Popular hostel chain in a restored colonial building with coworking space, rooftop terrace, and social atmosphere. Dorms and private rooms available.
Selina Panama City occupies a restored 19th-century colonial building at the corner of Avenida B and Calle 12 Este in Casco Antiguo, Panama City's UNESCO World Heritage–listed historic quarter. The property sits within easy walking distance of Plaza de la Independencia, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the sea-wall promenade; Panama City's financial district is roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi and the Albrook Bus Terminal around 20 minutes away.
Opened in early 2019 after a multi-year restoration, the building combines colonial archways with bold artistic murals, hanging chairs, and vintage cars displayed in common areas. The concept — branded "Selina Playground" — attracts a mix of budget travellers, digital nomads, and long-term residents rather than a standard backpacker crowd.
Dormitories run from 4- to 12-bed configurations, including a dedicated 6-bed female-only room; each bunk has individual storage and a private power socket. Private accommodation spans nine categories: micro rooms with shared bath, standard queens, twin doubles, studios, family rooms sleeping four, suites with balconies, suite-plus options with a sofa, and a two-bedroom apartment. All rooms have air conditioning and fans.
Dining centres on two venues: a ground-floor restaurant open to the public, serving an executive lunch daily and a late-night menu Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 7 a.m. (pancakes, burgers, soups, sandwiches); and Tacos La Neta on the rooftop, with views over the colonial rooftops and the Panama City skyline. Vegetarian and vegan choices appear across both menus.
The rooftop also holds a pool with a tropical atmosphere and a bar specialising in Panamanian craft beers from La Rana Dorada alongside cocktails. Entertainment includes acoustic concerts, DJ sets, a SILO disco, and an on-site cinema. Daily activities include a 7 a.m. yoga class and a 6 a.m. guided bicycle tour of Casco Antiguo; Sunday wellness programming extends to acro yoga, juggling, and meditation. Bike and skateboard rentals are available at reception.
Coworking is central to the property: hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices are sold on daily, weekly, or monthly memberships to guests and outside members alike. A pool table occupies the lobby, and an Indigo Tattoo Studio operates on-site with local artists. The property is pet-friendly for private-room guests (additional fee applies), and luggage storage is provided at reception for flexible arrival and departure times.
Location
8.9533, -79.5360 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views across Casco Antiguo's colonial rooftops and the Panama City skyline
- Integrated coworking space with hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices on daily, weekly, and monthly memberships
- Tacos La Neta rooftop restaurant and a ground-floor all-day eatery with a late-night weekend menu (1–7 a.m.)
- Nine private room categories plus 4-to-12-bed dorms — including a dedicated female-only 6-bed option
- Daily yoga at 7 a.m. and morning bicycle tours of Casco Antiguo at 6 a.m., plus Sunday wellness workshops
Tips for visiting
- Book private rooms or dorms well in advance for the December–April dry season; Casco Viejo accommodation fills quickly during this peak period.
- The rooftop bar and Tacos La Neta are open to non-guests — useful as a sundowner spot even when staying elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
- Bring a padlock: the property supplies individual storage lockers at each dorm bunk but does not provide locks.
- Coworking day passes are available without an overnight stay; Casco Viejo residents receive one free day per week.
- The late-night weekend menu (Thursday–Saturday, 1–7 a.m.) gets busy after nearby bars close — arrive early or expect a short wait.