One of Central America’s most cosmopolitan capitals, Panama City is a place where many worlds coexist. From a skyline of shimmering glass and steel towers to cobblestone neighbourhoods of crumbled ruins, the urban cityscape blends a fast-paced modern lifestyle with a hip-trendy hub.
Nestled in the heart of the tropics, escape is never far away. You can explore lush rainforests inhabited by exotic wildlife, embark on day trips to sandy beaches (Pacific or Caribbean), or take a cruise through the famous Panama Canal.
Dubbed the ‘Miami of Central America’, Panama City’s cultural synthesis has paved the way for an eclectic collection of vibrant hotels, which range from tropical boutiques to shimmering skyscrapers. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Panama City, Panama (in no particular order)...
1. Riande Urban Hotel – an ultra-chic cosmopolitan and Instagrammable oasis that features fashionable decor and modern amenities
Family-owned and operated, Riande Urban Hotel is draped in boutique décor, and exclusive design work which exudes a modern, urban personality.
Many elements around the communal spaces blend contemporary fashion with bespoke art, while quirky additions create a bold, eclectic atmosphere.
The hallways, gym, and meeting rooms all radiate the stylish character, with industrial-chic lighting fixtures, artsy prints, and lush leather couches dotted around.
In the guestrooms, wall murals and paintings enhance the hip-trendy style, and are complemented by sleek bathrooms of stylish vessel sinks and rainfall showerheads. Located in the bustling centre of Panama City, a few steps from the hotel takes you to an electric array of casinos, restaurants, and shopping malls.
- To book, check prices or availability for Riande Urban Hotel
2. Amarla Boutique Hotel Casco Viejo – one of the most Instagrammable boutique hotels in Panama City
Panama’s first adult-only hotel welcomes you with a warm and intimate ambiance, where attention to detail is the bedrock of all undertakings.
Having renovated a colonial home into a boutique hotel, Amarla is steeped in history and charm, and is situated in the beating heart of historic Panama.
The 8 en-suite guestrooms are beautifully decorated with creations from local artisans and craftsmen, and are equipped with convenient amenities to guarantee a comforting stay.
The signature restaurant ‘Kaandela’ offers a menu characterized by open-fire recipes, and blends local and global flavours to complement the delicious drinks crafted by mixologists.
- To book, check prices or availability for Amarla Boutique Hotel Casco Viejo
3. Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Autograph Collection – a cool and stylish hotel that offers great facilities including a casino perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs
Exuding excellence from every corner of the property, Sortis has been beautifully crafted to offer a vibrant and energetic scene in downtown Panama City.
Steeped in chic sophistication, each of the 391 designer rooms are festooned in a striking, ultramodern style that permeates every moment of the guest experience.
The pool area overlooks the effervescent cityscape, and offers a lavish spot to watch the day fade into night as the skyline lights up.
Further on-site offerings include a poolside Bar & Lounge, a family-friendly kids pool and arcade, and exquisite culinary experiences showcasing modern Panamanian and international dishes.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sortis Hotel, Spa & Casino, Autograph Collection
4. Selina Casco Viejo Panama City – a hip, cool and funky hotel to stay in Panama City perfect for fun-loving and partying Millennials and Gen Zs
This urban oasis blends industrial boutique furnishings with a bohemian vibe, topped with a touch of tropical flair. Selina offers a charming rooftop terrace with outdoor pool, where you can watch live performances and enjoy vibrant party nights
. Surrounded by colourful, colonial buildings yet close to futuristic skyscrapers, at the Selina you are never far from adventure. Both a versatile and multicultural venue, the hotel offers local walking tours and inspiring workshops inviting you to immerse yourself in Casco Viejo’s charming heritage.
Around the hotel, you can relax in stylish spaces filled with natural light, as you socialize with other nomads or entrepreneurs in a haven filled with creativity and passion.
- To book, check prices or availability for Selina Casco Viejo Panama City
5. The Jungle Lodge at Kalu Yala – a unique luxury camping resort that provides a peaceful setting where you can unplug and unwind
Beautifully nestled in the heart of the bush, girdled by lush vegetation on the edge of a stunning body of water, a step into The Jungle Lodge is an experience for the senses.
