Panama is a vibrant Central American nation offering a unique blend of modern cosmopolitan life, rich colonial history, and pristine natural wonders. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo and the untouched beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama provides diverse experiences for every traveler.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Magnolia Inn
A fantastic budget option in Casco Viejo's hottest neighborhood with private rooms and dorms, communal kitchen, rooftop terrace, and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. Clean, safe, and social.
Luna's Castle Hostel
Panama City's most famous party hostel in Casco Viejo offering dorms and private rooms, lively bar, organized events and tours, and a social atmosphere perfect for meeting other travelers.
Hostal Caracas
Clean and affordable hostel near Via Argentina with private rooms and dorms, shared kitchen, helpful staff, and good location for exploring the city. Quieter atmosphere than party hostels.
Mamallena Hostel
Well-established hostel in El Cangrejo offering clean dorms and private rooms, free pancake breakfast, pool table, organized tours, and friendly vibe. Great for budget travelers.
Zuly Hotel
Budget hotel near Albrook Bus Terminal offering basic but clean rooms with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and convenient location for catching buses to other parts of Panama.
Hostel Nomba
Modern hostel in El Cangrejo with capsule-style pods, private rooms, coworking space, rooftop terrace, and focus on community and digital nomads.
Selina Panama City
Popular hostel chain in a restored colonial building with coworking space, rooftop terrace, and social atmosphere. Dorms and private rooms available.
Mid-range ($50-150/night)
Comfortable hotels
Mid-range hotels offer good value with private rooms, reliable amenities, and often include breakfast. Popular with business travelers and tourists alike.
Luxury ($150+/night)
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama
The newest luxury property in the UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood of Casco Viejo, offering French elegance combined with Panamanian culture. Features a rooftop pool, multiple bars and restaurants, a French patisserie, and beautifully appointed rooms with colonial charm and modern amenities.
The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
Panama City's premier golf resort featuring a championship Jack Nicklaus-designed course, luxurious rooms with ocean or golf course views, world-class spa, and multiple dining options. Perfect for golfers and luxury seekers.
Waldorf Astoria Panama
A high-rise luxury hotel in the financial district offering stunning city and ocean views, Michelin-inspired dining, rooftop pool, full-service spa, and elegant rooms. Popular for business travelers and upscale tourists.
American Trade Hotel
A beautifully restored 1917 building in Casco Viejo featuring boutique luxury with historic character. Offers rooftop pool with city views, acclaimed restaurant, jazz bar, and rooms blending vintage charm with modern design.
The Bristol Panama Hotel & SPA
Panama's original independent luxury hotel offering personalized service, elegant European-style rooms, renowned spa, and fine dining. Located in the financial district with easy access to shopping and business areas.
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
An eco-luxury resort on the edge of Soberania National Park offering aerial tram through rainforest canopy, adventure activities, spa, pools, and modern rooms with nature views. Perfect base for Canal and rainforest exploration.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama
A beach resort just 15 minutes from the airport featuring direct beach access, multiple pools, water park for kids, golf course access, spa, and spacious rooms with ocean or rainforest views.
Best neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Panama with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama
The newest luxury property in the UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood of Casco Viejo, offering French elegance combined with Panamanian culture. Features a rooftop pool, multiple bars and restaurants, a French patisserie, and beautifully appointed rooms with colonial charm and modern amenities.
Hotel La Compañía
A charming boutique hotel in a restored colonial building in Casco Viejo featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, cozy rooms with character, and a prime location near restaurants and nightlife.
Magnolia Inn
A fantastic budget option in Casco Viejo's hottest neighborhood with private rooms and dorms, communal kitchen, rooftop terrace, and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. Clean, safe, and social.
The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort
Panama City's premier golf resort featuring a championship Jack Nicklaus-designed course, luxurious rooms with ocean or golf course views, world-class spa, and multiple dining options. Perfect for golfers and luxury seekers.
Casa Nuratti
A beautiful boutique hotel in Casco Viejo offering spacious suites with kitchenettes, rooftop pool, and personalized service. Perfect for longer stays and families wanting extra space.
Luna's Castle Hostel
Panama City's most famous party hostel in Casco Viejo offering dorms and private rooms, lively bar, organized events and tours, and a social atmosphere perfect for meeting other travelers.
Booking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for December-April high season — Casco Viejo boutique hotels and beach resorts sell out particularly fast
Check direct hotel websites vs booking platforms — many Panama City boutique hotels offer free breakfast or room upgrades for direct bookings
Casco Viejo offers the best atmosphere but note that cobblestone streets make wheeled luggage difficult — consider this if traveling heavy
The Westin Playa Bonita is popular for families arriving or departing Tocumen Airport as it's only 15 minutes away with a beach
Budget traveler tip: Selina, Magnolia Inn, and Luna's Castle in Casco Viejo offer private rooms at $40-70 — far better value than nearby budget hotels
January, July, and October can offer significant discounts on luxury hotels as they're shoulder season months with fewer business travelers
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.