The best hotels in Panama City

This small guesthouse sits on Avenida Central in Casco Viejo, a short walk from Plaza de la Independencia. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning that actually works well in the humid Panama heat. The staff are friendly and helpful with directions around the old quarter. Do not expect luxury finishes, but the price is hard to beat for this neighborhood. Ask for a room on the upper floor to avoid street noise.

A converted colonial building on Calle 3ra in the heart of Casco Viejo, this small hotel punches above its price point. The exposed brick walls and wooden beams give it more character than most options at this rate. Rooms vary in size so request one of the larger corner units when booking. The shared rooftop terrace has a decent view toward the Bay of Panama. Breakfast is not included but several good cafes are within a two-minute walk.

Located on Via Argentina in El Cangrejo, this hotel puts you close to some of the best restaurants and bars in Panama City. The rooms are well maintained and notably quiet given the busy street outside. It is a locally owned property and that shows in the personalized service. The small pool on the second floor is a welcome relief after a day of walking. Rates include a solid breakfast served until 10am.

Hotel DeVille sits on Beatriz M. de Cabal Street in the Bella Vista neighborhood and consistently delivers one of the better experiences in this price range. The boutique property has 13 rooms decorated with antiques and original art, making it feel genuinely different from chain hotels. Service is attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant on site serves good Panamanian-influenced food and the wine list is decent. It books up fast on weekends so plan ahead.

The American Trade Hotel occupies a restored 1917 building on Plaza Herrera in Casco Viejo and is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in the city. The courtyard with its jazz bar is genuinely special and worth spending an evening in even if you are not a guest. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings and thoughtful design touches throughout. The rooftop pool offers a clear view of the modern skyline contrasted against the old city. This is the best mid-range option in Casco Viejo by a clear margin.

The Sortis is a full-service hotel on Calle Uruguay in Obarrio, right in the middle of Panama City's nightlife and dining district. Rooms are modern and well-equipped, with good soundproofing despite the busy location. The spa is one of the better ones in the city and worth booking in advance. The casino downstairs is popular with locals and can get lively late into the night. Business travelers will appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi and the well-equipped conference facilities.

The Marriott sits on Calle 52 in Marbella, within walking distance of the banking district and major corporate offices. It is a reliable, professionally run hotel that handles large groups and business travelers without the service slipping. Rooms are what you expect from the brand: comfortable, consistent and not particularly exciting. The outdoor pool area is well maintained and a good place to decompress after meetings. Grab breakfast at the hotel and dinner at one of the independent spots on Calle Uruguay nearby.

Located in the Costa del Este business district, Megapolis Hotel is a modern high-rise property with large rooms that work well for families and extended stays. The suites with kitchenettes are particularly good value and give you the option to self-cater some meals. The pool area is spacious compared to most Panama City hotels. Costa del Este is quieter and more residential than the city center, which suits families but requires a taxi to reach most tourist attractions. The hotel restaurant is serviceable but explore the nearby mall for more dining variety.

Standing at 70 stories on Punta Pacifica, this is one of the most recognizable buildings in the Panama City skyline and the views from the upper floors are genuinely impressive, stretching across both the Pacific and the city. Rooms are large, well-appointed and serviced to a high standard. The pool on the 26th floor is the main showpiece of the property and delivers on the promise. The location puts you close to Multiplaza mall and the Punta Pacifica hospital district. Dining on site is good but several better restaurants are within a short drive.

The Bristol on Aquilino de la Guardia Street in El Cangrejo is a smaller, genuinely luxurious hotel that focuses on service rather than scale. The 157 rooms and suites are furnished with mahogany and marble, and housekeeping is meticulous. It is the hotel of choice for visiting dignitaries and celebrities, and the discretion of the staff reflects that clientele. Barandas restaurant on site is one of the better hotel dining rooms in the city. For a special occasion or a honeymoon stay, this is the best option Panama City has to offer.