The lodge’s enviable location allows guests a unique chance to switch off, retreat to a slower pace of life, and reconnect with nature.
You can take a dip in the peaceful river after a beautiful stroll through the green hinterland, and finish your day off with a delicious barbeque backdropped by a tropical sunset, all bound by an eco-friendly conscience.
After waking up in your cabin you can participate in guided yoga sessions, or simply recline in a deckchair and revel in the charm of this serene jungle haven.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Jungle Lodge at Kalu Yala
6. W Panama – a cool, hip and trendy hotel that features an ultra-creative interior
Taking inspiration from local art, fashion, culture, and cuisine, W Panama proudly pierces through the skyline, and offers guests insider access to the story and history of this illustrious city.
This dazzling skyscraper sits within the bustling business district, a short walk from the city’s most epic dining and nightlife spots.
Vibrant colours and bold design work highlight the cultural artefacts around the property, an essence which extends into the 203 fully equipped guestrooms.
Raising the bar of contemporary luxury in Panama’s night scene, at the end of the day you can enjoy an emblematic cocktail made by expert mixologists at La Cajita, or delight in local flavours at Moró Restaurant.
- To book, check prices or availability for W Panama
7. La Isabela Suites – a cozy and unique aparthotel that offers spacious suites right in the heart of the city
Nestled in the heart of the historic Casa Viejo, a UNESCO world heritage site, La Isabela puts you at an arm’s reach of some of Panama City’s best jazz clubs and most vibrant restaurants.
A cutting-edge Spanish design group and a leading restoration architect worked together to create this elegant property, under the vision to maintain the 19th-century feel and add a splash of contemporary opulence.
Curated pieces of Panamanian art are displayed throughout the hotel, creating a unique harmony through a vivid integration of styles, materials, and perspectives.
Offering the largest suites in the city, a luxury boutique ambiance suffuses the modern interiors, and each unit opens on to spacious balconies.
- To book, check prices or availability for La Isabela Suites
8. JW Marriott Panama – an upscale and sophisticated oceanfront hotel where guests can benefit from infinity pools with panoramic views
This high-rise luxury hotel is situated along the shores of Punta Pacifica, and surrounded by the many entertainment options and first-rate eateries of the Financial District.
You can kickstart your day with a splash into the resort-style infinity pool and soak up the dazzling cityscape views, and unwind in the evening with a tropical cocktail from the poolside restaurant.
Infused with Panamanian soul, the brand-new signature restaurant ‘MASI’ is the perfect spot to entice your taste buds with authentic cuisine.
The commodious guestrooms are decked out with lavish décor inspired by the sparkling coastline, topped with plush bedding and a cosmopolitan ambiance.
- To book, check prices or availability for JW Marriott Panama
9. Canova – a charming, cute and chic boutique hotel that is the perfect home away from home
Opened in 2020 in the heart of the city, Canova invites guests to revel in a graceful blend of nature and modernity, with a boutique ambiance set through hip décor and classy furnishings.
In the corridors and communal spaces, references to the nature’s uplifting powers are evident through lush potted plants contrasting the monochrome walls.
The guestrooms, slick and cosy, emanate an air of industrial elegance and are embellished with splashes of quirky accents, offering a unique hospitality experience.
The hotel is located a very short walk from the popular Cinta Costera, and two blocks from Lotería Metro Station, meaning everything Panama City has to offer is right at your fingertips.
- To book, check prices or availability for Canova
10. Villa Palma Boutique Hotel – a quirky-chic romantic boutique hotel that overlooks Panama Bay
Classical opulence and luxury radiate through this stunning boutique hotel, proudly located on the First Street of Casco Viejo.
Villa Palma is your sumptuous home away from home in an exotic and exciting metropolis and features two bars, a stylish Mediterranean restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a serene internal courtyard.
The 14 rooms and suites are independently themed, and feature bespoke handmade furniture imported from Venice Italy.
