The best hotels in Panama City
Panama City has 8,000+ places to stay and picking the wrong one costs you more than money. it costs you the whole trip. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Panama City
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Sheraton Grand Panama
Panama City
$105/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
Panama City
$148/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
w| Iconic 2BR w/ Rooftop Casco Antiguo
Panama City
$98/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá
Panama City
$120/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown
Panama City
$76/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero by IHG
Panama City
$111/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro
Panama City
$62/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downtown
Panama City
$83/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Le Méridien Panama
Panama City
$289/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Renaissance Panama City Hotel
Panama City
$111/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Sheraton Grand Panama
The Sheraton delivers reliable 4-star comfort in the financial district without the luxury price tag. Rooms are spacious, the pool deck has solid skyline views, and you're 15 minutes from Casco Viejo by taxi. At $105 it undercuts most competitors by $40+. Book a high floor. Worth it.
Address:Sheraton Grand Panama, Vía Israel y Calle 77, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
Neighborhood:San Francisco
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Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Hotel Riu Plaza Panama
One of Panama City's tallest hotels, and it shows. Views from the upper floors are genuinely stunning. It's in Punta Pacifica, close to Multiplaza mall for anything you need. A 4.6 rating from nearly 11,000 guests isn't luck. Solid choice at $148 if the view matters to you.
Address:Hotel Riu Plaza Panama, XFJH+HF5, C. 50, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
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Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
w| Iconic 2BR w/ Rooftop Casco Antiguo
Skip the hotels entirely for this one. A two-bedroom apartment with a private rooftop in Casco Antiguo, the city's most atmospheric neighborhood. You're steps from Plaza Herrera and the best ceviche spots on Avenida Central. At $98 for two bedrooms, you won't find better value in Panama City.
Neighborhood:San Felipe
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Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá
A local institution in the Punta Pacifica financial corridor. Tower views are legitimately good and the service is consistently rated among the city's best. $120 gets you 4-star comfort with a local feel rather than international chain uniformity. Taxi to the old town runs about $5.
Address:Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá, 507 Hotel Golden Tower, y Esquina Marbella, Av. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
Neighborhood:Punta Paitilla
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Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown
Best value on this list. $76 for a Hyatt in downtown Panama City is genuinely hard to argue with. Modern, clean, well-located for the financial district. Don't expect luxury extras. But if you're here for work or just need a solid base, this wins on price every time.
Address:Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown, C. Aquilino de la Guardia 52, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
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Prices shown for 1 room, 2 adults. Click to see current availability.
Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero by IHG
A reliable business-traveler choice in the financial district. Nothing flashy, but breakfast is solid and you're 10 minutes from Tocumen by taxi during off-peak hours. At $111 it's slightly overpriced compared to the Hyatt Place nearby, but you get more space and a noticeably quieter atmosphere.
Address:Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero by IHG, Detras Del Santuario Nacional, Calle Ricardo Arango Y, Calle 53 Este, Panama City, Panama
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TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro
$62 a night in Panama City's city center. That's the pitch. The TRYP is basic but clean, and a 4.4 from 2,000+ guests says it delivers on expectations. Central location puts you close to El Cangrejo's restaurant strip. Skip if you want rooftop pools. Book if you want to save $50 a night.
Address:TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro, Vía Veneto, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
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Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downtown
Consistent Hilton quality in downtown without the Hilton price. At $83 you get a reliable room, good Wi-Fi, and easy access to the Cinta Costera waterfront, a 10-minute walk away. The breakfast buffet is worth adding. Better value than the Holiday Inn nearby at $28 less per night.
Address:Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downtown, Calle Eusebio A Morales Y, 49A St W, Panama City, Panama
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Le Méridien Panama
Panama City's most polished luxury stay. The design is actually interesting, which isn't a given at this price point. Located in the banking district with views over the bay. $289 is steep but the rooftop bar alone justifies one night if you're treating yourself. Don't book a low floor.
Address:Le Méridien Panama, Torre Vista Marina, Calle Uruguay &, Av. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
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Renaissance Panama City Hotel
Only 184 reviews for a 5-star Marriott property is worth noting. It's newer, the design is sharp, and $111 for Renaissance-tier is a genuinely good deal. Financial district location, close to Multiplaza. Fewer reviews means fewer data points, but early guests are consistently happy. Worth the bet.
