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About Panama

The Canal is the first thing many people think of when they think of Panama. But a cruise through the famous shipping route might not even make the list of top ten of best Panamanian experiences. It's this default to the canal which makes Panama a bit of an untapped resource, and many of the best places to stay in Panama have stayed below even the keenest of travel radars.

But this spectacular country offers the same kind of attractions as its Central American neighbours: sizzling nightlife, elegant colonial architecture, exotic coffee plantations, and rainforests teeming with life. Plus it's ringed with beautiful beaches, from the perfect white sands of the Caribbean coast to the wild swells of the Pacific on the other.

If you want to explore Panama's mysterious cloud forests and its amazing biodiversity, La Palma, with the best of the countries national parks, is one of the best places to stay in Panama. If you're here for a dash of the Central American lifestyle, Panama City is for you. So the best places to stay in Panama range from chic city hotels, through beach hideaways and luxury resorts, to remote national park ecolodges.

In summary, Panama is a destination ripe for discovery. Much of the country has good infrastructure, but it still feels unspoiled, and when you traipse through the jungle and come upon Spanish ruins, snorkel on the reefs off Bocas de Toro or spend some time with one of Panama's seven indigenous groups, you still get a real sense of wonder.

Below, we have deivded the best places to stay in Panama into three distinct categores: Panama City, beach and island life, and its natural treasures.

Panama City

Cosmopolitan Panama City is that curious animal, a tropical capital of International finance. Its skyscrapers are an ever growing work in progress, but the salsa rhythm from its old dance halls, a la old Cuba, are as unchangingly South American as can be. Most of Panama's historic attractions are in the elegantly dilapidated Casco Viejo. which is where you'll find many of the best bars and restaurants and entertainment. But it's also worth visiting Panama la Vieja, the ruins of the old town, sacked by pirate Henry Morgan so badly in 1671 that it was easier just to build a new city a couple of kilometres away rather than rebuild the old one. You should also not miss a visit to the Canal, a fascinating visitor attraction in its own right.

  • For a cool hotel with a party feel, book into the Tantalo Hotel. Hip roof terrace bar, with superb city views and delicious tapas restaurant.
  • 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.
  • La Concordia is boutique hotel which occupies an iconic 19th-century property nearby. Renovated suites are spacious are romantic, and offer views of the historic centre; expect traditional tiled floors, cosy rugs and a luxury bathtub. Head to the roof terrace for cocktails; a chic city hotel.
  • Finally, 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.

Panamas's Beach and Island Life

Off both coasts there are a number of idyllic, desert island type resorts. On the Pacific side you'll find great surfing towns and the opportunity to dive with whale sharks. Here are the best of them:

  • Villa Caprichosa is a traditional property on Taboga island just 8 miles from Panama City - a 30 minute ride by boat - so in a sense you get the best of both world. The proerty is a converted colonial villa set in lush gardens, with sea views from floor to ceiling windows. The best suite features a private pool. It's also just a five minute walk from the beach.
  • 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 excusrions.
  • Twenty five miles out into the Pacific you reach the Islas Secas Resort on the Islas Secas tropical island archipelago. Stylish guest villas are built of natural materials, with wooden louvred slats and sliding panels opening onto a beautiful natural setting. It's a great place for families, with plenty of unspoilt marine life to explore.
  • 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 superb fresh and healthy cuisine, and spend days exploring land and sea. Beach perfection.
  • Finally, back on the Pacific coast, Bocas del Mar - though not on an island - is a stunning property with great sea views. Contemporary decor is white on white with minimalist furnishings. A poolside restaurant serves gourmet food - not surprisingly they specialises in seafood. This is a perfect spot to completely unwind.

Panamas's Natural Treasures

Panama has quite a few national parks, encompassing volcanoes, rain forests and cloud forests.

  • Just fifteen minutes from Panama City, Parque Nacional Soberania is probably the easiest tropical rainforest to access,
  • La Amistad International Park is one of the largest and spreads into Costa Rica,
  • Volcan Baru Nacional Parque has the highest peaks, and the second largest inhabited volcanic caldera in the world,
  • and Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui has some of the world's best whale watching.
  • 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 place to stay here is the pretty Finca Lerida, set right in the middle of a coffee plantation. This boutique finca 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.
  • Finally, if you are a group or family you might like to consider an exclusive rental of the divine 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 excusions into the rainforest and national park, or the colonial town of Portobello.

