7 of the most historically rich and visually-arresting hotels in Panama
From secluded retreats in cloud-kissed mountains to beachfront havens caressed by warm Caribbean breezes, Panama’s hotel scene is as diverse as the nation itself. This S-shaped isthmus has accommodations that are history-steeped, design-forward, sustainable, elegant, and exceptionally easy on the eye. In no particular order, here are seven beautiful hotels in Panama to feast your eyes on.
1. Hotel La Compañia, Panama City
Arguably the most majestic hotel in Panama City, Hotel La Compañia is the first Unbound by Hyatt property in Central America. This living museum honors Panama’s timeless history with exquisite rooms in three themed wings that are American, French, and Spanish. A selection of dining venues and bars will ensure you’ll never be hungry or bored, while vintage posters, portraits, and paintings throughout will keep you entertained and informed.
2. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama City
Image courtesy of Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo graced the world with its presence in early 2022. The Sofitel Legend brand is known for preserving historical locations and transforming them into luxury cultural getaways that reflect the character of the region. A former social club, this particular property has been renovated to incorporate the country’s Spanish and French past, maintaining the original French architecture. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo has a prized location as the only waterfront hotel in the old town.
3. La Coralina Island House, Bocas del Toro
Photo credit: Booking.com
You might think you’ve arrived in Indonesia when stepping into La Coralina Island House. This Bali-inspired beachfront hotel is out-of-this-world gorgeous with airy villas and rooms (all have balconies), an infinity pool, an open-air fusion restaurant, and crucially, the most comprehensive spa in all of Bocas del Toro. La Coralina is unquestionably one of the most beautiful hotels in Panama.
4. JW Marriott Panama, Panama City
Photo credit: Booking.com
With its towering presence and sleek design, JW Marriott is one of the most recognizable (and iconic) buildings adorning Panama City’s skyline. This signature property is shaped like a fully deployed sail, and it’s in the plush Punta Pacifica neighborhood. As the tallest building in Central America, it’s no surprise that the views from the pool on the 66th floor are nothing short of breathtaking.
5. Nayara Bocas del Toro, Bocas del Toro
Live out your luxury water bungalow fantasies at Nayara Bocas del Toro. Choose a bungalow with a glass bottom floor or with a swimming pool to teeter over the Caribbean Sea in privacy. Or, opt for an Ibuku Island Treehouse that’s made with reclaimed hardwood from the depths of the Panama Canal. Sustainability isn’t an afterthought at Nayara (it’s solar-powered and uses rainwater catchment systems), and nature takes center stage with rich colors all around.
6. American Trade Hotel, Panama City
You can’t miss the stunning American Trade Hotel when walking in Plaza Herrera
American Trade Hotel is a charming building restored to perfection while maintaining its Old-World feel. The 50-room boutique property in Casco Viejo’s Plaza Herrera has a grand reading room where guests may enjoy Hemingway in the afternoon and a glass of wine in the evening. Up a picturesque set of stairs is the rooftop pool which invokes St. Tropez-like elegance in the middle of the old town. This is one of the finest hotels in the city.
7. Central Hotel, Panama City
A stone’s throw from the presidential palace in Casco Viejo, Central Hotel is steeped in history as the oldest hotel in the city. It’s elegantly decorated and has a spa, a 24-hour gym, and a rooftop pool. Count Ferdinand de Lesseps and Theodore Roosevelt are among the previous guests. Don’t miss the piano serenades in the lobby.
