Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The hotel is located in the heart of the Casco Viejo (Spanish for Old Town) in Panama City, next to the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum and facing the Plaza de Independencia. The Central Hotel Panamá is the hotel of choice for the most detail-oriented and sophisticated travelers who come to Panama City. The quality of the facilities and services, as well as the exquisite culinary experiences available, turn a visit to the hotel into a special memory that guests will never forget. Located opposite the Cathedral, the hotel is just steps away from the Municipal Palace, and is close to the Presidential Palace, along with other attractions in the area.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo generally offers a charming stay with its elegant decor and vibrant atmosphere, complete with live music that is a hit among many guests, although a few find it too loud. While the service receives mixed reviews, ranging from friendly to unprofessional, the cleanliness of the hotel earns consistent praise.
Rooms are noted for their historic appeal and comfort, though complaints about ventilation and noise are not uncommon. Guests appreciate the hotel's prime location in Casco Viejo, despite occasional noise issues, and have varied opinions on value and the size and maintenance of amenities like the pool.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Outstanding
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Excellent hotel, restaurant and top flight staff. The breakfasts were included and with eight children were greatly appreciated. They were not your typical complementary breakfast and included fresh oj, omelets made to order, Panamanian food (changed each day) as well as ample fresh pastries.
The staff was the best I’ve ever experienced. Every morning my double espresso was made immediately by Edgar, Maria, Erica and Ana assisted our children or held the baby as necessary. Barbie at the front desk was genuinely delighted to see us and help with anything we needed. Ares the piano player entertained us and played music with our children (who have varied piano abilities). Many fun duets were learned.
We spent the mornings and afternoons in the hotel as little ones napped between exploring Casio Viejo, the Canal, Chagres river or jungle. We stayed for seven nights and it was an excellent home base. The Casco area has seven beautiful Catholic Churches and we explored and prayed rosaries in almost all of them. The restaurants kept us well fed and the sights/excursions here kept us learning, laughing and enjoying Panamas rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Bring your kids! We can’t wait to come back!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Use Uber for transportation around the city, book tours for Embrea Village and Monkey Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Central Hotel Panama, Director General at Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Responded Oct 13, 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review, Mike L! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience at our hotel, especially with our breakfast offerings and the exceptional service from our staff. It’s heartwarming to know that your family enjoyed the piano sessions with Ares and that our hotel served as a great home base for your adventures in Casco Viejo. We can’t wait to welcome you and your children back for more exploration and enjoyment of Panama's rich culture and history! Bred Gonzalez Reservations Agent
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It’s big, spacious and bit bland. A lot of money was spent to upgrade the original and then the money (and imagination) ran out. Enter a tired 1960 Miami Beach hotel including sad piano player (wistful), lacking both charm and glitter, you are in a serviceable, clean, unthreatening environment. Appeals to low budget travelers/ Canal cruisers spending the night, low expectations are met.
Service providers are largely indifferent, probably minimally paid and trained. Scale and transit arrangement preclude intimacy. Your memory of this stay will quickly recede and that’s not bad.
Adjacent Canal Museo is outstanding- reserve at least two hours! Senior discount.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Don’t miss Canal Museum. Area abounds in good restaurants and derelict buildings.
Not dangerous...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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The Central Hotel, the oldest hotel in Panama, is on the main plaza of Casco Viejo directly across from the cathedral. It is perfectly located in the historical part of Panama City, only a block from the presidential palace. There are many small shops and good restaurants as well as a number of rooftop bars within walking distance.
The hotel rooms are small but comfortable with private balconies. The restaurants serve good food and the staff is friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the rooftop swimming pool, which has a magnificent view of the city, and the live music in the hotel lobby.
It is obvious that the government of Panama makes an effort to keep this area free of street dogs and homeless people. While that may not provide a totally accurate view of Panama (or any other country) it was a place I would feel safe as a woman traveling alone.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Central Hotel Panama, Director General at Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Responded May 21, 2024
Thank you for your review, moonflowerperfume. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed our historic location in Casco Viejo and found our rooms comfortable with private balconies. We're glad you appreciated our friendly staff and the variety of dining options nearby. Your safety is important to us, and we're happy you felt secure during your stay. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo Team
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This hotel is located right in the middle of Casco Viejo in Panama, the old colonial part of the city and right in front of the Cathedral. Its just majestic to look outside the lobby windows and see that Cathedral in front of you. It is a great location if you wish to explore the colonial town and visit the Panama Canal Museum which is across the hotel. In the back of the hotel you will find the National Theater. I stayed here with my Mother because we got tickets to see a musical at the National Theater, best decision we took was to stay right in Casco because traffic in and out of this area is very busy, especially during weekend nights, so we just walked to the theater which was lovely. The hotel is beautifully decorated, the pool is small but offers great views of the city and the surrounding colonial buildings of Casco and Cerro Ancon. My only complain would be the food at the restaurant, I did find the menu a bit lacking of choices and once I finally made my choice (Pork ribs and sweet potato mash) I end up getting sick. The pork chops were very fatty and possibly not cooked enough as I fell sick a few hours after eating them. My mom had a little bite and she also fell ill but not as bad as I did. Breakfast the following morning was good, lots of choices in the buffet but I tried to be cautious. Other than that, I would recommend it but I will definitely have my dinner elsewhere next time.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holiday | Solo The building is nice. That’s the end of the good part. Otherwise - TO BE AVOIDED.
