Best Boutique Hotels in Panama City: Casco Viejo & Beyond (2026)
Discover the best boutique hotels in Panama City, Panama. From historic Casco Viejo gems to modern design hotels, find stylish accommodations with character.
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Panama City: Where History Meets Modernity
Panama City is a fascinating blend of old and new—the colonial cobblestones of Casco Viejo contrast dramatically with the glittering skyscrapers of the modern city. Home to the famous Panama Canal and a thriving culinary scene, it's become one of Latin America's most dynamic capitals.
For travelers seeking character over cookie-cutter chains, Panama City's boutique hotels offer unique experiences in historic buildings, with personalized service and distinctive design. Most of the best options are concentrated in the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood.
Understanding Panama City's Neighborhoods
Casco Viejo (Casco Antiguo)
The historic heart of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, rooftop bars, and the best concentration of boutique hotels. This is where you want to stay for atmosphere and walkability.
Panama Viejo
The ruins of the original Panama City, founded in 1519. Interesting to visit but not a place to stay.
Modern Panama City (Downtown)
The banking district with skyscrapers, malls, and international chain hotels. More business-focused, less charm.
Causeway (Amador)
The scenic causeway connecting islands at the Pacific entrance to the canal. Nice for biking and dining, limited hotel options.
Top Boutique Hotels in Casco Viejo
American Trade Hotel
The Definitive Casco Viejo Experience
The American Trade Hotel set the standard for boutique hospitality in Panama City when it opened in a restored 1917 building. The stylish design, exceptional service, and prime plaza location make it the top choice for discerning travelers.
Highlights:
- Stunning historic building restoration
- Rooftop pool with city views
- Danilo's Jazz Club on-site
- Unido Cafe (excellent coffee)
- Award-winning dining at Trade Restaurant
- Prime location on Plaza Herrera
Price: From $300 USD/night
Best for: Design lovers, jazz enthusiasts, special occasions
Hotel La Compañía
A Living Museum
Occupying a lovingly restored Jesuit complex, Hotel La Compañía is the product of international designers, architects, and historians. Every corner tells a story, with art and artifacts throughout. The result is like staying in a museum with exceptional hospitality.
Highlights:
- Restored Jesuit complex
- Museum-quality design and artifacts
- Exceptional dining options
- Beautiful courtyards
- Pet-friendly
- Spa services available
Price: From $350 USD/night
Best for: History buffs, architecture lovers, couples
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Luxury Meets Heritage
The Sofitel Legend brings international luxury standards to a historic Casco Viejo property. With a full-service spa, outdoor pool, and impeccable service, it's the choice for those wanting five-star amenities in a boutique setting.
Highlights:
- Five-star international standards
- Full-service So Spa
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Excellent on-site restaurants
- Gardens and outdoor spaces
- Concierge service
Price: From $280 USD/night
Best for: Luxury seekers, spa lovers, business travelers
Amarla Boutique Hotel
Intimate Casco Charm
A smaller, more intimate option in the heart of Casco Viejo, Amarla offers personalized service and comfortable rooms at a more accessible price point. The terrace is perfect for evening cocktails.
Highlights:
- Intimate boutique experience
- Central Casco Viejo location
- Terrace with views
- Personalized concierge
- Non-smoking throughout
- Good value for Casco
Price: From $150 USD/night
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, value seekers
La Concordia Boutique Hotel
Colonial Elegance
Occupying a beautifully restored colonial building, La Concordia combines historic charm with modern comforts. Many rooms feature private balconies, and the rooftop terrace offers stunning sunset views.
Highlights:
- Restored colonial architecture
- Private balconies in many rooms
- Rooftop terrace with views
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Central location
- Restaurant on-site
Price: From $180 USD/night
Best for: Families, couples, sunset lovers
Las Clementinas
Artist's Retreat
A collection of apartments and suites in a beautifully restored 1930s building, Las Clementinas has an artistic, bohemian vibe. The full kitchens make it perfect for longer stays.
Highlights:
- Spacious apartments with kitchens
- 1930s building with character
- Artistic, bohemian atmosphere
- Perfect for longer stays
- Great restaurant on ground floor
- Excellent location
Price: From $200 USD/night
Best for: Extended stays, families, independent travelers
Beyond Casco Viejo
Bristol Panama
Classic Elegance Near the Canal
One of Panama City's premier hotels, the Bristol offers classic luxury in a location convenient for Panama Canal visits. A Registry Collection property with impeccable service.
Highlights:
- Classic luxury style
- Close to Panama Canal
- Excellent restaurant
- High-end service
- Business facilities
Price: From $220 USD/night
Best for: Business travelers, classic luxury seekers, canal visitors
Tantalo Hotel
Young & Hip in Casco
A boutique hotel with a more youthful, artsy vibe, Tantalo is known for its rooftop bar—one of the best in the city. The rooms feature artwork from local artists.
Highlights:
- Famous rooftop bar
- Local artwork throughout
- DJ nights and events
- Young, social atmosphere
- Restaurant on-site
Price: From $130 USD/night
Best for: Nightlife seekers, young travelers, social scene
Day Trip Option
La Semilla Ecolodge
Nature Escape Near the City
Just one hour from Panama City, La Semilla offers a boutique eco-lodge experience surrounded by nature. Perfect for combining city exploration with rainforest immersion.
Highlights:
- Beautiful private gardens
- Flora and fauna everywhere
- Only 1 hour from the city
- Eco-friendly operations
- Hiking trails
Price: From $120 USD/night
Best for: Nature lovers, day-trip base, eco-travelers
What to Do in Panama City
Must-See Attractions
- Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks): Watch ships transit the canal
- Casco Viejo: Wander the historic streets and plazas
- Panama Viejo Ruins: Explore the original colonial city
- Biomuseo: Frank Gehry-designed museum of biodiversity
- Causeway: Bike or walk with canal views
Food & Drink
- Ceviche: Panama's take on this Latin American classic
- Rooftop Bars: Tantalo, American Trade, CasaCasco
- Coffee: Panamanian Geisha coffee is world-famous
- Seafood: Fresh from both oceans
Day Trips
- Embera Village: Indigenous community in the rainforest
- Gamboa Rainforest: Wildlife and the Chagres River
- San Blas Islands: Caribbean paradise (requires planning)
- Taboga Island: 30-minute ferry, colonial charm
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (December - April): Best weather, clearer skies, higher prices.
Wet Season (May - November): Afternoon showers, lush greenery, lower prices. Mornings usually clear.
Note: Panama City can be visited year-round—even in wet season, rain is typically brief afternoon showers.
Getting Around
Uber: The easiest way to get around. Affordable and reliable.
Taxis: Yellow cabs are plentiful. Negotiate fare in advance.
Walking: Casco Viejo is very walkable. Modern downtown is not.
Metro: Good for getting to/from the airport area.
Practical Tips
Safety
Casco Viejo has improved dramatically but stay on main streets at night. Modern downtown is generally safe. Common sense applies.
When to Book
For high season (December-April), book 2-3 months ahead. Boutique hotels are small and fill up fast.
Currency
US Dollar is the official currency. Credit cards widely accepted.
Conclusion
Panama City's boutique hotels offer a unique way to experience this dynamic capital. Staying in Casco Viejo puts you in the heart of the city's cultural renaissance, surrounded by history, great food, and rooftop bars with skyline views.
For the quintessential experience, book the American Trade or Hotel La Compañía. For better value without sacrificing location, consider Amarla or La Concordia. Whatever you choose, Casco Viejo is the place to be.
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