn’t stay at this branch of Bodhi, we spent a couple of nights at the one in Santa Catalina and were very happy with our stay.
Historic Hotels
Panama City seems to overflow with cute boutique hotels located in many of the historical buildings in the Casco Viejo area. If you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time a hundred years or so, these places might be for you.
Hotel Casa Panama
Hotel Casa Panama allows a taste of the country’s colonial past, even if you’re on a limited budget. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the hotel features cozy rooms with traditional decor, an outdoor pool and a sun terrace with panoramic views of the Casco Viejo neighbourhood.
Las Clementinas
Set in a meticulously restored French-colonial mansion, Las Clementinas exudes a certain old-world charm and elegance. Each suite is decorated with antique furnishings, plus there’s a well-rated on-site restaurant. Like most places we listed here, it can be found in the historic Casco Viejo district.
American Trade Hotel
Somewhat of an icon of Panama City’s Casco Viejo area, the American Trade Hotel seamlessly blends colonial architecture with contemporary luxury. There is a series of spacious rooms inside an early 20th century building, and this is probably as exclusive as it gets in the historic quarter of Panama City.
Modern Accommodations
If you prefer modern comforts and having all necessary amenities to a historic atmosphere, there are plenty of choices in the city, too. These are some of the best-rated modern hotels in town.
Selina Panama City
Located in the trendy neighborhood of El Cangrejo, Selina Panama City offers stylish accommodations in different price categories. You can choose from dormitory beds, private rooms, or deluxe suites, all decorated in a modern style. There’s a coworking space, rooftop pool, and on-site restaurant available.
During our trip, we stayed at the Selina Branch on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro and were very happy with our experience.
Central Hotel Panama
With a prime location on Casco Viejo’s Plaza de la Independencia, Central Hotel Panama offers comfortable rooms with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. The hotel features a rooftop pool and fitness centre, and is surrounded by some of the city’s nicest examples of historical architecture.
W Panama
This trendy and upscale hotel offers sleek and contemporary accommodations in the heart of Bella Vista, at the eastern end of the Cinta Costera. There are some truly luxurious amenities, like a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the financial district, and some of the rooms are decorated in unique styles reminiscent of graffiti art.
Panama City Hotel Map
Have a look at this map of Panama City to find even more places to stay at.