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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Park Eden

    El Valle

    A beautiful country retreat run by a North American–trained Panamanian designer and his Ecuadorian wife, this gorgeous property has two rooms and two…

  • Mamallena

    Bocas del Toro Town

    Our favorite hostel in Bocas town is this stylish new over-the-water option with tropical prints, palms and a wraparound bar with a pool table on the…

  • Hotel Lula’s

    Bocas del Toro Town

    A place of porches and rocking chairs, this lovely B&B offers a stylish stay. Its eight rooms are immaculate, with orthopedic mattresses, and wooden…

  • Gerald's B&B

    Panamá Province

    With a good location near the ferry landing and an easy walk to Playa de las Suecas, Gerald's is central, clean and comfortable, with consistently good…

  • Bambu Hostel

    David

    This great chilled-out house is the creation of a friendly musician and former Brooklynite. There's air-conditioned dorms, decent private rooms and a…

  • Manglar Lodge

    Panamá Province

    The area's most stylish digs, Manglar Lodge is professionally run by surfer Ivan, who can also share tips. Outdoor showers will help you rinse off the…

  • La Casa de Lourdes

    El Valle

    About the most luxurious place to stay in El Valle, this secluded and quiet villa counts just four rooms in total. Two of them sit above the hotel's much…

  • La Casa del Puerto

    Península de Azuero

    Lovely La Casa del Puerto is located 8km north of Guararé at Playa El Puerto. It has four apartments in two houses that sleep up to three people; two…

  • Isla Tortuguita Camping

    Comarca de Guna Yala

    One way to fulfill your castaway fantasy is to camp on this tiny isle run by a single family. Only 30 guests at a time are allowed to camp under the palms…

  • Tropic Star Lodge

    Darién Province

    Overlooking Bahía Piña, near the southern tip of the Darién, this legendary fishing lodge boasts the most International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world…

  • Eco Venao

    Península de Azuero

    On the north side of the main road, North American–owned Eco Venao offers a cool mountain ambience. Perfect for surfers and adventurers, its excellent…

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