The on-site Restaurant Med is an invigorating concept which offers sharing dishes from a variety of Mediterranean origins, while the exclusive terrace bar features a hot tub overlooking Panama Bay, and is the perfect spot for a romantic evening of wine and Venetian tapas.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
11. Hotel La Compania, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt – a refined place to stay in Panama City where guests will receive a world-class service
At Hotel La Compania, opulent modern design has revitalized a landmark location, where three different eras of Panama’s illustrious history come to life across the three wings.
The 88 guestrooms are a tribute to the French, Spanish, and American architectural traditions, and though they are themed individually, they share a bright, airy feel topped with a host of plush amenities.
Five in-house restaurants radiate the same historical inspiration, from the old-school wood and brass furnishings of the American Bazaar to the stone Spanish Church interior of El Santuario.
A rooftop pool and bar area offers the perfect vantage point of the thriving metropolis, while the soothing spa provides signature treatments to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel La Compania, In The Unbound Collection By Hyatt
12. Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo – a high-end 19th-century hotel housed in a French Colonial-style building
Another Casco Viejo gem, the undeniable charm of Panama meets the grace of high-end luxury at this stunning five-star hotel.
The gorgeously restored property boasts 135 guestrooms which all feature scintillating views of the Old Town, and are draped in the finest luxuries.
You can indulge in unforgettable moments of relaxation at the spa or the glistening rooftop pool, or simply pamper yourself by slipping into a complimentary bathrobe and ordering a room service of fresh menu delights.
Guests are invited to kickstart their day with a delicious breakfast and bring it to a close with a crafted cocktail in the scenic rooftop bar.
- To book, check prices or availability for Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
13. Hotel Casa Panama – a cool and unusual pet-friendly hotel that offers live music
Make yourself at home in this Casco Viejo oasis, which offers a blissful sun terrace and an outdoor pool open all year round.
Guests can be entertained by top-notch musical performances on the hotel’s rooftop at night, or step into the dazzling night scene of the surrounding area.
The hotel is clad in stunning stone walls reflecting the essence of a bygone era, characterizing the charm of Panama’s historic district.
The guestrooms blend an industrial feel with a sense of traditional intimacy, setting the tone through a moody lighting system and quirky artisan décor. All rooms are equipped with tech-forward amenities, while a select few boast uninterrupted views of the sea, garden, or the city.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Casa Panama
14. La Concordia – Boutique Hotel – an elegant 19th-century boutique hotel located within the Casco Viejo historic district
Located in the historic district of Panama City, this cultural haven captivates guests with a storied past, inviting them to experience an atmosphere steeped in heritage and decades’ worth of memories.
The quintessential building is now a romantic boutique hotel, and is the perfect spot to soak up the elegant tone of Casco Viejo. La Concordia boasts 10 guestrooms which have been exclusively tailored to provide a tasteful and unique experience.
They feature hanging chandeliers, old-world décor, and plush traditional seating areas, adding an air of opulence. A few quaint terrace areas dotted by plants and greenery offer further spaces to enjoy an open-air setting as you take in the graceful ambiance.
- To book, check prices or availability for La Concordia – Boutique Hotel
15. Natural Island Paradise, Saboga Lodge – Adults Only – an unassuming peaceful hotel that offers a distinctive and unforgettable experience
Blissfully located in the heart of the jungle, Natural Island Paradise offers the perfect place to disconnect and surrender to the rhythms of tropical life.
The year-round outdoor pool is girdled by lush vegetation, and is dotted by loungers where you can sit and soak up the hinterland charm.
A delicious breakfast is served poolside, complementing a range of seasonal dishes on offer throughout the day.
The guestrooms are individually appointed with minimalist furnishings, while some offer serene terraces backdropped by the soaring trees.
This tranquil resort harmonizes with the planet through an eco-friendly concept, uniting the land and its people into a luxury island experience like no other.
- To book, check prices or availability for Natural Island Paradise, Saboga Lodge – Adults Only
16. American Trade Hotel – one of the best upscale boutique hotels housed in a landmark Colonial-style building
Blending a sleek, contemporary design with an air of old-world elegance, this upscale hotel occupies a gorgeous restored 1917 building standing at the ecological and cultural crossroads of the Americas.
