The Central Hotel Panama stands on Calle 5 on Cathedral Plaza, facing the Metropolitan Cathedral in the middle of Casco Viejo. The hotel's building dates to the 1870s and is closely tied to the story of the country: it is said that the first Panamanian flag was shown from its balcony in November 1903, the month Panama separated from Colombia. The hotel closed in 2000 and reopened in 2008 after restoration, and it now offers 135 rooms and suites in a classic style with modern comforts. Room types include deluxe and premium rooms, garden-view rooms that overlook the internal courtyard, junior suites and suites with a separate living area and plaza views, plus a presidential suite. Rooms have air conditioning, a safe, a work desk, a minibar and a coffeemaker, and room service is available around the clock. It is a comfortable, characterful and well-placed base for exploring the old town on foot.
Location and getting around
Few hotels in Panama City are as central to the sights as this one. The cathedral is across the street, the Plaza de Francia and the seawall are a short walk away, and restaurants, cafes, galleries and rooftop bars fill the surrounding streets. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are easy to catch from the plaza for trips to Miraflores, the Amador Causeway or the modern city. The plaza can be lively with music and events, so request a courtyard-facing room if you want quiet, or a plaza-view room if you want atmosphere.
Facilities
The hotel has a rooftop pool with a wooden deck, loungers and a snack bar, with views over the old town rooftops and the church towers, open during the day and into the early evening. There are two restaurants, La Central for breakfast and snacks and Bistro Central for lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes Panamanian dishes and recipes with Indigenous roots.
There is a 24-hour fitness center, a beauty salon and spa, free wifi throughout and valet parking, which is useful in a neighbourhood with little street parking. An internal courtyard and event spaces make the hotel popular for weddings and gatherings.
Who it suits
History lovers, couples and first-time visitors who want to be at the heart of Casco Viejo without paying the very top prices. The building is historic, so rooms vary in size and layout, and the classic style will appeal more to travellers who like character than to those who want a sleek modern interior. Good to know: check the room type and view when booking, ask about breakfast, and confirm pool hours, which can change.
The hotel works well as a base for a three-day trip, with a canal visit, a food walk and a San Blas or rainforest day all easy to arrange from here. For a more luxurious alternative in the old town, see the other Casco Viejo hotels in this guide.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic building on Cathedral Plaza
- ✓Rooftop pool with deck and snack bar
- ✓Bistro Central restaurant
- ✓La Central breakfast room
- ✓24-hour fitness center
- ✓Beauty salon and spa
- ✓Free wifi and valet parking
- ✓135 rooms and suites with courtyard or plaza views
Good questions
Where is the Central Hotel Panama?+
On Calle 5 on Cathedral Plaza in Casco Viejo, facing the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, a rooftop pool with a wooden deck, loungers and a snack bar, with views over the old town.
Is it a historic building?+
Yes, the building dates to the 1870s and was restored and reopened as a hotel in 2008.