Address:Renaissance Panama City Hotel, Vía España, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Panama City.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sheraton Grand Panama | 4.6 | 7 381 | 4★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 2 | Hotel Riu Plaza Panama | 4.6 | 10 963 | 5★ | $150/night | Book → | |
| 3 | w| Iconic 2BR w/ Rooftop Casco Antiguo | 4.8 | 182 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Hotel Las Américas Golden Tower Panamá | 4.5 | 4 027 | 4★ | $120/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Hyatt Place Panama City/Downtown | 4.4 | 1 913 | 4★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 6 | Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero by IHG | 4.4 | 2 049 | 3★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 7 | TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro | 4.4 | 2 266 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 8 | Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downtown | 4.4 | 1 846 | 3★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Le Méridien Panama | 4.4 | 1 795 | 5★ | $290/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Renaissance Panama City Hotel | 4.5 | 184 | 5★ | $110/night | Book → | |
| 11 | w Fantastic 2BR w Balcony in Panama - Apartment | 4.8 | 62 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $120/night | Book → | |
| 12 | Hotel Sevilla Suites | 4.4 | 322 | 3★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Crowne Plaza Panama by IHG | 4.3 | 2 140 | 4★ | $90/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Hotel El Panamá | 4.3 | 5 982 | 4★ | $70/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Riande Urban Hotel | 4.3 | 1 974 | 4★ | $60/night | Book → | |
| 16 | Hotel Benidorm Panamá | 4.3 | 749 | 3★ | $30/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Victoria Hotel and suites | 4.2 | 2 008 | 4★ | $80/night | Book → | |
| 18 | Three-bedroom apartment with ocean views, pool, gym C20C | 5.0 | 12 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $230/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Aparthotel Sevilla Suites - Deluxe Junior Suite | 5.0 | 16 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $80/night | Book → | |
| 20 | AmazINN Places Excelsior - Apartment with Terrace | Apartment / Guesthouse | $120/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Panama City
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Panama City? Start here.
Book in Casco Viejo. Full stop. The neighborhood around Plaza de la Independencia and Calle 1a Oeste puts you inside one of the most photogenic historic districts in Latin America, and you can walk to Mercado de Mariscos for $8 ceviche in under 10 minutes.
From Casco Viejo you can reach the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal in about 25 minutes by taxi for roughly $12. The Canal is genuinely unmissable. ships the size of apartment buildings pass through the locks all day. Go early, before the tour groups from the cruise terminal arrive.
How to pick the right Panama City neighborhood
Casco Viejo suits travelers who want character and walkability. El Cangrejo is quieter and more residential, sitting just off Via España. good if you want to cook in your room and avoid tourist pricing. Bella Vista and Marbella are where the suits stay, close to the financial district on Avenida Balboa.
Punta Pacifica and Costa del Este are the newest neighborhoods, built on reclaimed land with wide roads and zero charm. That's not an insult. if you want a modern tower with a pool and a car to everywhere, those areas deliver. Just don't expect to walk anywhere interesting.
Getting around without getting ripped off
Uber works well in Panama City and costs $4-8 for most central trips. Taxis are legal and metered but drivers often 'forget' to turn the meter on for tourists. Always ask for the meter or agree a price before you get in. From Casco Viejo to Multiplaza Pacific mall in Punta Pacifica, expect $10-14.
Metro Line 1 costs $0.35 and connects Albrook terminal to the northern suburbs. It's useful but won't solve your last-mile problem in tourist areas. For the Canal visit, take a $12 taxi from Casco Viejo. it's the cleanest option and you'll pass through Clayton, where the old US military base used to be.
Panama City in the rainy season: what to expect
May through November brings rain. but it's not the soggy all-day misery you might imagine. Showers typically hit between 3pm and 6pm and then it clears. Mornings are usually dry and cooler at around 26-29°C. Hotels in Casco Viejo drop to $55-130/night during this window.
The upside of rainy season is real: the Metropolitan Natural Park off Avenida Juan Pablo II is lush and almost empty, and Ancon Hill stays green year-round. We've seen travelers write off the whole season because of one bad afternoon. Don't. Pack a light waterproof jacket and you'll be fine.
Where to eat near your hotel
In Casco Viejo, Donde José on Calle 8a Oeste is one of the best tasting menus in Panama. book ahead, it fills up fast. For something cheaper, the food stalls around Avenida B near Plaza Herrera do solid arroz con pollo and ropa vieja for under $6. Don't sleep on Mercado de Mariscos on the waterfront, either.
In El Cangrejo and Marbella, Calle Uruguay is Panama City's main restaurant strip. every cuisine, every price point, walkable from most hotels in Bella Vista. Manolo Caracol on Calle 3a in Casco Viejo does a daily prix-fixe using fresh Canal-region ingredients that's worth every penny at around $35 per person.
