Panama City is Panama’s capital and largest city. It’s known for its modern nuance, bustling with banking and commerce activity. Panama City is also the home to one of the most popular attractions in America: the Panama Canal. Surrounded by Panama Bay, the city provides you beautiful ocean views. On the other side of Panama City, you’ll find a tropical rainforest with spectacular landscape views. The city’s business district has impressive skyscrapers and a wide variety of hotels, shops, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Panama City’s historic district, Casco Viejo, has colonial buildings kept and restored since the colonial era. Now the question is: where would you find the best hotels in Panama City?
Where to Stay in Panama City
As mentioned before, the Panama Canal is the city’s most popular attraction. However, there are several ways you can enjoy it. If you want a basic view of the canal, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center. Or book a hotel offering the best view! Another attraction you can’t miss is the Metropolitan National Park. There you can have a glimpse of Panama’s unique flora and fauna. We dig deeper into this on top things to do in Panama City.
The metropolis divides itself into different areas. Therefore, depending on your preferences, there are several options on where to stay. Casco Viejo offers you a colonial ambient, perfect if you want to know more about the city’s history. Now, if you want the full cosmopolitan experience, stay in the bay area of Calidonia. There you’ll find the most luxurious hotels and a wide variety of shops and elegant restaurants. Meanwhile, travelers that are on business trips should stay in the central area of Bella Vista, where most of the major banking and commerce centers are.
Overall, Panama City offers you a luxurious, fun vacation at the best price point. The city has multiple hotels for you to choose from, and most of them are under 100 USD! Whatever your budget is, guaranteed, you’ll find the perfect hotel.
Grand International Hotel
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The first hotel on our list of the best hotels in Panama City is the Grand International Hotel. Situated in the Bella Vista district, the hotel offers you a great location. Both the exterior and interior features a modern design. The hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves international dishes. For those who prefer something familiar, Domino’s Pizza is on the floor level of the building. But if you want more options, visit one of the many restaurants nearby. Besides, Metropolitan National Park is just 1.2mi (2km) from the hotel. Even better, Panama’s most popular attraction, the Panama Canal, is only 1.9mi (3.2km) away.
The hotel also features a swimming pool and spa treatments such as massages, facials, and other beauty services. The sun terrace and picnic area on the top of the building provide you with beautiful views of the city. But its affordable rates are probably what make it one of the best hotels in Panama City, Panama.
Ramada by Wyndham Panama Centro Via Argentina
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Ramada by Wyndham Panama Centro Via Argentina is a modern hotel in the center of Panama City. It features an on-site fitness center for you to keep your exercise routine when traveling. At the rooftop pool, you can swim while enjoying the view of Panama City’s skyline. For your security, the hotel provides a free, secured parking garage. Convenient if you plan on renting a car.
This hotel is an excellent option for business trips. It provides a business center along with banquet facilities. And if you need to catch up on work, fax and photocopying facilities are also available. On-site, you’ll find both a coffee house and a restaurant. The coffee shop serves light meals and snacks, while the restaurant offers more food options and a moderate wine selection. The rates vary depending on the number of guests, but they’re still affordable. Despite not being all-inclusive, the hotel provides you with free breakfasts during your stay.
Hotel Caribe Panamá
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We pick Hotel Caribe Panama as one of the best hotels in Panama City simply for the views it offers at a reasonable rate. You can see not only the city’s skyline but the shore of Panama Bay and Ancon Hill from here. At the rooftop, you’ll find a swimming pool and a terrace where you can hang out. On-site, there’s a restaurant that serves you free breakfast in the morning and delicious local cuisine at lunch and dinner time. The hotel also features an on-site casino if you enjoy these types of attractions.
The Canal Museum of Panama is less than 1.2mi (2km) from the hotel. Perfect for museum enthusiasts! And if you like nature, visit Ancon Hill, which is only 1mi (1.7km) away. The Paitilla Airport is also nearby at 1.2mi (2km), and the hotel provides you with a shuttle service. Indeed, it’s an excellent choice when visiting Panama City.
