The 6 Best Hotels in Casco Viejo, Panama
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HI, I’M TARA!
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Why Stay in Casco Viejo?
The neighbourhood of Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo) is my absolute favourite place to stay in Panama City. This lively, UNESCO-protected district is incredibly beautiful, with ornate pastel-hued buildings, lush tropical plants spilling from balconies, and charming plazas around every corner. It also stands in striking contrast to the modern skyline of glass towers just across the bay, where many short-stay visitors—especially those arriving by cruise ship—tend to base themselves.
Casco Viejo is home to most of Panama City’s best boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, artisan cafés, rooftop bars, and two of the city’s most important museums: the Panama Canal Museum and the Mola Museum. Just a short stroll away, you’ll also find the famous Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market), where you can sample fresh ceviche and some of the city’s best seafood.
One of the things I love most about the neighbourhood is how walkable it is. Three lovely plazas serve as gathering places from morning until late evening. Early in the day, you’ll find dog walkers, joggers, and locals reading on shaded benches. By afternoon and into the evening, the squares fill with walking tours, musicians, families, and visitors lingering over coffee, cocktails, and leisurely meals on surrounding patios.
For me, Casco Viejo isn’t just the most beautiful part of Panama City—it’s the part that feels most alive. I first visited with my young children on our family’s first trip to Panama, and I’ve found myself returning again and again ever since. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.
Already know you want to stay in Casco Viejo? Feel free to jump straight to my picks for the best hotels below. Otherwise, keep reading to find out whether this vibrant neighbourhood is the right fit for your trip.
Want to get a quick feel for Casco Viejo first? Check out this one-minute video.
Is Casco Viejo Safe?
Casco Viejo is a very tourist-friendly area of Panama City. There is a visible tourist police presence, and I have generally felt safe walking around during the day and into the evening. (For context, I have stayed here with my young children, with my husband, and on another trip entirely on my own while attending a conference.)
That said, I take the same precautions here that I would in any large Latin American city—or really, any large city. I keep my valuables and passport secured in the hotel safe. I stay aware of my surroundings, especially before whipping out my latest iPhone. And I use Uber or an official taxi if I am heading outside the main tourist areas.
The other thing I would say is that Casco Viejo can change quite quickly once you move beyond the well-travelled tourist streets. While I have always felt comfortable within the main part of the neighbourhood, I am more cautious once I venture beyond those areas where the tourist police presence is less visible.
For example, on my first visit, our beautiful hotel sat right on the edge of Casco Viejo. Turn right out the front door and everything was lovely—restored buildings, cafés, boutique hotels, and tourists strolling the streets. Turn left instead, and it was quite a different story.
As with most cities, a little common sense goes a long way.
Is Casco Viejo is Right For You?
To me, Casco Viejo is best suited to travelers looking for a more immersive Panama City experience. It is a high-energy neighbourhood, and with that comes a fair bit of noise, so that is definitely something to consider. In fact, on my most recent visit, I noticed a pair of earplugs thoughtfully tucked into the bedside drawer.
Most of the hotels here are boutique in nature as well, which is part of their charm. However, they generally don’t offer the extensive amenities you’ll find at the larger hotels in Panama City’s modern districts. Think sprawling fitness centres, full-service spas, and resort-style pools.
True story: On one trip, I splurged on the most beautiful two-storey room overlooking an even more delightful street. Imagine my surprise when I was woken up at 6 a.m. by a marching band. As it turned out, a Super Bowl commercial featuring Shaboozey was being filmed right outside my window!
Basically, if you enjoy staying in a vibrant neighbourhood where you can walk to excellent restaurants, cafés, museums, rooftop bars, and many of the city’s top attractions, then Casco Viejo, Panama City is probably right for you.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a more conventional hotel experience with soundproofed rooms, large pools, and a long list of on-site amenities, you may be happier staying elsewhere and simply visiting Casco Viejo during the day.
That said, whether you stay here or not, Casco Viejo is an absolute must-visit while in Panama City.
See my full guide to the best things to do in Casco Viejo, Panama.
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The 6 Best Hotels in Casco Viejo, Panama
Okay! Hopefully you now know if Casco Viejo is right for you. With that out of the way, please let me share with you my six favourite places to stay in this gorgeous Panama City neighbourhood.
The Amarla Boutique Hotel Casco Viejo
Best for: Food lovers and romantic getaways.