Luxury in Panama City: what you actually get
The top-end hotels here punch above their global price. The Bristol Panama at $290-450/night delivers service and room quality that would cost twice as much in New York or London. Trump International at the top of the Punta Pacifica tower has floor-to-ceiling Pacific views and a spa that's legitimately world-class.
Don't let the prices scare you off. Panama City luxury is still strong value by international standards. and both top picks have genuine character rather than generic five-star blandness. If you're celebrating something, spend the money. You won't regret it.
Panama City's best hotel regions
Casco Viejo is where you want to be if you're visiting for the first time. It's got the history, the walkability, and the best bar scene. and our picks there cover every budget.
Casco Viejo 3 vetted hotels The historic heart. where Panama City actually feels like Panama.
The historic heart. where Panama City actually feels like Panama.
Casco Viejo sits on a peninsula at the southern tip of the city, and it's the only part of Panama City that rewards walking. The streets are narrow, the architecture is crumbling and gorgeous in equal measure, and the bars around Plaza Bolívar stay busy until 2am on weekends.
Our three picks here cover the full range. Hotel Magnolia at $55-85/night is the budget option on a quiet street near the sea wall. American Trade Hotel at $150-220/night is the neighborhood's most polished address, sitting right on Calle 10 Este. Hospedaje Casco Antiguo splits the difference at $72-95/night with a rooftop worth fighting for.
Walk west from Plaza de la Independencia and you hit the sea wall in 3 minutes. The Biomuseo at Causeway Amador is a $10 taxi ride. Avoid the far eastern edge of Casco Viejo where it bleeds into El Chorrillo. the difference between the two areas is visible and not subtle.
Browse all Casco Viejo hotels → Bella Vista & Marbella 2 vetted hotels Business-ready and walkable. without the tourist markup.
Business-ready and walkable. without the tourist markup.
Bella Vista and Marbella sit along Avenida Balboa and are Panama City's original upscale neighborhoods. Hotel DeVille in Bella Vista is genuinely one of our favorite hotels in the whole city. it's boutique, it's calm, and it's 12 minutes walk from Calle Uruguay where half the city's best restaurants are.
Panama Marriott Hotel anchors the Marbella end, on Calle 52 Este near the main banking corridor. It's the city's default business hotel for a reason: the rooms are reliable, the Wi-Fi is fast, and the concierge knows every corporate address in the financial district.
Taxis from either hotel to Casco Viejo run $6-8 and take about 12 minutes. Both neighborhoods are safer at night than most Panama City areas, with good street lighting on Avenida Balboa and along Calle 50.
Browse all Bella Vista & Marbella hotels → El Cangrejo & Obarrio 2 vetted hotels Residential, central, and surprisingly easy to live in for a week.
Residential, central, and surprisingly easy to live in for a week.
El Cangrejo sits just north of Via España and has a real neighborhood feel. supermarkets, local cafés, pharmacies, dry cleaners. Casa Las Americas here at $105-145/night is the city's best value mid-range pick, and The Bristol Panama at $290-450/night is the address for anyone who wants Panama's most refined hotel experience.
Obarrio is slightly slicker and more commercial, with the Sortis Hotel anchoring the neighborhood at $160-230/night. The casino is big and loud. great if that's your thing, easy to ignore if it's not. Sortis has the best hotel pool in this price bracket and a spa that's worth booking even if you're not staying.
Metro Line 1 at Via España station is an 8-minute walk from Casa Las Americas and puts Albrook terminal 20 minutes away. Uber to Casco Viejo from either neighborhood costs $5-7.
Browse all El Cangrejo & Obarrio hotels → Punta Pacifica & Costa del Este 2 vetted hotels Modern, glossy, and built for people who like things new.
Modern, glossy, and built for people who like things new.
Punta Pacifica is Panama City's Canary Wharf. glass towers, reclaimed land, and a skyline that photographs beautifully at night. Trump International Hotel sits at the top of the Trump Ocean Club tower with some of the most dramatic Pacific views you'll find anywhere in the city. It's genuinely worth the $265-420/night if views and space are your priority.
Costa del Este is newer still, a planned neighborhood about 20 minutes east of Casco Viejo that works best for families. Megapolis Hotel here gives you room to breathe: bigger rooms, a calmer street scene, and easy access to the Costa del Este commercial strip on Boulevard Costa del Este.
Neither neighborhood is walkable to anything historic. You need a taxi or Uber for everything, which costs $8-15 per trip to central areas. That's the trade-off. If you're renting a car, Costa del Este's road layout makes it one of the easier bases in the city.