Oriental Panamá City
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Located in the financial district of Panamá City, Oriental Panamá City is a modern choice. Its location offers quick access to a variety of restaurants and shops. Beirut, a Lebanese restaurant, and La Casa del Marisco, a seafood place, are less than 0.2mi (350m) from the hotel. However, the hotel features an on-site restaurant if you prefer to stay in. A fitness center is also available. And if you like going to parks, visit the Parque Andrés Bello, which is only 1mi (1.7km) away, or the Metropolitan National Park, 1.4mi (2.4km) from the hotel. These alone should enough to make it one of the best hotels in Panama City.
Despite not having a rooftop pool, the hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy outstanding views of the city and landscape. The rates depend on the facilities they include. Some rooms only include basic amenities such as a private bathroom. Meanwhile, bedrooms that are soundproof and include a coffee machine and minibar are more expensive.
Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downtown
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Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Downton is a modern, luxurious hotel located in the city’s financial district. It features a fitness center furnished with high-quality gym equipment. The gym alone makes it one of the best hotels in Panama City. However, there’s plenty more the hotel offers. The on-site restaurant, Garden Grille & Var, serves continental breakfast and offers you à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. A hot tub at the rooftop is a great place to relax while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
The rooms provide you with every travel essential you might need. They include hairdryers, coffee machines, and even Neutrogena toiletries. Despite these amenities, the room’s rates are reasonable. If you want to stay in a luxurious hotel without breaking the bank, pick this hotel.
Hampton by Hilton Panama
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Situated in Bella Vista near the financial district, Hampton by Hilton Panama is an excellent option for business trips. The hotel features a spacious and luxurious business center, as well as banquet and meeting facilities. At the rooftop, you’ll find an indoor swimming pool, great for relaxing after a long day of meetings or exploring the city. For gym enthusiasts, the hotel also features a modern fitness center. The hotel’s price points might be more expensive compared to other 4-star hotels, but we assure you it’s worth it.
Hampton by Hilton Panama doesn’t have an on-site restaurant. However, there’s a wide selection of restaurants nearby for you to enjoy. For a unique shopping experience, visit the Plaza Concordia Shopping Centre, which is less than 0.6mi (1km) away. If you enjoy the outdoors, go to the Metropolitan National Park, 1.3mi (2.2km) from the hotel. Enjoy all of these nearby attractions while staying at one of the best hotels in Panama City.
Selina Casco Viejo Panama City
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Unlike most hotels in Panama City, this one has an industrial design both on the exterior and interior. Selina Casco Viejo Panama City offers different types of rooms. From double rooms to studio apartments, there’s an option for everyone. Backpackers love the hotel’s shared bedrooms, where they can rent only a bunk bed and not the whole room, like in hostels.
Whichever you choose, you get to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant that serves à la carte dishes. The rooftop restaurant offers you amazing views of the country’s landscape and a cozy ambient. A shared kitchen is also available if you want to cook your meals. And if you’re a museum enthusiast, visit the Canal Museum of Panama located at 0.6mi (1km) within the hotel. Panama’s famous Bridge of the Americas, one of the bridges that cross international borders is 1.9mi (3.1km) away. While Ancon Hill is only 0.8mi (1.4km) far. So, if you want to enjoy the city’s most famous attractions, pick this hotel. We assure you it’s one of the best hotels in Panama City, Panama.
Plaza Paitilla Inn
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Plaza Paitilla Inn offers you breathtaking views of Panama Bay, making it one of the best hotels in Panama City. It features a unique design on the exterior. Meanwhile, the rooms offer modernity that includes a minibar and a coffee machine. The rates might be more expensive compared to others, but the luxurious ambient is worth it. The hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves international cuisine. The restaurant also offers room service, and most of the reservations provide you free breakfast.
On-site, you’ll also find a lounge bar, an outdoor pool, and a sun terrace. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing! Plaza Paitilla also features a business center with banquet facilities, ideal for business trips. The Canal Museum of Panama and Presidential Palace are less than 1.8mi (3km) away. Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, this hotel is an excellent choice.