Set within a beautifully restored historic mansion in the heart of Casco Viejo, Hotel Amarla is an intimate adults-only boutique hotel with just eight individually designed rooms. Arriving in Panama City a few days before a conference, I chose it for a romantic getaway with my husband before I had to get to work. The hotel feels more like a private residence than a traditional hotel, with warm, personalized service, a rooftop deck with a jacuzzi and panoramic views, and Kaandela—one of Casco Viejo’s highest-rated restaurants—on the main floor.
No two rooms at Amarla are exactly alike, but each beautifully blends historic character with contemporary comforts. Expect exceptionally comfortable beds dressed in premium linens, artisan furnishings, luxurious silk robes and slippers, a complimentary pour-over coffee setup featuring locally roasted Panamanian beans, and thoughtful design touches throughout. In my humble opinion, the duplex suite, pictured above, is one of the most beautiful hotel rooms in all of Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Check rates for the Amarla Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
La Concordia Casco Viejo Boutique Hotel
Best for: Guests seeking a luxury boutique hotel that is also locally owned and family-operated.
Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, La Concordia is one of my favourite boutique hotels in Panama City. In fact, I chose it for my most recent mother-daughter trip because I was specifically looking for a locally-owned boutique hotel. This elegant, Panamanian-owned property occupies a beautifully restored collection of historic buildings and offers just 10 individually designed rooms, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the larger luxury hotels.
Beyond the beautiful accommodations, The Day Joe Died, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, is one of the best places in Casco Viejo for sunset cocktails. And just downstairs, the independently operated Geisha Coffee Experience offers guided tastings of Panama’s world-famous Geisha coffee.
The generously sized rooms blend original architectural details with contemporary comforts, featuring soaring ceilings, luxurious bathrooms, plush king beds (or 2 x twins), Nespresso machines, complimentary Panamanian specialty coffee and filtered water, well-stocked minibars, L’Occitane bath amenities, and premium linens. Many rooms also feature balconies overlooking the charming streets of Casco Viejo, providing a peaceful retreat after a day spent exploring Panama City’s historic quarter.
Check rates for La Concordia Boutique Hotel in Casco Viejo on Booking.com or Expedia.
Hotel La Compañia
Best for: Guests seeking a boutique atmosphere without sacrificing full-service amenities.
Housed within a beautifully restored former Jesuit convent, Hotel La Compañía (part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection) is one of the finest luxury hotels in Panama City. While the hotel offers 88 elegant rooms and suites, its thoughtful design across three beautifully restored historic buildings allows it to retain the intimate feel of a boutique hotel. Guests can relax by the rooftop infinity pool, enjoy sunset cocktails at Capella Rooftop Lounge, indulge in the full-service spa, or dine at one of the hotel’s excellent restaurants, including the elegant El Santuario.
The spacious rooms pair historic character with contemporary comforts, featuring plush king beds, marble bathrooms, rainfall showers, Nespresso machines, luxury bath amenities, and many overlooking the hotel’s courtyards or the charming streets of Casco Viejo. With its full-service amenities and exceptional dining, Hotel La Compañía is an excellent choice for travelers seeking luxury in the heart of the historic district.
Check rates for Hotel La Compañia on Booking.com or Expedia.
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Las Clementinas
Best for: Families, longer stays, and travelers who are seeking apartment-style accommodations.
Housed in a beautifully restored historic mansion, Las Clementinas is one of Casco Viejo’s most charming boutique hotels. I stayed here on my first few trips to Panama City when my children were young because its spacious one- and two-bedroom suites gave our family room to spread out while still being right in the heart of the historic district. With just six suites, the hotel feels wonderfully intimate, and its leafy courtyard and adjoining restaurant and wine bar make it a lovely place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
The apartment-style suites feature separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and thoughtfully restored historic details such as exposed brick, original tile floors, and high ceilings. Combined with modern comforts like air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and comfortable beds, Las Clementinas is an excellent choice for families or anyone planning a longer stay in Casco Viejo, Panama City. (They even offer connecting rooms suitable for a family of up to 6 people.)
Check rates for La Clementinas on Booking.com or Expedia.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Best for: Full-service luxury and resort-style amenities in Casco Viejo.