Browse all Punta Pacifica & Costa del Este hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Romantic
Casco Viejo at night is legitimately special. candlelit restaurants on Calle 1a, the sea wall lit up, and rooftop bars with Canal views. The Bristol Panama in El Cangrejo is your base if you want to do it properly.
Culture
Panama Viejo ruins are a 15-minute drive east of Casco Viejo, and the Biomuseo on Causeway Amador was designed by Frank Gehry. Stay in Casco Viejo so you can walk to the neighborhood museums and the Interoceanic Canal Museum on Plaza de la Independencia.
Family
Costa del Este has the space, the calm, and the mall access that families actually need. Megapolis Hotel Panama puts you 10 minutes from the Panama Canal locks and away from the noise of Casco Viejo.
Budget
Hotel Magnolia in Casco Viejo at $55-85/night puts you in the best neighborhood in the city for the price of a hostel in most other capitals. Walk to everything, eat cheap on Avenida B, and spend your savings on the Canal day trip.
Beach
Panama City isn't a beach destination. the Pacific coast near the city is muddy and industrial. Stay in Punta Pacifica for the ocean views and use the city as a base for day trips to the Pearl Islands, 45 minutes by ferry from Causeway Amador.
Foodie
Calle Uruguay in Bella Vista is the city's densest restaurant street and walkable from Hotel DeVille. Casco Viejo has Donde José, Manolo Caracol, and Café Unido. three completely different price points within a 7-minute walk of each other.
We reviewed 8,000+ options across the main regions of Panama City. We cut hotels that used decade-old photos to misrepresent rooftop views of the bay. We cut Marbella towers that called themselves 'beachfront' when the nearest sand is a 25-minute drive. We cut budget spots in El Chorrillo that looked cheap on paper but felt genuinely unsafe at night. What's left are 10 hotels we'd book ourselves.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Panama City
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Dry Season (Jan-Apr)
January through April is Panama City's sweet spot climatically. low humidity, zero rain, and long warm evenings on the sea wall. Hotel prices in Casco Viejo spike 25-30% compared to low season, and Carnival week in February pushes some properties to maximum rates. Book at least 6 weeks ahead if you're traveling in February or March.
Early Rainy Season (May-Jul)
May and June bring afternoon rains. usually 2-4 hours starting around 3pm. but mornings are dry and temperatures are slightly cooler than peak season. Hotel rates drop noticeably: a room at Hotel DeVille that costs $165 in February might run $120 in June. This is when locals recommend visiting the Metropolitan Natural Park, which turns impossibly green.
Mid Rainy Season (Aug-Oct)
August to October is the deepest part of rainy season and the quietest for tourism. Rain can last longer in October. some days you'll get 4-6 hours of steady downpour. The upside: budget rooms in Casco Viejo at $55-75/night, almost no queues at Miraflores Locks, and the city operating entirely for locals.
Late Dry Shoulder (Nov-Dec)
November starts the transition out of rainy season and December is genuinely lovely. warm, manageable humidity, and the city gets festive for the holidays. Christmas week and New Year's Eve push hotel prices in Punta Pacifica and Obarrio up by 15-20%. Book by late October if you're coming for New Year's.
Booking Tips for Panama City
Smart booking strategies for Panama City.
Book Casco Viejo hotels 4-6 weeks ahead in dry season
The good Casco Viejo hotels have 20-40 rooms, not 200. During January-April, and especially Carnival week in February, they fill up completely. We've seen travelers end up in Calidonia because they waited. which is a real step down in safety and location. Lock in your Casco Viejo room before you book your flights.
Always use Uber over street taxis
Unmetered taxi drivers at Tocumen Airport and outside tourist spots in Casco Viejo routinely quote $50-60 for trips that should cost $12-18. Uber is available throughout Panama City, runs reliably, and charges honest prices. Keep mobile data on when you land so you can call an Uber from arrivals. don't join the taxi queue.
Check what the hotel tax adds to your bill
Panama levies a 10% hotel tax that isn't always shown in the base rate online. On a $200/night room in Punta Pacifica, that's an extra $20 per night. $140 on a week-long stay. Always check whether the rate shown includes or excludes impuesto de alojamiento before you finalize your booking.
Don't assume 'sea view' means Canal view
Hotels in Marbella and Punta Pacifica advertise 'ocean views'. but from Casco Viejo, you're looking at the Pacific inlet, not the Canal. The Miraflores Locks are 8 km northwest of downtown. If watching container ships is the point of your trip, book a Canal visit separately and stay where you actually want to be.
