Must-see hotels in Panama

  • Tranquilo Bay

    Isla Bastimentos

    The oldest and most remote resort on Isla Bastimentos, this family-friendly North American–run lodge creates a fantastic environment for play and…

  • La Loma

    Isla Bastimentos

    Integrated into a 23-hectare rainforest and its community, this 'jungle lodge and chocolate farm' offers tasteful stays to consistently rave reviews. The…

  • Casa Cayuco Eco-Adventure Lodge

    Isla Bastimentos

    This beachfront retreat combines nature with modern conveniences. It's off-grid and jungle-chic, with sweeping views from lofty suites in the post-and…

  • Bocas del Mar

    Chiriquí Province

    This elegant Belgian-owned resort on the mainland has 20 brilliant-white ultramodern bungalows that offer the ultimate in comfort. Amenities range from…

  • Dolphin Bay Hideaway

    Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro

    Located amid mangroves and gorgeous gardens, this ecolodge has five rooms on two levels, with a big wooden deck, docks with hammocks and both a lily pond…

  • Hotel Bocas del Toro

    Bocas del Toro Town

    Our favorite place to stay in Bocas town, this three-story waterfront inn has 11 spacious all-hardwood rooms with firm beds, luxurious linens and a warm…

  • Canopy Tower Ecolodge

    Panamá Province

    Located in Parque Nacional Soberanía, this former US Air Force radar station now serves a very different function, namely ecotourism. It's an ecologically…

  • Lost & Found Hostel

    Highlands

    High in the cloud forest, this wondrous backpacker community is a short and steep hike rewarded with yawning mountain panoramas. There are four dorms …

  • Art Lodge

    Veraguas Province

    This six-room artists' retreat defines 'island idyll'. Accommodation is in one of four ranchos, open-air bungalows boasting double beds with mosquito nets…

  • El Otro Lado

    Portobelo

    Awash in Caribbean style under a hush mountainside, this 'private retreat' (ie luxury resort) is laid-back and restful – don't expect beach parties. It's…

  • Villa Távida Lodge

    Coclé Province

    This mountain lodge sits within the Reserva Privada Távida atop a summit surrounded by gardens, green valleys and shrouded peaks. Guests have a choice of…

  • Mamallena Ecolodge

    Panamá Province

    At this mellow ecolodge on a sprawling 174-hectare farm, the seven rooms and eight-bed dorm are in a comfortable chalet and riverfront cabins in a…

  • Mount Totumas Cloud Forest

    Highlands

    This 162-hectare ecolodge lies 20km northwest of Volcán. At 1900m it's among the highest in Panama, and the cloud forest bordering Parque Internacional La…

  • Palmar Tent Lodge

    Isla Bastimentos

    On the edge of the jungle and facing celebrated Red Frog Beach, Palmar has introduced glamping to Bocas del Toro to unanimous acclaim. Accommodations are…

  • Cabañas Potosí

    El Valle

    A very welcoming place and good for a peaceful sleep, American-owned Cabañas Potosí is situated about 1km southwest of the town center. The parklike…

  • El Sitio Hotel

    Península de Azuero

    El Sitio's best feature is its location right on Playa Venao; 'You Are Where You Surf' is its motto. But even if you don't surf, the 16 splendid rooms,…

  • La Buena Vida

    Santa Catalina

    These lovely villas spill down a leafy hillside along the main road. Each is themed and decorated with colorful mosaics and tiles crafted by the American…

  • La Morada de la Bruja

    Portobelo

    This chill photographer’s home has been adapted for guests but maintains a very personal touch. Three small apartments and two ample waterfront houses –…

  • Gamboa Rainforest Resort

    Panamá Province

    Near the Panama Canal and Río Chagres junction, 9km past the turnoff for Canopy Tower on the road to Colón, is this US$30 million spot. It's not an…

  • El Refugio La Brisa del Diablo

    Highlands

    Overlooking a coffee plantation with views of Boquete, Volcán Barú and the Pacific, this tiny B&B punches way above its weight. The main building is built…

