The best hotels in Panama

What are the best hotels in Panama?

Panama stretches from the skyscrapers and cobbled streets of Panama City to misty coffee country, vibrant rainforest and some seriously beautiful Caribbean and Pacific beaches. The best places to stay range from lively Casco Viejo boutiques and laid-back surf retreats to remote island hideaways and luxurious nature lodges. Nayara Bocas del Toro is our favourite for a romantic escape, with stylish overwater villas, an adults-only setting and plenty of opportunities to kayak, snorkel and explore. For a taste of Panama’s wilder side, The Resort at Isla Palenque is another special choice, with luxurious bungalows and an untouched tropical-island setting.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Panama or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Panama City.

The Best Places to Stay in Panama

For Panama City

• With its rooftop bar, art-filled interiors and buzzing energy, Tantalo Hotel is ideal for sociable travellers who want to party and explore. Located in Casco Viejo, it’s surrounded by nightlife and has one of the best city views in town.
• Boutique and beautifully styled, Amarla Casco Viejo is tucked down a quiet street near the buzz of central Casco. Ideal for couples or solo travellers, the decor pairs colonial touches with lush tropical accents.
• The upmarket American Trade Hotel, located in the historic centre, offers smart, well-lit rooms with antiques and parquet flooring. Boasting a rooftop pool as well as a jazz lounge, this is a great base from which to explore all the city's hotspots.
• Las Clementinas, located in the UNESCO area of the city, offers huge suites with high ceilings, antique furnishings and colourful modern artwork. Come back after a day out sightseeing to relax on the rooftop terrace with a good book.
• The ultra-modern Global Hotel Panama, in the commercial hub of the city, has sleek accommodation featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful views. Once again, there's the obligatory rooftop pool for your pleasure, and two excellent restaurants.

For Beach and Island Life

• Further up the Pacific coast towards Costa Rica you come to The Resort at Isla Palenque, which offers an untouched tropical island experience in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Hide away in luxury bungalows under a thatched roof, with tropical vegetation just outside your front door. It's a great base for island hopping and dive excursions.
• For the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience, cross to the Caribbean coast due north, and check into one of Al Natural Resort's glorious bungalows on a secluded beach on the south side of Bastimentos Island. These simple rooms are made from entirely natural materials. Dine 'family style' on dishes created from superb fresh and healthy ingredients, and spend days exploring land and sea. Beach perfection.

For Panama's Natural Treasures

• If you're here to see the famous green, yellow and red Quetzal bird, one of the best places to visit in Panama is Boquete — also the country's coffee capital — and the hotel to book here is the pretty Finca Lerida, set right in the middle of a coffee plantation. This boutique property offers chic rooms with light hues and wooden interiors. Enjoy stunning seasonal cuisine at their restaurant, made using only the best of local produce. It's the ultimate relaxing stay in a beautiful location.
• If you are a travelling as a group or with wider family, you might like to consider an exclusive rental of El Otro Lado Private Retreat. It's set in the sublime Portobelo National Park and offers a unique mixture of Caribbean nature and culture. A swimming pool, room service and bar are included. It's a short walk to white sands, and it's a great base for excursions into the rainforest and national park, or the colonial town of Portobelo.

For Wellness Stays

• Set on a qiet stretch of coast, Sansara Resort is a stylish surf and yoga retreat with a focus on wellness and community. Guests come for daily classes, nourishing food and the Pacific views from bed.

For Romance

• With just a handful of design-led villas suspended over the sea, Nayara Bocas del Toro is an adults-only escape that oozes romance. Kayak through mangroves by day, sip champagne on your deck by night.
• Rooftop cocktails, plush interiors and period charm make La Concordia perfect for a city break for two. Spend the day walking the cobbled streets of Casco and enjoy candlelit dinners back at the hotel come evening.
• With antique furniture, leafy terraces and sea-facing windows, Villa Caprichosa is an elegant bolthole on peaceful Taboga Island. Couples love the privacy, charm and dramatic sunsets.

For Families

• With interconnecting bungalows, a kids’ pool and plenty of space to roam, Bocas del Mar is ideal for families wanting an easy, scenic escape. The restaurant is child-friendly, and the vibe is relaxed.
• Island adventures await at Islas Secas Resort, where marine safaris and multi-room villas make it easy to travel as a group. Children love the wildlife, and grown-ups appreciate the service and style.
• With a kids' club, babysitters and even a children’s pool, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort has families covered. Parents can hit the spa or golf course while little ones stay entertained.

For Luxury Escapes

• Five-star luxury meets colonial beauty at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, where old-world charm is paired with fine dining and slick service. Rooms are elegant, the pool has sea views, and history is all around.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the flexibility of a self-catering option, then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly into Tocumen International Airport, located about 20 minutes drive northeast of Panama City.
• If you fancy exploring independently then consider hiring a car from Rentalcars.
• The best time to visit Panama is between January and mid-April, which is the driest part of the year in this tropical country. With heavy rainfall, the months to avoid are May, October and November.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our recommendations for hotels in Nicaragua,
• Or check out our pick of the best Caribbean hotels,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.