Overview
Panama City is one of Latin America’s most compelling luxury hotel destinations, and it is closer than you might think — just a few hours from the continental United States. A regional hub for finance, logistics, and tourism, the city has quietly developed a world-class roster of five-star hotels, a thriving culinary scene, and a vibrant arts culture that rewards the discerning traveler.
For private aviation travelers who have explored our guide to top new Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America hotels or followed our ongoing top hotels and best suites series, Panama City deserves a prominent place on your radar. Its top hotels and their best suites are the subject of this week’s newsletter.
1. Waldorf Astoria Panama City
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Waldorf Astoria Panama is a classic luxury hotel in the heart of Panama City offering a prime location, divine dining and 130 well-appointed rooms and suites. The first Waldorf Astoria to grace Latin America, this 36-story gem is 15 minutes from Tocumen International Airport and just steps from Panama City’s bustling business district. While convenience is important, it’s what on the inside that counts most for travelers visiting this ultra-chic Waldorf Astoria. From premium ocean-view suites and an exhilarating spa to four dining options, this property offers a rare, sweet escape of extreme relaxation amid the buzz of the city.”
The Telegraph says, “From the valets and bellhops that greet guests at the entrance to the concierge and check-in staff, exceptional service defines the experience here. Spend an evening at Peacock Alley, the lobby bar, and let the bartender regale you with stories of Panamanian culture, complemented by off-menu cocktails—the ones locals actually drink. It could be said the bar staff make for the best concierge, offering detailed recommendations with an authentic local spin. Facilities include a spa, 25-hour fitness center, and a sixth-floor pool with sunset views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.”
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite is 2,152-sq.ft. with formal dining room, full kitchen, private gym, and wraparound balcony providing panoramic views.
More suites at Waldorf Astoria Panama City.
2. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “A historic-social-club-turned-high-end-hotel, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama is a welcome addition to the city. Part of the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood’s recent efforts to revamp its glory days, the 2023-debuted retreat brings a mix of local history and Sofitel’s signature French luxury to Panama City’s waterfront that’s already beginning to attract international celebrities and jet setters alike. Following a top-to-toe renovation, the 1917 Panama City property offers a sublime melting pot of luxury. A colonial-style facade manned by stylish staff clad in cream-colored uniforms and Panama hats sets the scene for the turn-of-the-century-themed elegance you’ll find within the hotel’s walls. Stately interiors featuring dark woods and vintage-inspired touches are beautifully complemented by modern amenities like an ocean-facing infinity pool and a sumptuous spa, while a terrace serving Mediterranean tapas with a view of the Panama City skyline puts the best of both worlds at your fingertips.
Imperial Suite
The 2,044-sq.ft. suite has a separate living room with four balconies and asitting area, plus a private jacuzzi. Enjoy the ocean views.
More suites at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo.
3. Hotel La Compania
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “What was once an 18th-century Jesuit monastery now sparkles as Hotel La Compañia, an 88-room miniature universe that takes up an entire block of Casco Viejo.” Town & Country adds, “You can be here for tourism or for business, it doesn’t matter, we serve all kinds of customers. So, really, the best room is the one that serves your needs; for a family, that might be a series of rooms that connect, for a couple it could be a junior suite.”
La Grande Francais Suite
The 1,227-sq.ft. suite features a separate bedroom, dining and living area.
More suites at Hotel La Campania.
4. Bristol Panama
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Bristol Panama sets you at ease with a quiet ambiance, solid service and classic, sophisticated guest rooms. But what makes the hotel stand out is that it also gives you a taste of local flavor. Attentively infused into each aspect of its aesthetic is a hint of Panamanian culture, from the spa to the dining to the décor. Bristol Panama evokes a chic gallery-like feeling through the elegant local paintings that adorn the walls around every corner. A great restaurant, Salsipuedes, spotlights eclectic cuisine with six different culinary influences, and the redesigned B Bar also goes diverse with Mediterranean-inspired tapas from Spain, Italy, France and Greece alongside a selection of Negronis and gin and tonics. Its stylish doors have been welcoming well-heeled guests and business travelers since its opening in 1997, and it’s easy to see why. Being set in the heart of Panama City’s banking district makes the hotel convenient for those in town for work, while everyone can appreciate the property’s knockout views from almost everywhere within its two towers.
Tower Executive Grand
The 1,818-sq.ft. suite provides a residential view and sweeping city views.
More suites at Bristol Panama.
5. The American Trade Hotel
The Telegraph says, “This glamorous, upscale hotel in a landmark building in the heart of the Unesco-listed Casco Viejo is the aesthetic antithesis to the glass and steel towers of Panama City’s CBD. An excellent restaurant, thriving jazz venue and cool coffee shop make it a popular destination with US jetsetters. Built as an apartment block in 1917, the five-story stucco building also housed a bank and department store and, for a time, was a squat for local gangs; one of the interior walls is decorated with replicas of their graffiti. Major refurbishment by LA’s Commune design firm for the trendsetting Atelier Ace group transformed the decaying five-story building into a beautiful example of tropical urban architecture.”
One-Bedroom Suites
The 739-sq.ft. suites feature views of the Plaza Herrera or the Gulf of Panama.
More suites at The American Trade Hotel.
6. The Santa Maria
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Layers of luxury await at The Santa Maria, A Luxury Collection Hotel and Golf Resort. After passing through the exclusive community’s gated entrance, you’ll be greeted by a bubbling fountain and the gorgeous sandstone-colored porte-cochère. Once inside, you’ll find a soothing space outfitted in natural tones, hand-crafted furniture and Panamanian art for a luxurious local touch. Just beyond the lobby, you’ll catch glimpses of glorious color in the form of a sparkling blue pool and brilliant green swaying trees. But opulence isn’t just skin deep at this Panama City hideaway. The property boasts more than 500 acres of activity, including a stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and country club that hosted the 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championships for the first time in January. Those not here for the links won’t be left behind, though. Spacious accommodations, a sumptuous spa and three dining venues just scratch the surface of the indulgences that lie within.”
Master Suite
The Master Suite spans 2,044-sq.ft. and includes separate dining area for eight and an expansive terrace perfect for entertaining.
More suites at The Santa Maria.
7. W Panama City
Luxury Latin America writes, “If you’re most at home in hotels that fade into the background, offering beige décor and nothing out of the ordinary, perhaps the W Panama isn’t the best choice for your Panama City stay. But if you’re drawn to creative design and vibrant colors, along with an array of contemporary creature comforts, book a room at this eclectic luxury lodging. You’ll want to keep your camera handy, too. There’s a lot to capture at this art-filled city-center accommodation. When you enter the Marriott-branded W Panama, which opened in 2018 in a 50-story tower, the décor can initially seem like a wild mash-up of styles. Yet the W’s designers have clearly thought through ways to incorporate diverse elements of Panamanian heritage, art, and present-day culture into the property.”
Penthouse 1
Penthouse 1 spans 1,636-sq.ft. with double-high ceilings and spectacular views.
More suites at W Panama City.