Where to Stay in Casco Viejo: Best Hotels by Style

Staying in Casco Viejo puts you within walking distance of the plazas, restaurants and rooftop bars, in hotels set inside restored colonial buildings. The trade-off is that it's lively at night and a taxi ride from the business district and the airport.

Luxury

• Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo: a luxury hotel on the waterfront with a pool, consistently among the highest-rated hotels in the city.
• Hotel La Compañía (The Unbound Collection by Hyatt): set in a restored former Jesuit complex in the heart of the old town.
• American Trade Hotel: a landmark hotel in a restored 1917 building on Plaza Herrera, with a pool and a well-known lobby bar.
• Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo: a historic hotel on Plaza de la Independencia with a spa.

Boutique

• Las Clementinas: apartment-style suites in a restored building, a good choice for longer stays.
• Tántalo Hotel: a design-focused hotel with its famous rooftop bar upstairs.
• La Concordia Casco Viejo: a small, locally owned boutique hotel.

How to choose

• Noise: Casco Viejo is busy on weekend nights, especially near rooftop bars and CasaCasco. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street or choose a hotel on a quieter block.
• Location: everything in Casco Viejo is walkable. Hotels near Plaza de la Independencia and Plaza Bolívar are in the most restored part of the neighbourhood.
• Getting in and out: streets are narrow and parking is limited. Most visitors use taxis or Uber. See getting there.
• When to book: the dry season (roughly mid-December to April) is the busiest time of year. Book early for Christmas, New Year and Carnival.

Casco Viejo or the modern city?

Stay in Casco Viejo if you want atmosphere, history and nightlife on your doorstep. Stay in the modern city (such as the banking district or along the Cinta Costera) if you want lower prices, big international hotels or quick access to business meetings. Casco Viejo is a short taxi ride from either.