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

  • The best time to visit Panama is between January and mid-April, which is the driest part of the year in this tropical country. For heavy rain, the months to avoid are May, October and November.
  • Most major cities have their own airports. The main airport is in Panama City - the Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport.
  • If you fancy exploring independently then consider hiring a car from Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

See all » 5 hôtels in Panama City

  • Global Hotel Panama Panama City (Obarrio) 60 rooms from €108

    Views  -  Breath-taking views of the cityscape from all over the hotel
    City Style
    Restaurant  -  Two dining options offering both relaxed and formal dining.
    Sights nearby  -  Panama City's Old Town is ony a ten minute walk
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolViews

    In the heart of the ultra-modern and prestigious commercial sector of Panama City. Floor to ceiling windows offer unrivalled views of the cityscape. Rooms are pristine and smart, suitable for leisure and business stays alike, and the roof top pool is the icing on the cake. A sleek, cool, city stay. See More

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  • Tantalo Hotel Panama City (San Felipe) 12 rooms from €116

    Bicycles available  -  Free bikes available for guests' use.
    Bar  -  great rooftop bar, terrific cocktails
    Restaurant  -  delicious tapas at Tantalo Kitchen
    Lively area  -  In the thick of the action.
    Restaurant

    Eat drink and be merry at this well-equipped hotel with fantastic tapas restaurant and an impressive rooftop bar. Party on. See More

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See all » 1 hôtel in Bastimentos

  • Al Natural Resort Bastimento, Bastimentos 7 rooms from €216

    Beach Life  -  Stay in natural bungalows right on a secluded white sandy beach.
    Diving  -  The hotel offers diving and PADi certifications.
    Full of character
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    RestaurantPet friendlyViews

    Live like Robinson Crusoe in these glorious natural bungalows on a secluded stretch of beach. Simple rooms, made from entirely natural materials, give you everything you need but no more. Dine 'family style' on superb fresh and healthy cuisine and spend days exploring land and sea. Beach perfection. See More

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See all » 1 hôtel in Boca Chica

  • Bocas del Mar Boca Chica (Boca Chica,) 20 rooms from €125

    Beach Life  -  Find epic sea views, plenty of water activities on offer and a secluded private beach to lounge on.
    Sailing  -  Hire a boat and spend a day island hopping.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A stunning coastal property with gorgeous sea views. Contemporary styled rooms are all white on white with dark minimalist furniture and pops of green coming from the furnishings. A poolside restaurant serves up gourmet food (specialising in seafood). The perfect spot to completely unwind. See More

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See all » 1 hôtel in Boquete

  • Finca Lerida Boquete (Los Naranjos) 21 rooms from €135

    Country Escape  -  Whether on a romantic break or a family holiday, indulge yourself at this serene rural location
    Active Holiday  -  There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer to help you make the most of your surroundings
    Great walks  -  Head off on long hikes up the mountains and take in the stunning views
    Birdwatching  -  Finca Lerida is the ideal location for a spot of birdwatching!
    RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Finca Lerida is set on a coffee plantation near Boquete. This boutique spot offers chic rooms with light hues and wooden interiors. Enjoy stunning seasonal cuisine at their restaurant, made using only the best of local produce. A quiet and relaxing stay, in a top location. See More

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See all » 1 hôtel in Taboga

  • Villa Caprichosa Taboga 5 rooms from €108

    Beach nearby  -  A tranquil villa just five minutes from stunning beaches.
    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to Crusoe's Cave and imagine the life of the great castaway.
    Great walks  -  Wander along lush trails and spot endless varieties of flowers.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendly

    A traditional property set within lush gardens. Secluded suites boast gorgeous sea views, floor to ceiling windows and antique furniture. The best suite features a private pool. Just a five minute walk from the beach this is the ideal spot to revel in utter tranquility. See More

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See all » Other hôtels in Panama

  • El Otro Lado Private Retreat Panama from €441

    Exclusive use  -  Can only be booked for exclusive use.
    Outstanding location  -  In Panama's National Park
    Great walks  -  Through the mangroves.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Embera tribe nearby, drive and then canoe to their nearest village.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolParking

    Relax in the sublime setting of Portobelo National Park. The unique aesthetic of this exclusive rental is a mixture of Caribbean nature and culture, as is the restaurant food. Swimming pool, room service and bar all included. A short walk from white sands, and offers local cultural experiences. See More

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  • The Resort at Isla Palenque Boca Chica, Panama 8 rooms from €485

    Active Holiday  -  There is a plethora of activities available at this resort for active guests, from kayaking to hiking, fishing and snorkelling
    Local exploring  -  Set in close proximity to a number of other pretty islands, it is easy to go island-hopping from this resort
    Beach Life  -  Set on a beautiful tropical island, this hotel is ideal for a relaxing beach break
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Discover an untouched tropical island experience at this resort, located in Panama's Gulf of Chiriqui. Hideout in luxury bungalows with modern amenities under a thatched roof and tropical vegetation just outside your front door. Stay cool by the hotel pool or go island hopping; an exclusive getaway. See More

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  • Islas Secas Resort Panama 4 rooms from €1799

    Local exploring  -  Explore the archipelago on a hotel boat ride, with the option to go whalewatching or on a nature tour
    Families  -  The larger casitas are designed for a family stay; there are great activities for kids here too
    Active Holiday  -  There is plenty to keep you active at this hotel, from diving to kayaking and paddle boarding
    Birdwatching  -  Go birdwatching with a hotel guide; the archipelago has the second-largest Frigate bird colony in Panama
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsNo pets

    This unique hotel is located on the tropical island archipelago of Islas Secas in Panama. Stylish guest villas have a focus on natural materials, with wooden louvred slats and sliding panels which open onto the beautiful natural setting. The resort is great for families with a love for marine life. See More

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