  • Casa de Campo

    Península de Azuero

    Far and away the nicest place to stay in Pedasí, this hospitable and quite chic B&B screams getaway. The seven rooms are named and themed; our favorite is…

  • Cielito Sur B&B

    Highlands

    Just under 3.5km north of Bambito is this sweet highland retreat set in a garden of anthuriums and hummingbirds. Owned by a friendly Panamanian-American…

  • Los Quetzales Cabins

    Highlands

    Have we died and gone to heaven? Sleep in one of six rustic retreats, or dormitories sleeping between two and 10, tucked into the rainforest; your nose is…

  • Mar y Oro

    Panamá Province

    Overlooking lovely Playa Cacique, this delightful property caters for romantic escapes. If you want to be right on the beach, it's your best option. The…

  • Togo Bed & Breakfast

    Coclé Province

    The perfect seaside destination, Togo occupies a renovated beach house and outbuildings where recycled materials are used to create a sleek and stylish…

  • Deseo Bamboo

    Santa Catalina

    The crazy dream of a Neapolitan football player, these octagonal thatched huts are a tropical masterpiece. Bamboo huts feature traditional two-tier roofs…

  • Yandup Island Lodge

    Comarca de Guna Yala

    Accommodations at this lodge are simple but comprise 10 lovely octagonal thatched-roof cabins with cold-water bathrooms; a half-dozen of the cabins sit…

  • Hummingbird

    Isla Colón

    This lovely B&B on Playa Bluff boasts six rooms in a house and two bungalows constructed with gorgeous tropical hardwoods, with sensational balconies and…

  • Magnolia Inn

    Panama City

    Details speak to the thoughtfulness of this cool inn, a restored three-story colonial run by American expats whose service and travel advice excels. Ample…

  • Camino del Sol Ecolodge

    Veraguas Province

    In a 35-hectare preserve, this very private lodge showcases fine modern design with drop-dead Pacific views and plenty of attitude. The proud owner from…

  • American Trade Hotel

    Panama City

    Evoking old-time tropical grandeur, the refurbished Trade Hotel reinvests Plaza Herrera with a prosperous feel. With recycled floors from the canal…

  • Punta Duarte Garden Inn

    Veraguas Province

    Brimming with style, this lovely inn offers a peaceful and inspired beach retreat. Off a wraparound veranda, there's five elegant, ample rooms with ocean…

  • Haven

    Boquete

    This sleekly designed hotel and spa provides a very chic retreat. British-owned, it has eight rooms with cool space-saving designs, set amid verdant…

  • Cabañas Demar Achu

    Comarca de Guna Yala

    This clutch of pleasant cabins over huge grounds is one of the best deals around, with prices cut to US$25/45 for stays longer than one night (plus US$30…

  • Bambuda Castle

    Boquete

    Once upon a time, a Dutchman built this castle to pay homage to his beloved. Now it's a surreal fun center with an indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on…

  • Casa Lajagua

    Península de Azuero

    Set in beautiful leafy grounds away from the hubbub of Av Central, this welcoming place feels more like a resort than the chilled B&B it is. Six…

  • Vereda Tropical Hotel

    Panamá Province

    Atop a hill with commanding views, this pretty hotel charms with tropical tones, Mexican-style mosaic tiles, rod-iron railings and a caged parrot. Choose…

  • Hostal Casa Amarilla

    Panamá Province

    Guests adore the 'Yellow House,' a French-run B&B with manicured gardens and a sparkling pool. The 10 rooms in two buildings vary in size and style; the…

  • Hotel Anachoreo

    Veraguas Province

    Hugging the hillside with panoramic views, this small inn steals your heart with its hammocks strung along fragrant garden beds, warm hospitality and…

  • Island Plantation

    Isla Colón

    Reminiscent of an intimate resort in Bali, this boutique property has seven lovely rooms with private open-air showers in the garden, king-size four…

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