Panama City is a place where old quarters, financial towers, and waterfront promenades sit surprisingly close together. That means the best place to stay depends less on “where the city is” and more on the kind of trip you want: historic streets, business convenience, bay views, or easy access to nightlife and restaurants.
This guide brings together 17 real hotels and places to stay listed in the directory, grouped by neighborhood and travel style so you can compare them more easily. In a city as spread out and traffic-sensitive as Panama City, location matters almost as much as the room itself.
Staying in Casco Viejo: history, character, and walkability
Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, is the historic heart of Panama City. It’s one of the best areas for travelers who want walkable streets, restored architecture, and easy access to restaurants, plazas, and cultural sites. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a neighborhood most visitors end up exploring.
Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
A restored 19th-century landmark on Plaza de la Independencia, this hotel sits in the middle of historic Casco Viejo. Its setting makes it a strong option for travelers who want to stay in one of the city’s most atmospheric squares.
Las Clementinas Hotel
Located on Calle 11 & Avenida B, Las Clementinas offers apartment-style suites in Casco Antiguo. The summary notes that it was one of the first restored properties to help revive the neighborhood after opening in 2010, which makes it especially interesting for travelers who appreciate adaptive reuse and more spacious accommodations.
Selina Casco Viejo Panama City
This restored building on Avenida B & Calle 12 blends private rooms, shared accommodations, and a social atmosphere. It also includes coworking, which makes it a practical fit for digital nomads or travelers who want a lively, social base in the old quarter.
Tántalo Hotel
Set on Calle 8 Este con Avenida B, Tántalo Hotel is described as a boutique art hotel and one of Panama’s most photogenic and design-driven places to stay. Each room is individually decorated by local artists, which gives the property a distinctive personality in a neighborhood already known for visual charm.
American Trade Hotel
On Plaza Herrera, this boutique luxury hotel occupies a restored 1917 landmark building. The restoration preserves its colonial character, making it a strong choice for travelers who want a refined stay in a building with real historic presence.
Bayfront and waterfront hotels: views, towers, and city energy
Avenida Balboa and nearby waterfront areas offer a different Panama City experience. Here, the skyline opens up toward Panama Bay, the Cinta Costera runs along the shore, and many hotels are set in modern towers with easy access to business areas and central roads. This is a practical choice if you want views and quicker movement around downtown.
Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City
On Avenida Balboa next to Multicentro mall and steps from the Cinta Costera, this modern glass high-rise combines a central waterfront location with direct access to shopping. Its contemporary rooms take advantage of the tower’s height, which is often appealing for guests who prefer urban views.
Le Méridien Panama
At the corner of Calle Uruguay and Avenida Balboa, Le Méridien overlooks Panama Bay and the Cinta Costera. The hotel’s design is described as mid-century inspired, with bold artwork and clean lines, so it may suit travelers looking for a polished, design-forward stay near the waterfront.
Hilton Panama
This high-rise on Avenida Balboa y Aquilino de la Guardia looks out over the Pacific bay and sits a short distance from the banking district. It is positioned for both business convenience and views, making it a practical all-around option in a busy part of the city.
Waldorf Astoria Panama
Located at Calle Uruguay & Calle 47 in Bella Vista, this hotel sits near restaurants and nightlife while still being minutes from Casco Viejo. The summary emphasizes refined, intimate luxury, which may appeal to guests who want a quieter upscale base close to the action.
Business district stays: convenience, central access, and polished service
Panama City’s financial and business districts are where many travelers choose to stay for convenience. Neighborhoods such as Bella Vista, Marbella, Obarrio, and the areas around Calle 50 are well placed for meetings, shopping, and straightforward access to the rest of the city. These hotels are often good choices for travelers who want a more functional stay without being far from restaurants or the bay.
Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
On Calle 50 in Marbella, this contemporary high-rise sits in one of the city’s most central and dynamic districts. The summary mentions comfortable, well-appointed rooms and city views, which makes it a dependable option for business travelers and city-focused visits.
Hyatt Regency Panama City
Located at Calle 52 y Ricardo Arias in Bella Vista, this property is close to the financial center, Vía España, and Casco Viejo. Its floor-to-ceiling windows and city views fit the profile of an upscale urban hotel aimed at travelers who want a modern, efficient base.
The Bristol Panama, a Registry Collection Hotel
On Avenida Aquilino de la Guardia, The Bristol Panama is a refined boutique hotel in the financial district. The summary highlights personalized service and residential-style rooms and suites, which makes it a fitting choice for travelers who want a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than a large tower hotel.
W Panama
At Calle 50 y Aquilino de la Guardia, W Panama brings bold, playful design to the center of the financial district. The description points to vibrant, design-led rooms and suites, so this is one for guests who prefer a contemporary, energetic hotel environment.
Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Autograph Collection
Set in Obarrio on Calle 56-57, this sleek property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. It combines modernist design with a spa and casino, which may appeal to travelers who want a full-service hotel in an upscale commercial area.
Luxury stays in upscale districts and residential zones
For travelers who want a more polished, high-end stay, Panama City has several premium properties in areas such as Punta Pacífica and Santa María. These neighborhoods tend to feel more residential or exclusive than downtown Bella Vista, though they still remain connected to the city’s core by major roads.
JW Marriott Panama
On Calle Punta Colón in Punta Pacífica, this waterfront tower is one of the city’s most striking luxury addresses. The summary notes marble bathrooms, plush furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows, which suggests a strong focus on views and upscale finishes.
The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
Set within the Santa María residential and golf community, this five-star retreat is centered around a Jack Nicklaus championship course. It stands out as a resort-style option in the city, especially for travelers who want a more spacious, quiet setting away from the busiest downtown blocks.
Practical tips
Panama City is not a compact town you can fully cover on foot, so neighborhood choice matters. Casco Viejo is best for atmosphere and evening wandering; Avenida Balboa and the business districts are better for views and convenience; and Punta Pacífica or Santa María suit travelers looking for more polished, residential settings.
- If you want to explore the historic center easily, stay in or near Casco Viejo.
- If you’re here for business, meetings, or straightforward access to main roads, look at Bella Vista, Marbella, Obarrio, or Calle 50.
- If you prefer bay views and a more modern skyline, Avenida Balboa is a sensible base.
- If you like quieter, more upscale surroundings, consider Punta Pacífica or Santa María.
Weather is generally warm and humid year-round, with a drier season and a rainy season that can change how the city feels from month to month. Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a flexible plan are helpful because traffic, showers, and neighborhood distances can affect how long simple trips take.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Panama City?
For many first-time visitors, Casco Viejo is the most memorable area because it is historic, walkable, and full of character. If your priority is convenience or business access, however, Bella Vista or Avenida Balboa may be easier starting points.
Is it better to stay near the waterfront or in Casco Viejo?
It depends on the kind of trip you want. The waterfront offers modern towers, views, and central access, while Casco Viejo offers older architecture, plazas, and a more intimate street life.
What type of traveler is best suited to boutique hotels in Panama City?
Travelers who care about design, character, and a more personal atmosphere often enjoy boutique hotels such as those in Casco Viejo or the financial district. These properties can feel more distinctive than large chain hotels, especially in historic buildings.
Are these hotels suitable for both business and leisure trips?
Yes, many of them are. Panama City attracts a mix of business travelers, city break visitors, and people connecting through the capital, so several hotels are well positioned to serve multiple trip styles.
If you own or manage one of these businesses, or if you would like to add your property to the directory, please claim or submit your listing so travelers can find accurate, up-to-date information about where to stay in Panama City.
