Where to Stay in Panama
Best Hotels, Resorts & Eco-Lodges
Panama offers an incredible variety of accommodations, from five-star city escapes with skyline views to rustic eco-lodges tucked deep in the rainforest. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Panama City, an overwater bungalow in Bocas del Toro, or a cozy coffee estate stay in Boquete, there’s a perfect place for every type of traveler.
Planning activities during your stay? Explore our curated selection of guided tours, island trips, cultural experiences, and day adventures across Panama — many with pickup available from major hotels and private rentals.
Explore Where to Stay by Location
Where to Stay in Panama City
As Panama’s capital and vibrant urban hub, Panama City offers accommodations for every travel style, from historic boutique hotels to modern luxury high-rises overlooking the Pacific.
For visitors, the city is best explored by choosing the right neighborhood, as each area offers a distinct experience — culture, nightlife, business convenience, or waterfront views.
Best areas to stay in Panama City include:
- Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) – history, boutique hotels, nightlife
- Financial District & Downtown – luxury hotels, business convenience
- Cinta Costera & Avenida Balboa – modern hotels with ocean views and walkability
Below, we break down each area and the best places to stay.
Where to Stay in Casco Viejo (Old Quarter)
Casco Viejo is Panama City’s historic heart, known for its colorful colonial architecture, rooftop bars, cultural landmarks, and lively nightlife. Staying here places you within walking distance of plazas, museums, cafés, and some of the city’s best dining spots.
Best for: Couples, culture lovers, nightlife seekers, short stays, LGBTQ+ travelers
Boutique Charm in Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is home to some of Panama City’s most charming boutique hotels, offering personalized service, stylish design, and a strong sense of place.
Where to Stay in Panama City’s Financial District & Downtown
The Financial District and Downtown Panama City is the city’s modern core, featuring high-rise hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and easy access to business hubs. This area is ideal for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and upscale amenities.
Best for: Business travelers, luxury seekers, first-time visitors, conferences
Luxury Hotels in the Financial District
Pamper yourself in world-class luxury hotels offering skyline views, rooftop pools, spas, and fine dining — all within minutes of Panama City’s main attractions.
Hilton Panama
Hilton Panama is one of the top luxury hotels in Panama City, offering modern rooms with panoramic views, a rooftop pool, fine dining, and a full-service spa.
Located near the Financial District and just steps from Cinta Costera, it provides easy access to both business centers and Casco Viejo, making it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in the heart of the city.
Convenient Business Hotels
Panama City’s Financial District also offers excellent business-friendly hotels with modern amenities, meeting facilities, and prime locations.
Staying in Panama City?
Panama City is the perfect base for exploring the country. Discover neighborhoods, attractions, and local experiences in our complete Panama City and Casco Viejo destination guide, and explore our curated selection of Panama City tours, nightlife experiences, island day trips, and nature excursions, with convenient departures from hotels and private rentals throughout the city.
Private Vacation Rentals in Panama City
For travelers seeking more space, privacy, or a home-away-from-home experience, private vacation rentals in Panama City are an excellent alternative to hotels.
From modern apartments in the Financial District to stylish penthouses along Avenida Balboa, private rentals are ideal for families, groups, long stays, digital nomads, and travelers who value flexibility and comfort.
We partner with trusted local property managers and hosts to showcase a curated selection of private rentals in Panama City, ensuring quality, location, and reliable service.
Best Areas for Private Rentals in Panama City
Avenida Balboa & Cinta Costera: High-rise apartments and penthouses with ocean views, direct access to Cinta Costera, and easy connections to Casco Viejo and Downtown.
Financial District & Downtown: Fully furnished apartments close to offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for business travelers and long stays.
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter): Character-filled apartments in restored colonial buildings, perfect for travelers who want walkability, culture, and nightlife.
PH Living 73 – Modern City Apartment
Location: Panama City
Stylish one-bedroom apartment offering a comfortable and modern stay in a central Panama City location. Ideal for travelers who want easy access to the city’s main attractions, dining, and business areas.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, digital nomads
- 1 bedroom / Sleeps up to 2 guests
- Fully furnished apartment
- Modern building amenities
- Central city location
PH The Gray – Stylish Downtown Apartment
Location: Panama City
Contemporary one-bedroom apartment in a sleek, modern building, offering comfort and convenience in the heart of Panama City. A great choice for guests seeking a refined urban stay with easy city access.
Best for: Couples, business travelers, long stays
- 1 bedroom / Sleeps up to 2 guests
- Modern interior design
- Secure building with amenities
- Close to restaurants and business districts
PH Mini Design House – Boutique-Style City Apartment
Location: Panama City
Design-forward one-bedroom apartment offering a boutique-style stay in Panama City. Ideal for travelers who appreciate thoughtful interiors, comfort, and a stylish home-away-from-home experience.
Best for: Couples, creatives, short city stays
- 1 bedroom / Sleeps up to 2 guests
- Unique design and décor
- Fully equipped living space
- Quiet, comfortable city setting
PH Casa Mercedes – Red Plaza (Casco Viejo)
Location: Plaza Santa Ana, Casco Viejo, Panama City
Charming one-bedroom apartment located at Plaza Santa Ana in the historic district of Casco Viejo. This rental offers an authentic Old Town experience, surrounded by colonial architecture, local cafés, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
Best for: Couples, culture lovers, short city stays
- 1 bedroom / Sleeps up to 2 guests
- Located in historic Casco Viejo
- Walkable to restaurants, bars, and plazas
- Unique local atmosphere
Many of our Panama City tours offer pickup from centrally located private rentals. Browse our full list of things to do in Panama and plan experiences that fit perfectly with your stay.
