Top Hotels in Casco Viejo, Panama City
Panama City is one of my favorite cities in Central America. It’s a cool, stylish, thriving metropolis that is very different from most of the other Central American capitals, and I think it’s definitely worth a visit.
This guide will show you the best hotels in Casco Viejo, Panama City, based on my own personal experience as well as extensive research I’ve done on where to stay (with options for every budget!)
Casco Viejo is Panama City’s historic Old Town. Dating back to the late 17th century, this vibrant neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay when visiting Panama’s buzzing capital city. If you’re a history buff like me, then you should definitely stay in Casco Viejo during your visit to the Panamanian capital.
I spent 10 days staying in Casco Viejo, and I absolutely loved it.
This neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets, palm trees, colorful buildings, and remnants of colonial history. The area was once falling into disrepair, but over the past few years, a lot of effort has gone into restoring Casco Viejo and making it one of the top destinations in Panama City.
My Favorite Things to Do in Panama City
There are tons of great restaurants, bars, and hotels, and things to do, like visiting museums. Although it’s a touristy area, it’s also popular with locals in the evening, who come for dinner and nightlife.
Some of the best things to do in Casco Viejo include:
- Learn about the neighborhood’s history on a walking tour
- Check out the Panama Canal Museum to learn more about this famous canal
- Go on a full-day tour of the Panama Canal and the jungle
- Enjoy the sunset from one of Casco Viejo’s lively rooftop restaurants or bars
- Visit Museo de la Mola to see art and textiles created by the indigenous Guna
- Take a walk down Avenida Central on the edge of Casco Viejo, where as you wander further away, the prices for everything get much cheaper, and the vibe becomes more local
- Enjoy a full-day boat trip to stunning Taboga Island
- Try a raspao, a Panamanian shaved ice dessert that’s perfect to cool down on a hot day
Casco Viejo is full of fun things to do, and it’s a great place to base yourself! If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Panama City, be sure to check out this ultimate one-day itinerary.
Where to Stay in Casco Viejo
As I mentioned, I stayed in Casco Viejo for 10 days, and I really loved the area.
Although it’s away from the sleek glass towers of the ritzy Punta Pacifica neighborhood, getting around Panama City is very easy and affordable. I never paid more than $3-4 for an Uber to go anywhere, and Panama City even has its own subway system that lets you get around the city for mere pennies!
So while Casco Viejo is a smaller neighborhood that you can fully explore in about two days, it’s easily accessible to the rest of the city, making it a great place to base yourself on your trip.
However, it’s not the most budget-friendly neighborhood (and in general, Panama City has some of the highest prices in Central America), but if you want to splurge a bit, it’s a great place to stay. And you can still find some good deals on hotels and hostels here if you do some research and planning.
Casco Viejo is also home to some of the most gorgeous and unique hotels in Panama City. I love staying in one-of-a-kind, character-filled properties, and you’ll find a lot of that here.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Casco Viejo, Panama City:
- Best luxury: American Trade Hotel
- Best mid-range: Las Clementinas
- Best budget: Selina Casco Viejo
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Casco Viejo:
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Sofitel Legend is the newest hotel in Casco Viejo that embodies total luxury. This five-star hotel features a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a garden and terrace, and a fitness center.
Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed, and many feature private balconies. Tucked away in a tranquil corner of Casco Viejo, many rooms at the Sofitel Legend have views overlooking the ocean.
American Trade Hotel
American Trade Hotel is another one of the best luxury hotels in Casco Viejo. This striking hotel is in the historic heart of the neighborhood, and the rooms and bathrooms are completely gorgeous.
As far as amenities go, there’s a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a chic on-site restaurant and jazz bar, and free parking in case you have a rental car. Many rooms also have private balconies.
Amarla Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a more affordable luxury hotel, Amarla Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay. This boutique hotel has an absolutely stunning design and an incredible atmosphere.
There’s a rooftop hot tub, a terrace, and a highly-rated on-site restaurant for guests to enjoy. Many rooms have unique touches, like secluded private balconies and spiral staircases in the duplex suites.
Central Hotel Panama City
Central Hotel Panama City is another good option for where to stay in Casco Viejo. This elegant hotel is situated in one of the main squares of Casco Viejo near the Panama Canal Museum.
Guests will enjoy tasteful, comfortable rooms (some with private balconies.) There’s also a fitness center and sauna, as well as a lovely rooftop pool with views overlooking Casco Viejo.
La Concordia Boutique Hotel
La Concordia is a highly-rated boutique hotel in Casco Viejo. Located in a historic building, this boutique hotel has chic and stylishly decorated rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the street.
Some rooms also have lovely touches like claw-foot bathtubs. If you’re looking for a luxurious four-star hotel that is not too expensive, this is a great place to stay in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Las Clementinas
Las Clementinas is one of the best hotels in Casco Viejo that offers great value for money. This elegant hotel has very spacious, apartment-style accommodations that are perfect if you want some extra room.
You’ll feel like a local staying in this conveniently located hotel in the heart of Casco Viejo. There’s also an incredible rooftop terrace with some of the best views of Panama City to enjoy.
Villa Palma Boutique Hotel
For affordable luxury in Casco Viejo, look no further than Villa Palma Boutique Hotel. This highly-rated boutique hotel is located in the heart of historic Casco Viejo, Panama City.
Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms and suites (some that come with private balconies and spiral staircases) as well as a beautiful rooftop terrace with a hot tub and views over the ocean.
Tantalo Hotel
Tantalo Hotel is an affordable, stylish place to stay in Casco Viejo. Tantalo Kitchen & Roofbar, one of the most popular rooftop restaurants and bars, is located on top of this hotel.
It’s a really fun place to hang out, but just keep in mind that it gets noisy and stays open late, so this hotel may not be the best choice for a place to stay if you are looking for peace and quiet in Casco Viejo.
Selina Casco Viejo
Selina is a global chain of high-end hostels. I’ve stayed in several Selinas around the world, including Casco Viejo. In fact, I spent 10 days staying in a private room at this Selina when I visited Panama.
It’s a great place to stay if you are looking for a social atmosphere. It’s also one of the most affordable places to stay in Casco Viejo: my private room was really nice, had its own private balcony, and was about $80 a night. They also have a great coworking space and a fun rooftop with a swimming pool.
Magnolia Inn
Finally, one of the most affordable places to stay in Casco Viejo that still receives great ratings from guests is Magnolia Inn. This hotel and hostel offers private rooms as well as shared dorm rooms.
Located in a restored French colonial mansion, this is certainly one of the most elegant hostels you will find, and guests will enjoy the modern conveniences and great location in Casco Viejo.
Best Hotels in Casco Viejo, Panama City: My Top Picks
This guide showed you the best hotels and hostels in Casco Viejo, Panama City.
To recap, my top three picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury: American Trade Hotel
- Best mid-range: Las Clementinas
- Best budget: Selina Casco Viejo
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Panama City!
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