The hotel is a melting pot of influencers, visionaries, and creatives from around the world, and reflects a fusion of the historic Old Quarter and the nascent Panama City.
The guestrooms feature a modern design coupled with colonial charm and comfort, and are fitted with luxurious Frette linens and cutting-edge technology.
A member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’, this Casco Viejo gem offers a unique twist on fine dining, and further boasts a world-class Jazz Club and a stunning Event Space, catering to various profiles of traveller.
- To book, check prices or availability for American Trade Hotel
17. Hilton Panama – a sleek and upmarket hotel where guests can benefit from majestic city views
Epitomising the sophisticated luxury of the Hilton brand, this stunning Panama City sanctuary sets the tone for a lavish vacation through spacious interiors draped in marble and fine woods.
Each guestroom exudes opulence through luxurious amenities and soft white bedding, inviting you to relish a blissful night of respite.
The hotel looks out over the waterfront Balboa Avenida, and is situated within a kilometre of downtown Panama City and the Cinta Costera.
The on-site Society Café offers authentic Panamanian cuisine and an evening ceviche bar, while the upscale restaurant treats you to an eclectic menu of international delicacies.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hilton Panama
18. AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City – a contemporary boutique hotel that offers free bikes to explore the area
Rooted in an approach to guarantee optimal comfort and utility through trendsetting design, AC Hotel offers functional beauty without distraction, transforming a trip into a refined getaway.
The European-inspired guestrooms are decked out with boutique furnishings and marble-clad bathrooms, and suffused with an air of chic sophistication.
The rooftop invites you to take a refreshing dip in a stunning infinity pool as you melt away the day’s excitement in the backdrop of the dazzling cityscape.
The on-site bar and restaurant awaits you with an authentic taste of Panama through mouth-watering meals, tapas, and expertly crafted cocktails. The open, light-filled kitchen is the ultimate spot to kickstart your day with a delicious European-inspired breakfast.
- To book, check prices or availability for AC Hotel by Marriott Panama City
19. Aloft Panama – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Panama City
A vast lobby with over 3000 square feet of public space sets the tone for a grand welcome at Aloft Panama. With areas to work, play games, eat, and lounge about, this large high-ceilinged area is brimming with character and vivid lights.
The 303 dynamic guestrooms and communal areas exhibit a sophisticated design with elevated finishes, and are bedecked with an ultra-comfortable signature bed, a large TV to which you can link your electronics, and custom amenities by Bliss Spa.
You can delight your senses with multiple culinary options at either ‘WXYZ Bar’, the Fusion Cuisine restaurant ‘RED’, or you can take a grab-and-go hamper from the 24-hour snack bar ‘Re:Fuel’.
- To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Panama
20. Albrook Inn – a laid-back hotel that boasts attractive gardens and a cool vibe
Nestled amid lush greenery away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, this opulent hotel is the perfect choice if you have a flight at the crack of dawn, owing to its convenient location 5 minutes from the airport.
Albrook Inn invites you to stay among exotic animals that live in the gardens, and awaken from a restful sleep to the tweeting of birds.
The Gardens Restaurant reveals epic views of the wildlife and vegetation, and offers outdoor seating areas for a lazy afternoon or romantic evening. 100% fresh Panamanian products constitute the seasonal menus here, which strive to satisfy the diverse palates of visitors from near and far.
- To book, check prices or availability for Albrook Inn
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Gary is an award winning full time professional photographer and videographer with too much wanderlust for his own good. Fuelled by strong coffee, you’ll often find him wandering well off hiking trails in search of interesting photographic subjects or scenery to video. Self taught and with the use of pioneering digital techniques, he quickly built up a strong client base and has worked with many prestigious organisations, including GQ, BBC, London Fashion Week, Grazia, Sky, Metro, Vogue Italia. He specialising in evocative images of people, places and cinematic videography and his goal is to make the viewer look twice and engage. As well as a penchant for good design, the ketogenic diet and Hungarian Vizslas, he also has a huge affection for Chicago, Bucharest, Scandinavia, Croatia and absolutely everywhere in Italy. Find him on Instagram @garynansome, Twitter @garynansome and his website https://garynunn.co.uk/