Best Hotels in Panama City

Introduction

Panama City presents a huge variety of hotels, with over 1000 accommodation establishments present in the country. Typically, hotels offer not only accommodations but also include restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and convention centres.

For those looking for Airbnb and other kinds of short rental options, more details can be found in our dedicated article Airbnb and short rental - Panama City.

Choose Your Neighborhood

There are different factors that you should take into consideration during your research, including how close you will be to your workplace or school, the level of security, and the lifestyle that suits your preferences. There are some districts of Panama City where expats tend to live: El Cangrejo, Punta Pacifica, Obarrio, Marbella, Avenida Balboa, San Francisco, and Casco Viejo.

Casco Viejo is the historic district and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Panama City. Here, the ancient churches, squares, streets, and avenues offer a unique experience. Casco is considered the best spot for nightlife, being the largest site for nightclubs and bars.

There are 3 main spots to stay in Panama that offer nice hotels and services: Punta Pacifica, Casco Viejo, and Marbella.

Punta Pacifica: For Luxury and Convenience

Situated in the centre of the city, Punta Pacifica is a fashionable and modern district with a focus on high-quality residential buildings and malls. Some of the city's most luxurious hotels are situated in this area, offering world-class amenities and stunning views of the ocean and skyline. Hotels like The Bristol Panama and JW Marriott Hotel are popular choices for discerning travellers looking for luxury.

Casco Viejo: Historic Charm and Great Nightlife

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is very often visited by young tourists, making it perfect for those travelers who are into nightlife. Here you will find boutique hotels situated in beautifully restored edifices that offer an exclusive mix of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Hotels such as American Trade Hotel and La Concordia Boutique Hotel are ideal for cultural immersion, while Selina Hotel and Tantalo are excellent for party and nightlife seekers.

El Cangrejo/Obarrio/Bellavista: Dining and Nightlife

Should you need lodging choices from budget and moderate hotels, and areas that are central to the city, these neighborhoods may be good. Hotel Riu, Principe Hotel& Suites, Riande Urban Hotel, The Panama Hat Hostel, etc.

Nightlife

Panamá City nightlife mainly takes place in three sectors of the city: Casco Antiguo, the Business District Downtown, and the San Francisco area. Each district hosts a different style of nightlife, providing a specific and unique experience depending on your taste.

Casco Antiguo is the most popular spot for both locals and tourists at night. Here, you can find bars, restaurants, and clubs. In Casco, you can enjoy the beautiful skyline of the city by going to one of the many rooftop bars and clubs present in the area.
The Business District has two main nightlife spots: Vía Argentina and Calle Uruguay. Both areas are popular among locals and expats, with fewer tourists compared to Casco Antiguo.
San Francisco is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Panama City. This area offers the widest variety of food & drink options but is a very residential area, so not many nightclubs are based here.

Safety

While Panama City has many safe neighbourhoods, some areas should be avoided for safety reasons due to higher crime rates. Avoid neighbourhoods like El Chorrillo, Santa Ana, San Miguelito, Curundú, San Felipe, Veracruz Beach, Santa Librada, etc.

Be cautious if you plan to stay in Casco Viejo, as some streets on the borders of the neighbourhood may not be safe.

List of the Most Renowned Hotels

Riu Plaza Panamá: Located in the business district, Riu Plaza Panama offers stylish rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and features an outdoor pool with a hot tub. Dining options include Sushi Lounge, Arts Restaurant, and Studio 50.
JW Marriott Panama: Located on Panama Bay, this 5-star hotel offers a variety of on-site restaurants. Spacious rooms with private balconies and ocean views.
Plaza Paitilla Inn: Offers panoramic views of Panama Bay, a lounge bar, outdoor pool, and sun terraces. Well-equipped business centre and gym.
Gran Evenia Panamá Hotel: 5-star hotel with luxurious accommodations, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness centre.
Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino: Offers a casino, poolside bar, and luxury accommodations. On-site wellness center with a spa and restaurants.
Megapolis Hotel Panamá: Luxury hotel connected to Majestic Casino. Complimentary breakfast buffet, casino, and swim-up bar.
Sheraton Grand Panama: Family-friendly resort with outdoor pool, spa, and three on-site restaurants.

Practical Tips

Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, read more here.
Power plugs and sockets of type A and type B are used.
Restaurants and bars usually require a tip of 10%.
Get a prepaid SIM card to stay connected.
Drink bottled water when in doubt.

Stay Safe

Stay vigilant, use reliable transportation, and avoid walking alone at night.

Sources & Footnotes

[1] Booking.com
[2] TripAdvisor - Panama Hotels
[3] Luxury Hotel World - Panama
[4] Gran Evenia
[5] Riu Plaza
[6] JW Marriott
[7] Plaza Paitilla Inn