Hotel Caracas Casco Viejo is a hotel in Casco Viejo, the old quarter of Panama City with restored colonial buildings, plazas, rooftop bars and cobbled streets. Staying here puts you in the most atmospheric part of the city for evening walks, cafes and photography, and it suits travellers who would rather spend on tours and meals than on a large hotel. This page is a general guide rather than a full inventory: room sizes, facilities and breakfast arrangements can change, so check when you book and read recent guest comments on the booking site.
Location and getting around
Casco Viejo occupies a small peninsula on the bay, and most of its sights are within walking distance of each other, including the plazas, churches, the cathedral, the seawall promenade and a good range of restaurants and bars. Check when you book exactly where the hotel sits in the quarter, since a few blocks can mean a very different atmosphere.
Taxis and ride-hailing cars reach the Miraflores Locks, the Biomuseo, Panama Viejo and the financial district, and travel time depends on traffic. Streets are best kept to well-lit routes at night, and the hotel can advise on current local conditions.
The rooms and the feel
A smaller value hotel in an old building is likely to offer simple rooms with character rather than a long list of facilities. Heritage buildings can mean thick walls, high ceilings, steps and sometimes limited soundproofing, so check when you book the room’s position, whether it has air conditioning and whether there is a lift. Light sleepers should ask for a quiet room, because Casco Viejo can be lively at weekends with bars and street music.
Making the most of the quarter
Spend a morning on a walking tour or food tour, join a salsa class or a rum and cacao tasting, then use the afternoon for a canal visit or Panama Viejo. Sunset on a rooftop terrace is a Casco Viejo tradition, and the seawall gives a view of the skyline across the bay. Boat trips to Taboga Island and tours to Gatun Lake pick up from many hotels in the area.
Dining and extras
Check whether breakfast is offered and whether there is a bar or terrace. The quarter has a wide choice of cafes, bakeries, bars and restaurants from casual to polished, and a short walk will usually find something to suit. Bring cash for small purchases, since some smaller venues prefer it.
Good to know
The climate is hot and humid, and the rainy season brings afternoon showers, so bring a light layer and comfortable walking shoes. Prices in Casco Viejo rise at weekends and holidays, so book early for those dates. Cancellation terms vary by rate.
Best for
Independent travellers, couples and culture lovers who want to be in the old quarter and watch their budget.
Why stay here
- ✓Hotel in the Casco Viejo old quarter
- ✓Walkable to plazas, cafes and bars
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms (check when you book)
- ✓Breakfast (check when you book)
- ✓Terrace or rooftop (check when you book)
- ✓Lift or stairs access (check when you book)
- ✓Wi-Fi (check when you book)
- ✓Tour pickups nearby
Good questions
Is Casco Viejo a good place to stay?+
Yes for atmosphere and walkability. It suits travellers who enjoy history, food and nightlife, though weekend evenings can be noisy.
Is there a lift?+
Older buildings often have stairs and no lift, so check when you book if access matters.
How far is the Panama Canal?+
The Miraflores Locks are a taxi ride away, and tours usually include pickup from Casco Viejo hotels.
