Panama City has a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cheap place to stay and don’t mind sharing a bathroom, or if you’re looking for 5-star amenities and breathtaking views… The hotel scene in Panama City caters to every single need. To round them up in general terms, here’s a look at the top 5 hotels to stay in Panama City.
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The Westin Panama
If you’re looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are plenty of nearby hotels including the Crowne Plaza and the Riande. Both only 5 minutes away from the airport and with accessible rates. However, a little bit further away is a top-notch option… The Westin.
Located about 17 minutes away from Tocumen International Airport through Corredor Sur, The Westin Panama provides proximity for your travels, comfort and 4-star amenities in Panama’s trendy Costa del Este area. The Westin has pretty much anything you could need including a complete fitness center, outdoor pool, spa and a restaurant. Keep in mind there are plenty of other dining options in the area since Costa del Este is a Panama City hotspot and business center.
A night at the Westin Hotel will set you back around $139 on a good day, average pricing is around $200. A breakfast buffet is included.
Villa Caprichosa
If you don’t have to get back to the airport straight away and are looking for a tropical escape, the best place to stay is in Isla Taboga. Though there are several options on the Island (take a ferry from Amador to get there) for all budgets, if you want to go all out, Villa Caprichosa is the go-to hotel.
Beautifully designed, the hotel gives off a relaxing and romantic vibe which is why it’s common to see couples staying here. The hotel was designed by the well-known interior designer, Diane Burn, which explains why the architecture is so visually stunning. That being said, the hotel will give you the feeling of being somewhere else rather than in Panama, that is until you look out at the beautiful ocean view.
The hotel is equipped with a restaurant but you can also feel free to roam around the island for other dining options. There are different suites to choose from and more than one pool on the property. Each room looks like something out of a fairytale…
A slightly more affordable option with just as stunning views on the Island is Taboga Palace SPA Hotel which offers a sun terrace, water sports facilities, and an infinity pool.
Selina Casco Viejo
For the party seeker who wants to be smack in the middle of the all the action, Casco Viejo is the best place to stay. Selina is the hands-down the best budget-friendly place to stay in this historic part of the city.
With a lively rooftop and pool, recreational space by the bar in the lobby or the underground club in the basement, Selina is full of back-packers, digital nomads, youthful tourists, and anyone looking for fun in Panama City.
You can choose to book a private room with your own bathroom or go for the more affordable hostel options with shared bathroom and even bunk beds. The perfect recipe for expanding your horizons and getting to know fellow travelers. Staying in Selina in Casco Viejo doesn’t necessarily mean all your partying is confined to the hotel… Casco is the party central at night with restaurants, bars, and clubs on every corner. During the day, you can also find museums, tourist shops and lots of churches and plazas for sightseeing. You’ll also be within easy access to the Cinta Costera.
A word of caution when wandering around Casco Viejo. Selina is located exactly where Casco ends and San Felipe starts, and the difference is visibly noticeable. It is not recommended for anyone to walk around San Felipe at night, especially foreigners. It’s not a nice area and there is a high chance of theft. There is a street in that not so nice area called Sal si puedes which translates to leave if you can… you get the picture.
For a more private and exclusive stay in casco, I recommend the American Trade Hotel.
Hotel Riu Plaza
In town for business? Calle 50 is Panama City’s financial district and you’ll find several suitable hotels here. My pick for staying in this area is the Riu Plaza. The restaurant has great food but you also have other dining options including a KFC that’s right next door, and a great Mexican restaurant (Orale Tacos & Tequila) across the street.
Business aside, If you’re in the mood for some shopping, SoHo Mall is nearby and Multiplaza is just a short cab ride away.
The hotel has more than 600 rooms with a coffee maker included which I always appreciate and of course, there’s also a gym. The best part of this hotel though is the pool and bar area, specially during the night time. Riu Plaza is one of the nicer affordable hotels to stay in the financial district. Nightly rates go for around $120 a night, but you can find special rates around $109 with breakfast included.
If you’re looking for something even more upscale, I recommend the W Hotel in Calle 50.
Hotel Innfiniti
This relatively new hotel is a very pleasant (and affordable) addition to the hotels near the Cinta Costera. It’s got easy access to public transportation but also well located enough that getting an uber is not a problem at all. The hotel recently became popular on Panamanian TikTok due to their affordable day pass option which allows you access to a room and the pool area from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for just $44. Each room is also equipped with a Smart TV for your Netflix viewing pleasure.
The rooftop where the infinity pool is located overlooks the Panama Bay so sunsets here are especially colorful. Besides the pool, the hotel also offers a restaurant in the lobby and bar/grill on the rooftop. A night here will set you back around $60 which makes for an affordable option within the city with all the amenities you need to enjoy your stay in Panama City. For a more luxurious stay in Avenida Balboa, check out the JW Marriott.
Conclusion
Like I mentioned before, in Panama City you’ll find options that cater to your specific needs. There are plenty of affordable hostels for the backpacker, upscale hotels for those seeking luxury, and everything else in between. The hotels mentioned here are a brief overview of what you can find in this ever-growing city. Wherever you choose to stay, it’s likely you’ll find English-speaking staff willing to share tips on what places to visit while you’re in town.
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