The Safest Hotels to Stay in Casco Viejo
Even though I’ve traveled all over the world: I still had some hesitation before planning a trip to Panama. Anytime I visit a new country, safety is top-of-mind. Particularly as a female traveler. And it’s nice to hear from other travelers, where they felt the safest….especially when you’re talking about a big place, like Panama City. The neighborhood I felt the safest in, by FAR ~ was the gorgeous & historic Casco Viejo. Here, we’ll discover the “The Safest Hotels to Stay in Casco Viejo.“
I took this shot right outside my hotel in Casco Viejo: Central Hotel Panama. I LOVED this hotel!!
If You’re Deciding Between Casco Viejo OR Downtown Panama City: My first two nights, I stayed at Hotel RIU Plaza, in downtown Panama City. Though it was a nice hotel with a gorgeous pool ~ I did NOT enjoy walking around this area. Sidewalks were narrow, with lots of cars & busy streets that felt hectic.
Compared to Casco Viejo’s wide, VERY pedestrian-friendly streets, that encourage walking, strolling, & shopping. Simply in terms of safety & sight-seeing: Casco Viejo beats downtown, hands-down.
Casco Viejo at night: well-lit, with wide, pedestrian-friendly streets ~ & lots of people walking & dining.
My Personal Recommendation:
If I were returning to Casco Viejo tomorrow, I would book Central Hotel again.
Why?
✅ It’s directly on Independence Plaza
✅ Most walkable location
✅ Rooftop pool
✅ Beautiful historic atmosphere
✅ Well-lit streets all around the hotel
✅ I felt completely safe here during my stay!
In a Rush? Here are My Favorite Casco Viejo Hotels:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel La Compania – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Central Hotel Panama & La Concordia Boutique Hotel – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tantalo Hotel – Click here for rates & availability
Overview of Great Hotels in Casco Viejo
The elegant lobby of Central Hotel Panama opens onto Independence Plaza. I felt VERY safe here!!
- Central Hotel Panama ($$) = Perfect Location in Casco Viejo’s Main Square. If you want a hotel where you feel totally safe, where you can step outside & walk to great restaurants & shops: stay here. The staff is attentive, & their ground-floor lobby is a great place to take a break & people-watch. They’ve also got a rooftop pool & the COMFIEST beds! Splurge here for a larger room, or one with a balcony…as their basic rooms are a little small. Check prices at Central Hotel.
- Hotel La Compania, Hyatt’s Unbound Collection ($$$) = The Most Luxurious Hotel in Casco Viejo. This hotel sets the bar for luxury in Panama City ~ & it’s “walled-in” feel provides the ultimate in terms of safety. Their 88 rooms have authentic stone walls & wood beams…combining “Old World” with modern luxuries like Nespresso machines & smart TV’s. Plus, they have FIVE restaurants & an incredible spa. Their library was once part of the city’s first university. LOTS of history here!!
- La Concordia Boutique Hotel ($$) = Iconic Rooftop Bar + Large, Spacious Rooms. Set in a beautiful 19th-century building, staying here is more like staying with family ~ as there are just 10 rooms. Each is unique; they’re spacious & elegant (they also have family suites that are even larger)! Their triangular-shaped rooftop bar is a great place to take in sunset city views with a cocktail. Check prices at La Concordia.
- Tantalo Hotel ($) = Hip Hotel with Colorful Rooms + AMAZING Rooftop Bar! This is a great spot for the younger crowd…or anyone who wants to walk upstairs for some nightlife. Their rooftop bar/restaurant is one of the best in town, & offers amazing photo opps. Rooms hare large & colorful, many with sofas & seating areas + modern, bold artwork.
The Tantalo is a hip place for the younger crowd to stay ~ & their rooftop bar is very popular.
“The Historic District is filled with so many cute shops, hotels, & rooftop restaurants. And we loved our stay at Tantalo Hotel. The rooftop bar has fantastic city views & makes for a fun-filled night.”
– Heather Chance
Choose Your Hotel in 30 Seconds!
| If You’re Looking For… | Best Hotel |
|---|---|
| The Hotel I Personally Stayed At | Central Hotel |
| Highest Luxury | Hotel La Compañía |
| Best Boutique Hotel | La Concordia |
| Best Nightlife | Tantalo Hotel + Roofbar |
| Best for First-Time Visitors | Central Hotel |
Interactive Map of Hotels
Casco Viejo is about 25-35 minutes from Panama City’s International Airport, making it an easy drive post-flight.
Photos of My Hotel: Central Hotel
Returning to Central’s gorgeous lobby is a welcome relief after exploring the city…
Central Hotel sits right on popular Independence Square.
Their gorgeous rooftop pool has amazing views of the nearby church + downtown.
Check prices at the perfectly located Central Hotel Panama. My room cost me around $100/night…totally worth it for how safe I felt!
Love Central Hotel But Need Alternatives?
- Magnolia Inn (Cute, clean inn 2 blocks from Central Hotel; $65/night)
- Hotel San Felipe (4-star hotel with a pretty rooftop bar; $120/night)
- American Trade Hotel (Modern, large rooms ~ great for business travelers)
- Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo (5-Star hotel on the waterfront in Casco Viejo ~ even more lux than Central Hotel!)
The Sofitel Legend is one of the only hotels in Casco Viejo that sits right on the water.
Photos of La Concordia Boutique Hotel
Rooms at La Concordia are very large & comfortable.
And their beautiful rooftop bar & restaurant is amazing! Photo: Trip.com
“La Concordia in Panama City’s Casco Viejo is a real find. It mixes old-world charm with modern touches. Rooms are super comfortable. The staff are amazing, always ready to help. And you’ve got to check out the rooftop bar ~ views of the city are awesome.“
– Michael Schmid
Photos of Luxurious Hotel La Compania
The grounds of Hotel La Compania are quiet & tranquil. The hotel is set in three different 17th-century buildings.
Wine taste in their private cellar at Restaurant 1739, surrounded by vaulted brick walls & stained glass windows…
“I recently had a 3-day stay at Hotel La Compania & had an amazing experience. Service is impeccable & staff so friendly. To top it off, food in their restaurants was an absolute treat. This isn’t just a hotel ~ it’s a destination hotel in Panama.”
– Nicole Vahlas
Want a More Accessible Luxury Hotel?
American Trade Hotel & Hall is great for business travelers + couples.
Try American Trade Hotel, a popular 4-star hotel with rates around $200/night.
Safest Casco Viejo Hotels by Category:
- Safest Hotel for Solo Female Travelers: Central Hotel
- Safest Luxury Hotels: Hotel La Compañía + Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
- Safest Hotel for Families: La Concordia Boutique Hotel (large rooms)
- Safest Hotel for Couples: Central Hotel + American Trade Hotel
- Best Hotel for Nightlife: Tantalo Hotel
Most of Casco Viejo’s best hotels are boutique properties with limited rooms. If you’re visiting during the dry season (December – April), I recommend checking availability early.
Check Out My Other Articles on Panama!
- Photo Guide to Casco Viejo in Panama City
- Bocas del Toro Travel FAQ
- How to Plan a Trip to Panama
- Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro
My friend Kadi & I goofing around in Bocas del Toro!
The Safest Places to Stay in Casco Viejo
If you have any questions about visiting Panama, feel free to ask me in the comments below!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Bocas del Toro Travel FAQ
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