Bring USD. Panama runs on dollars
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency (called the Balboa locally, but it's the same bill). ATMs dispense USD, and cards are accepted everywhere from Casco Viejo restaurants to taxi apps. Keep $20-30 in small bills for street food on Avenida B, local buses at $0.25 flat fare, and tips.
The Canal day trip is non-negotiable. time it right
Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal charges $22 for adults and is 25 minutes from Casco Viejo by taxi. Go on a weekday morning before 10am. cruise ship passengers arrive mid-morning and the viewing decks get uncomfortably packed by 11am. The Panama Canal Museum on Plaza de la Independencia in Casco Viejo is a useful primer the night before.
Hotels in Panama City, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Panama City?
Casco Viejo wins for first-timers. You're walking distance from Plaza de la Independencia, the sea wall, and the best restaurants on Calle Primera. Mid-range hotels here run $72-150/night, which is solid value for that location. If you're in town for business, Marbella or Obarrio put you closer to the financial district on Avenida Balboa.
How much does a hotel in Panama City cost per night?
Budget beds in Casco Viejo start around $55/night at places like Hotel Magnolia. Mid-range options in El Cangrejo and Bella Vista run $105-165/night. Luxury towers in Punta Pacifica push $265-450/night. You'll pay a 10% hotel tax on top of whatever rate you book.
Is Casco Viejo safe for tourists?
The restored core of Casco Viejo around Plaza Bolívar and Calle 1a is genuinely safe and well-lit. Stick to the west side of the neighborhood. The blocks east toward El Chorrillo get sketchy fast. don't wander past Avenida Central after dark.
When is the best time to visit Panama City?
January through April is the dry season, and it's peak for a reason: temps sit around 28-32°C with almost no rain. Hotel prices in Casco Viejo climb 20-30% during this window. If you want lower rates and don't mind afternoon showers, May and November are your best months.
How do I get from Tocumen International Airport to my hotel?
Official yellow taxis from Tocumen to Casco Viejo cost around $30-35 and take 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. Uber runs $18-25 for the same trip and is more reliable. Don't take unmarked cabs at the arrivals exit. they'll quote you $60 and won't back down.
Is the Panama City Metro useful for tourists?
Line 1 runs north-south from Albrook Bus Terminal through El Cangrejo toward Miraflores and costs $0.35 per ride. It won't get you to Casco Viejo directly, but it's useful if you're staying in San Miguelito or near Albrook. For Casco Viejo, taxis and Uber are faster and still cheap at $4-8 from most central neighborhoods.
Which Panama City hotels are best for business travelers?
Panama Marriott Hotel in Marbella is the default business choice. it's on Calle 52 Este, 10 minutes from the banking corridor on Via España, and has solid meeting facilities. Hotel DeVille in Bella Vista is a smaller, sharper option if you want a quieter base with faster Wi-Fi. Both neighborhoods put you within 15 minutes of most corporate offices near Avenida Samuel Lewis.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Panama City?
Megapolis Hotel Panama in Costa del Este is our top family pick. the neighborhood is newer, calmer, and has a proper mall and park within 10 minutes. The Sortis Hotel in Obarrio works too, with a casino you can ignore and a pool the kids will appreciate. Avoid putting families in Casco Viejo. it's great fun but narrow streets and construction noise are genuinely exhausting with young kids.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel in Panama City?
El Chorrillo borders Casco Viejo to the east and looks tempting on a map. don't book there. Santa Ana can be rough after 9pm, especially around Avenida Central near the market. Curundú and parts of Calidonia are local residential areas where hotels are cheap for a reason.
Do Panama City hotels include breakfast?
Most mid-range and luxury hotels don't include breakfast by default. you'll pay $12-18 extra per person if you add it. Skip the hotel breakfast at budget spots in Casco Viejo and walk to Café Unido on Calle Uruguay or grab a $3 desayuno típico at any corner spot on Avenida B.
Is it worth staying in Casco Viejo vs. the modern city?
Depends on why you're there. Casco Viejo is for people who want to walk everywhere, eat well, and feel like they're actually in Panama. The modern city around Marbella and Punta Pacifica looks like Miami and mostly functions like it too. great for business, less interesting for exploring. We'd pick Casco Viejo every time for stays under a week.
What's the best luxury hotel in Panama City?
The Bristol Panama in El Cangrejo is the most refined stay in the city, sitting at $290-450/night with a reputation that holds up. Trump International in Punta Pacifica has the most dramatic views of the Pacific and the skyline from the upper floors. Both are genuinely worth the price if your budget allows it.
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