Hyatt Place Panama City Downtown
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Located in the Bella Vista district, Hyatt Place Panama City Downtown is one of the most luxurious hotels available. It features an outdoor swimming pool open all year round. If you enjoy sunbathing, you’ll love the hotel’s sun terrace. The hotel has not only an on-site restaurant but a coffee shop. The restaurant offers room service and has a kid’s menu. Perfect when traveling with the little ones! Also, a fitness center is available for you to exercise.
If you’re a nature lover, visit the Metropolitan National Park, which is only 1.4mi (2.4km) away. Also, the hotel is 1.9mi (3.1km) from the Canal Museum of Panama. And if transportation worries you, the hotel conveniently sells public transportation tickets to popular locations. Amenities-wise, all of the rooms include a coffee machine and a safety deposit box. They also offer views of either the city or some famous landmarks. But its rate is what makes it one of the best hotels in Panama City. It’s so affordable for all the amenities the hotel offers.
Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero
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Situated in the city’s financial district, Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero is a classic yet modern city hotel. It features a 24-hour front desk, a mini-market, a swimming pool, and a terrace. Also, there’s an on-site fitness center with modern gym equipment for you to work out. The hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves buffet breakfast and à la carte options for lunch and dinner. However, if you like to try different foods, visit one of the many nearby restaurants that serve international cuisines.
Nearby attractions include the Metropolitan National Park, which is 1.7mi (2.8km) from the hotel. All of the rooms include a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, ironing facilities, and a wake-up service. Interconnected rooms are available, perfect if you’re traveling in a large group. The hotel’s rate is on the pricier side. As the room’s capacity increases, prices will too. Despite this, the hotel’s features and its location are worth it. In fact, it’s enough to call it one of the best hotels in Panama City.
Waldorf Astoria Panama
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If you want to stay in the best of the best hotels in Panama City, reserve a room at the Waldorf Astoria Panama. Located in Panama City’s business district, the hotel features a unique modern design. Each room provides an elegant, luxurious ambient. All of them include a coffee machine and offer views of the Panama Bay or the city. Depending on the type of room, some even include a spa bath!
The hotel has two on-site restaurants that serve different cuisines. The Brio Brasserie serves a mix of French and American food. Meanwhile, the Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge offers delicious sushi and cocktails.
For your enjoyment on-site, Waldorf Astoria Panama has an on-site fitness center, a spa, and a terrace. While off-site, the hotel is just 1.67mi (2.7km) from the Canal Museum of Panama and the Presidential Palace. Metropolitan National Park is not that far away either. As expected from a 5-star hotel, rates are higher compared to other hotels in the city. But all its features and the luxury experience you get is worth every cent.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Panama City:
- La Vespa – The best Italian restaurant not only in Panama City but in the country. Vegan dishes are also available.
- La Fábrica – It’s a bar and restaurant that serves international food. Here you’ll find the most exquisite artisan beers.
- Los Años Locos – This restaurant serves Argentinian cuisine. Their steaks and wines are something you can’t miss.
- Azahar Panamá – It’s an elegant restaurant where you’ll find a mix of seafood and Asian dishes. Have dinner while enjoying the view from the terrace.
- Casacasco – With a traditional design, this restaurant is the perfect option for everyone. It serves delicious local food but also international dishes.
Recommended Activities In Panama City:
- Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour – With this tour, you’ll visit the Panama Canal, and you’ll travel between both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also visit the San Lorenzo National Park and Gatun Lake.
- Miraflores Locks and Casco Viejo – If you enjoy heritage tourism, you’ll love Panama’s City historic district. Casco Viejo’s buildings maintain a colonial design, while the Miraflores Locks will give you a glimpse of the Panama Canal.
- Monkey Island Panama – Panama’s Monkey Island is home to different monkey species native of Central America. Most tours that visit the Island take you also to the famous town of Gamboa.
- Metropolitan National Park – It’s a 232-hectares protected area in the heart of Panama City. You’ll enjoy a view of Panama’s flora and fauna.
