Hotels in Casco Viejo2026
Panama's most photogenic neighborhood, UNESCO Heritage since 1997. Boutique hotels here have real history: colonial buildings from 1880–1920 converted into unique experiences. Only 30–50 rooms per hotel, high prices — and worth every cent.
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Casco Viejo
UNESCO heritage, boutique hotels, rooftop bars and nightlife.
★★★★ 4★American Trade Hotel
📍 Plaza Herrera, Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá
1840 reviews
Hotel boutique de 50 habitaciones frente a la Plaza Herrera. Edificio de 1917 restaurado con piscina en azotea, club de jazz y café de especialidad. El más icónico de Casco Viejo.
Most searched hotels in Casco Viejo
The hotels most searched by Panamanians and visitors
American Trade Hotel
Panama's most exclusive boutique. 1917 National City Bank of NY building. Live jazz (Wed–Sat with Danilo Pérez), rooftop pool, adults only. From B/.180/night.
Tantalo Hotel
The most social in Casco Viejo. Rooftop bar with DJ on weekends, urban art throughout. Favorite of travelers under 40.
Sofitel Casco Viejo
French chain Accor in an 1875 building. Breakfast included, 5★ service, small pool. Ideal for international luxury with Panamanian soul.
Casa de Horno Boutique Hotel
Restored in 2019, 8 rooms, original wooden ceilings. The most intimate in the neighborhood. Adults only, no pool, accessible price for the area.
Why Casco Viejo is unlike anything else
Casco Viejo (officially San Felipe) was founded in 1673 after pirate Henry Morgan's attack. Declared UNESCO Heritage in 1997, it has undergone an extraordinary transformation since 2010: today it concentrates the country's best author restaurants, the most sophisticated cocktail scene and Panama's only historic boutique hotels. Unlike Miami Beach or Cartagena, the restoration is recent — you can still be among the first to discover it.
UNESCO Heritage
Colonial, republican and art deco architecture on the same block. Buildings from 1673–1920 restored.
Jazz & nightlife
American Trade Hotel brings jazz with Danilo Pérez (Wed–Sat). Rooftop bars at Tantalo, Unplugged and Casa Blanca.
Top gastronomy
Maito (Panama's best restaurant, LAT50), Donde José and Fonda Lo Que Hay — all within 5 minutes on foot.
100% walkable
The neighborhood closes streets on weekends. Dinners, bars and hotel — no taxi needed.
Honest tip
Outside the tourist perimeter (toward El Chorrillo), the area requires caution at night.
How to get to Casco Viejo
✈️ From Tocumen (PTY)
Uber or Taxi: 20–30 min, B/.18–25 depending on traffic. No direct Metro to the neighborhood.
🚗 By car
Parking limited and expensive (B/.5–8/hour). Your hotel will advise on the nearest garage.
🚌 Metro + walk
Metro Line 1 to Estación 5 de Mayo + 15 min walk or short Uber. The most economical option.
Which is best for you?
| Your profile | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First time in Panama | American Trade Hotel o Tantalo | The most iconic Panamanian experience. UNESCO, gastronomy, jazz and Canal 30 min away. |
| Honeymoon / anniversary | American Trade Hotel (Suite Jardín) | Private colonial patio, live jazz, adults-only rooftop pool. Unmatched. |
| Food traveler | Cualquier boutique de Casco Viejo | Maito, Donde José and Fonda Lo Que Hay on foot. The country's best culinary scene. |
| Family with kids | Mejor Dreams Playa Bonita | Casco Viejo has no beach or large pool. For kids, the resort is the better choice. |
| Business traveler | Mejor Marbella o Punta Pacífica | Casco Viejo is 30 min from the WTC. For meetings, central zones are more practical. |
FAQ — hotels in Casco Viejo
What people ask most before booking
Is Casco Viejo safe for tourists?▼
Yes, within the tourist perimeter it is safe day and night. Plaza de Francia, Plaza Bolívar, Avenida A and Avenida Central are well-lit with police presence. The risk is crossing toward El Chorrillo (north of the neighborhood). All boutique hotels are within the safe perimeter and staff will orient you on where not to go.
How much does a hotel in Casco Viejo cost?▼
Casco Viejo boutique hotels cost between B/.120 and B/.350/night. American Trade Hotel (4★) from B/.180; Sofitel Casco Viejo from B/.200; Tantalo Hotel from B/.120. No real budget options within the neighborhood — for tight budgets, El Cangrejo or Marbella, then visit Casco Viejo by day.
Is it worth staying in Casco Viejo or just visiting?▼
Worth staying if: it's your first time in Panama, you're there for gastronomy and nightlife, or you're on honeymoon. Less worthwhile if you have young kids (no beach or large pool), your focus is the Canal, or you have business meetings in Marbella or Punta Pacífica.
How many days do I need to see Casco Viejo?▼
Two nights covers the essentials: Plaza de Francia, Iglesia de San José (gold altar), Paseo Las Bóvedas, a dinner at Maito or Donde José and a rooftop bar at night. With 3 nights you can add the Panama Canal (30 min by Uber) and explore more leisurely.
Do Casco Viejo hotels have parking?▼
Most don't have their own parking. American Trade Hotel has an arrangement with a nearby garage. If driving, budget B/.5–8/hour for area parking. Most practical: arrive by Uber/taxi and walk during your stay.
What restaurants are near Casco Viejo hotels?▼
Within 5 minutes walk from any hotel: Maito (contemporary Panamanian cuisine, book weeks ahead), Donde José (tasting menu, 12 per seating), Fonda Lo Que Hay (casual fusion) and The Dining Room at American Trade Hotel. Panama's densest gastronomic concentration.
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