Quick Panama Hotel Price Search
Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean island destination known for its relaxed vibe, turquoise waters, and overwater accommodations. Most visitors choose to stay on Isla Colón in or near Bocas Town, where restaurants, nightlife, and tour departures are located.
Best for: Island hopping, snorkeling, beach time, laid-back nightlife
Accommodations range from boutique waterfront hotels and eco-lodges to private island retreats, making Bocas del Toro a popular add-on destination to a Panama City itinerary.
Visiting Bocas del Toro? Discover beaches, activities, and travel tips in our full Bocas del Toro destination guide, and don’t miss our curated selection of island-hopping, snorkeling, and nature tours available throughout the archipelago.
Where to Stay in Boquete
Located in Panama’s highlands, Boquete is known for its cooler climate, lush landscapes, coffee farms, and outdoor activities. Visitors typically stay near Boquete town or along the river, surrounded by nature.
Best for: Nature, hiking, coffee experiences, cooler weather
Boquete offers a mix of boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and countryside retreats, making it a great contrast to Panama City and the islands.
Staying in Boquete? Discover our coffee tours, hiking experiences, and nature adventures, and explore local tips, attractions, and travel advice in our complete Boquete destination guide.
Where to Stay in the San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands are a remote Caribbean archipelago governed by the Guna Yala Indigenous community. Most stays are simple beachfront cabins on small islands, focused on nature, culture, and disconnecting from modern life.
Best for: Off-the-grid stays, cultural immersion, untouched beaches
Accommodation is typically arranged as part of multi-day island-hopping experiences or overnight tours departing from Panama City.
Planning a trip to the San Blas Islands? Learn about island life, culture, and travel logistics in our San Blas Islands destination guide, and note that most overnight stays are arranged as part of multi-day island-hopping tours departing from Panama City .
Beach & Nature Escapes in Panama
Beyond Panama City and the islands, Panama offers beautiful beach towns, jungle lodges, and nature retreats along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. These destinations are ideal for travelers looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience a more relaxed side of the country.
Looking for surf towns and laid-back coastal escapes? Explore our guide to Panama’s Pacific beach towns and resorts. For lush rainforests, Caribbean beaches, and nature-focused destinations, visit our Caribbean Panama travel guide.
Best for: Relaxation, surfing, wildlife, eco-travel
The properties featured above represent three very different ways to experience Panama’s beach and nature escapes. Rancho Tropical Barú, located in the rural countryside of Pocrí, near the Pacific coast, is ideal for travelers seeking peace, privacy, and a slower pace surrounded by nature. It’s a great choice for couples, long stays, and travelers looking to disconnect from busy city life.
Ciel y Miel offers a unique Caribbean experience on Panama’s northern coast, combining lush rainforest surroundings with easy access to the sea. This type of stay appeals to eco-travelers and nature lovers interested in exploring Panama’s lesser-known Caribbean regions.
For those looking for a more refined nature escape, El Otro Lado near Portobelo delivers an eco-luxury experience that blends comfort, design, and sustainability. It’s well suited for travelers who want to enjoy Panama’s natural beauty without sacrificing high-end amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Stay in Panama
For most travelers, Panama City is the best place to stay, offering the widest range of hotels, private rentals, dining, nightlife, and easy access to tours and day trips. From there, destinations like Bocas del Toro, Boquete, or the San Blas Islands can be added to your itinerary.
The best areas to stay in Panama City include Casco Viejo for culture and nightlife, the Financial District for modern hotels and convenience, and Avenida Balboa for ocean views and walkability along Cinta Costera.
Hotels are ideal for short stays, amenities, and full services, while private vacation rentals offer more space, privacy, and flexibility. Rentals are especially popular for couples, long stays, digital nomads, and travelers who prefer a home-style experience.
Yes, Casco Viejo is a great place to stay for travelers who enjoy historic charm, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and nightlife. It’s walkable and full of character, though it can be lively at night and is best suited for couples and short stays.
For beach-focused stays, popular options include Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast, the San Blas Islands for off-the-grid island experiences, and select Pacific beach towns. Many travelers combine a Panama City stay with a beach destination.
Boquete is an excellent choice for travelers seeking cooler weather, nature, hiking, coffee experiences, and a relaxed mountain atmosphere. It’s often visited as a contrast to Panama City and the coastal regions.
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 nights in Panama City, allowing time to explore the historic district, enjoy food and nightlife, and take day trips to nearby islands, nature reserves, or the Panama Canal.
Yes, the San Blas Islands offer overnight stays on small islands with simple beachfront cabins. These stays focus on nature and cultural immersion and are often arranged as part of multi-day island-hopping experiences departing from Panama City.
Yes, Panama — especially Panama City — is popular for long stays and remote work due to its modern infrastructure, international connectivity, and wide selection of furnished apartments and serviced rentals.