Set within a beautifully restored landmark building at the very tip of Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo, the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is the largest luxury hotel in the historic district, with 159 rooms and suites. While you’re still just a short walk from Casco Viejo’s restaurants, cafés, and rooftop bars, its waterfront location makes it one of the quieter places to stay in an otherwise lively neighbourhood. With one of the largest pools in Casco Viejo, a full-service spa, fitness centre, and multiple dining venues, it is an excellent choice for travelers looking for more of a luxury resort experience within this unique historic neighbourhood.
The hotel is also home to several excellent dining and drinking spots. Caleta has become one of Casco Viejo’s standout restaurants, while Ammi is a wonderful rooftop bar for sunset cocktails overlooking Panama Bay. Hidden below, Arcano is an intimate speakeasy with an exceptional cocktail program that’s worth seeking out whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.
Rooms are spacious by Casco Viejo standards and feature elegant marble bathrooms, luxurious bedding, Nespresso machines, and thoughtful touches throughout. If your budget allows, I’d recommend booking a bay-view room for the peaceful outlook over Panama Bay.
Check rates for the Sofitel Legend on Booking.com or Expedia.
Las Isabela Suites
Best for: Travelers looking for excellent value and more room without sacrificing location or character.
Many of Casco Viejo’s most charming boutique hotels also happen to be some of its most expensive. Las Isabela Suites offers a more affordable alternative while still putting you right in the heart of the neighbourhood. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the property features just a handful of spacious one- and two-bedroom apartment-style suites, each with a full kitchen, separate living area, and plenty of room to spread out.
Ranging from 70–120 square metres (750–1,290 square feet), the suites are an especially good choice for longer stays, families, or anyone who appreciates the flexibility of preparing an occasional meal. While Las Isabela Suites doesn’t offer the same amenities as some of Casco Viejo’s luxury hotels, its combination of location, character, space, and value makes it one of the neighbourhood’s best budget-conscious options.
Check rates for the Las Isabela Suites in Casco Viejo on Booking.com or Expedia.
My Insider Tips for Casco Viejo
1. How Long Should You Stay?
I think 3–4 nights is the perfect amount of time to fully enjoy Casco Viejo, Panama City. It gives you time to wander the neighbourhood without rushing, linger over long meals, and still fit in a few day trips, such as a visit to the Miraflores Visitor Centre at the Panama Canal.
On every trip to Panama, I’ve also used my Casco Viejo hotel as a base—storing my luggage while exploring other parts of the country before returning for one final night ahead of my early international flight home. It makes for a much more relaxed departure day.
2. Should You Use Uber or Taxis?
I almost always use Uber in Panama City. The cars are generally nicer, fares are very reasonable, and I like knowing exactly what I’ll pay before I get in.
If you do take a taxi, stick to the official yellow city taxis and agree on the fare before setting off. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for visitors to be quoted inflated prices.
3. My Time-Saving Uber Pick-Up Spot
Here’s a little trick I’ve learned after several visits.
I rarely call an Uber from the heart of Casco Viejo. The neighbourhood’s narrow streets can get surprisingly congested, so I usually walk 5–10 minutes to the roundabout at the edge of the historic district, where traffic flows much more easily. More often than not, it’s actually the quickest way to get on your way.
I’ve marked the location with a yellow car icon on my map of Casco Viejo’s historical district below. I first discovered this spot while attending a conference. It was the designated pick-up point for all of our shuttle buses—and I’ve used it ever since. Click here or on the map for the interactive version.
4. Visiting the Panama Canal
If you’re planning to visit the Miraflores Visitor Centre, try to time your visit around the ship transits. In general, your best chance of seeing ships pass through the locks is before 9:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Check the Panama Canal’s daily transit schedule before you go so you don’t arrive during a quieter period.
I’d also skip the organized tour and simply take an Uber from Casco Viejo. It’s easy, inexpensive, and gives you far more flexibility.
5. Get Up Early to Explore
If you enjoy photography—or simply prefer quieter streets—set your alarm at least once. Early mornings in Panama City’s Casco Viejo are magical, with soft golden light, cooler temperatures, and locals just beginning their day. It’s one of my favourite times to wander the neighbourhood with a coffee in hand and my camera ready.
6. Book Your Dinner Reservations Early
Restaurants like Kaandela, Fonda Lo Que Hay, and Cantina del Tigre can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If one of them is on your must-try list, I’d recommend making a reservation before you arrive in Panama City.
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I hope this post on Casco Viejo, Panama answered all (if not, most) of your questions. If there is anything else you need help with, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook, or by email.
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