20 Best Places to Stay in Panama: Comprehensive Accommodation Guide

Accommodations in Panama cater to every travel style and preference. From luxury historic boutique hotels in Casco Viejo and soaring skyscraper resorts along Panama City's Pacific bay to dreamy overwater Caribbean bungalows in Bocas del Toro and serene mountain eco-lodges in Boquete, Panamanian hospitality ensures comfort, warmth, and memorable stays.

What to Expect From Panama Hotels

In urban hubs like Panama City, expect 5-star international luxury, rooftop infinity pools overlooking the ocean or skyscrapers, and full business amenities. In eco-tourism destinations like Boquete, El Valle, and Bocas del Toro, stays emphasize sustainable architecture, coffee farm tours, overwater decks, and direct proximity to nature trails.

20 Best Places to Stay in Panama

1. American Trade Hotel

Style: Historic Luxury Boutique Hotel
Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Best For: Culture, Architecture & Romance
About the Place: Set in a restored landmark 1917 building in Casco Viejo, blending historic colonial elegance with contemporary design, jazz clubs, and courtyard pools.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to American Trade Hotel

2. JW Marriott Panama

Style: High-Rise Oceanfront Luxury Hotel
Location: Punta Pacífica, Panama City
Best For: Skyline Views & Modern Luxury
About the Place: An iconic sail-shaped skyscraper rising over the Pacific ocean, featuring infinity edge pools, luxury suites, and panoramic bay views.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to JW Marriott Panama

3. Nayara Bocas del Toro

Style: Ultra-Luxury Overwater Eco-Resort
Location: Frangipani Island, Bocas del Toro
Best For: Honeymoons, Overwater Villas & Privacy
About the Place: An exclusive adults-only luxury eco-resort featuring overwater villas with private plunge pools, glass floor panels, and an elevated aerial beach.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Nayara Bocas del Toro

4. The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Style: Golf Resort & Spa
Location: Santa María, Panama City
Best For: Golfers, Relaxation & Luxury Spas
About the Place: Features an 18-hole Nicklaus Design golf course, sprawling outdoor swimming pools, full spa facilities, and refined urban luxury.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to The Santa Maria Hotel

5. La Cieba Heritage Inn / The Haven Boquete

Style: Mountain Health & Wellness Resort
Location: Boquete Highlands
Best For: Wellness, Spa & Mountain Relaxation
About the Place: A tranquil adults-only mountain spa resort surrounded by lush gardens, offering eco-friendly rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and coffee farm views.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to The Haven Boquete

6. Hotel Isla Secas

Style: Exclusive Island Eco-Resort
Location: Gulf of Chiriquí
Best For: Private Island Luxury & Marine Wilderness
About the Place: An ultra-exclusive private island eco-resort operating 100% on solar power, offering casitas surrounded by wild ocean marine reserves.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Isla Secas Resort

7. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Style: Historic Waterfront Luxury Hotel
Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Best For: Ocean Views, Heritage & Fine Dining
About the Place: A grand historic palace hotel sitting right over the Pacific waters in Casco Viejo, featuring rooftop pools, spa sanctuaries, and oceanfront dining.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

8. Red Frog Beach Island Resort

Style: Island Villa & Beach Resort
Location: Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro
Best For: Families, Beach Villas & Nature
About the Place: Features private hillside pool villas and jungle lodges stepping out onto iconic Red Frog Beach, surrounded by rainforest monkey trails.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Red Frog Beach Resort

9. Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Style: Tropical Rainforest Eco-Resort
Location: Chagres River / Soberanía Park
Best For: Families, Wildlife & Canal Excursions
About the Place: Nestled deep inside the jungle overlooking the Panama Canal and Chagres River, offering aerial tram rides, sloth sanctuaries, and boat tours.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

10. W Panama

Style: Vibrant Modern Design Hotel
Location: Financial District, Panama City
Best For: Nightlife, Design & Business
About the Place: A bold design hotel incorporating vibrant Panamanian indigenous pollera and canal-inspired artwork, complete with a high-energy pool deck.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to W Panama

11. Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa

Style: Tuscan-Style Mountain Resort
Location: El Valle de Antón
Best For: Mountain Getaways & Thermal Spas
About the Place: A charming Tuscan-inspired mountain resort set in the volcanic crater of El Valle, featuring heated pools, thermal spas, and garden views.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Los Mandarinos

12. Selina Playa Venao

Style: Trendy Surf & Glamping Lodge
Location: Playa Venao, Azuero
Best For: Surfers, Digital Nomads & Beach Vibe
About the Place: Located directly on the sands of Playa Venao, offering stylish beachfront tipis, co-working spaces, surf lessons, and community events.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Selina Playa Venao

13. Villa Palma Boutique Hotel

Style: Colonial Boutique Hotel
Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Best For: Romantic Stays & Historic Atmosphere
About the Place: An elegant boutique hotel set on the sea walls of Casco Viejo, offering classic Spanish decor, oceanfront terraces, and fine dining.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Villa Palma

14. Finca Lérida Coffee Estate & Heritage Inn

Style: Historic Coffee Plantation Hotel
Location: Boquete Highlands
Best For: Coffee Lovers, Birdwatching & Nature
About the Place: A historic 1920s coffee plantation estate offering cozy wooden rooms, private cloud forest trails, quetzal watching, and Geisha coffee tastings.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Finca Lérida

15. Bocas Bali Water Villas

Style: Balinese Overwater Villa Resort
Location: Isla Frangipani, Bocas del Toro
Best For: Luxury Couples & Ocean Views
About the Place: Features authentic Balinese overwater villas imported directly from Indonesia, complete with private pools and freshwater lagoons.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Bocas Bali Water Villas

16. Contadora Island Inn

Style: Island Bed & Breakfast
Location: Isla Contadora, Pearl Islands
Best For: Beach Quiet & Whale Watching
About the Place: A cozy, welcoming bed and breakfast on Isla Contadora, offering tropical garden rooms and quick walkability to white sand beaches.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Contadora Island Inn

17. Hotel Santa Catalina

Style: Oceanfront Surf & Dive Lodge
Location: Santa Catalina, Veraguas
Best For: Surfers & Coiba Diving Expeditions
About the Place: Perched on a cliff overlooking point-break surf waves, offering infinity pools, ocean kayaks, and easy Coiba Island tour setups.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Hotel Santa Catalina

18. Boca Chica Plantation & Club

Style: Coastal Boutique Resort
Location: Boca Chica, Chiriquí
Best For: Island Hopping & Sport Fishing
About the Place: Overlooks the islands of the Gulf of Chiriquí, featuring hillside infinity pools, private boat docks, and lush tropical grounds.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Boca Chica Plantation

19. Grand Decameron Panama

Style: All-Inclusive Beach Resort
Location: Playa Blanca, Farallón
Best For: Families, All-Inclusive Fun & Sun
About the Place: A sprawling oceanfront all-inclusive resort featuring multiple swimming pools, golf courses, buffet dining, and nightly live shows.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Grand Decameron Panama

20. Tantalo Hotel

Style: Artistic Boutique Hotel
Location: Casco Viejo, Panama City
Best For: Young Travelers, Art & Rooftop Bars
About the Place: An energetic art hotel where each room features unique murals painted by local artists, topped with Casco Viejo's iconic rooftop lounge bar.
Book & Explore: Read our full guide to Tantalo Hotel

Featured Image

Luxury Tropical Resort Courtyard