If your turn-ons are claustrophobia and dungeon style windows then this could be for you. Arrived and was told I’d been “upgraded” to a Junior Suite. Was sent to room 404 which can only be described as converted attic space. The ceiling was very low and sloping and the windows started at the floor and were about 4 feet tall. I could only see out of the window if I decided to crawl into the short cubby hole. I went back to the desk and told her (Kimberley, I think) I didn’t want the upgrade and why the room was terrible. She laughed and said “we don’t guarantee windows.”
They moved me to 204 (same floor plan) but with normal height windows and regular height ceilings (no sloping roofs nor tiny windows you have to crawl to look through).
Tried to order room service. Unreachable.
After about half an hour I was able to order food. It arrive in about an hour - sadly it was delivered without utinsils nor napkins. So I had to call again. After 15 more minutes of looking at my food someone arrived with a knife and fork rolled in a napkin. Bravo!
Add that the coffee maker in the room didn’t work so chalk up another $9 or so for room service coffee.
Best part of this hotel was that I was only there for one night.
Yes I went a little bit “Karen” and at checkout asked the desk clerk (still Kimberley) to aid the Hotel GM to call me and her response was “we don’t have one.”
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Things to avoid? This hotel if possible.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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From the attention to the food, everything was very good. I would return without a doubt. The hotel is impeccable, in the lobby you always find live music, it has a cafeteria available all day, until late at night. The room is the right size, and is very comfortable.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Centro Hotel Casco Viejo is a beautifully restored, elegant hotel located right on the Plaza de la Independencia in the old part of Panama City. There are several excellent eating venues with fine food and great service. The hotel is located in a pedestrian zone with many shops and eateries. The rooms are elegantly appointed, though our room was a little tight with two queen size beds. Service in the hotel is excellent.
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Date of stay: March 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed a bottle of cava that was a gift from booking with Expedia. Our server was Astrid, at the Bistro in the hotel. She was terrific!! Not only did she present our sparkling wine nicely in an ice bucket, but she helped with recommendations for other places to eat on various nights we're here in Panama City. She surprised us with a berry cheesecake upon learning we recently celebrated our 50TH wedding anniversary !! Thank you Astrid, for making it a delightful time with you as our server!!!
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Date of stay: March 2025
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Central Hotel Panama, Director General at Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Responded 1 week ago
Hello, Sunshine796522! Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience at Bistro. We're delighted to hear that Astrid made your visit so special, from the cava presentation to her thoughtful recommendations and the surprise dessert for your 50th anniversary—what a milestone! We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to her. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments soon! Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo Team.
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Carolina -the excellent waitress English /Spanish speaking lady served us dinner diligently, watching our plates and brought food on time each time at the roof top bar. Very pleasant personality, always smiling. I would ask visitors to this restaurant to request her as her Waitress and visit roof top bar beautiful view of the Casco viejo center and Panama skyscrapers. . We will return again to this place. Thanks Carolina for beautiful evening with my daughter. Chris Murthy- Boston.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:definitely visit roof top bar !
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Central Hotel Panama, Director General at Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo
Responded Apr 6, 2024
Thank you for your kind words about your recent visit to our hotel restaurant, 941chrisM941. We're thrilled to hear that Carolina provided you with excellent service and made your evening with your daughter memorable. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back soon. Centra Hotel Panama Casco Viejo Team
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Barbara at the front desk and the location was the only thing positive about this hotel. I chose to stay at this property to experience the local culture, but unfortunately, the customer service was awful. It felt like the staff was taking advantage of non-Spanish speakers at every opportunity. For example, I ordered a margarita at the restaurant, which was listed as $10 on the menu. When the bill arrived, it was $25 for a small whiskey glass. I paid it and called the front desk to ask for an explanation about the discrepancy. I was told someone would call me back, but no one ever did.
Additionally, the room had a strong sewage smell, and the same issue was present in the lobby. I overheard another guest also complaining about his room at the front desk. We called about our own room issue, and although someone was supposed to come, no one ever did.
On top of that, we were told at the front desk there was a party for $135. When we went to pay, the price had inexplicably jumped to $157. I was also promised a different location for the party, but when we went downstairs, we were placed in a secluded area beneath the stairs.
Ultimately, we decided to check out early and stayed at the W for our final two nights. The difference was like night and day.
We’re trying to get a refund for the two nights, but they’re making it tough.
They informed us that the outdoor area was sold out, but we'll be placed in a room that's adjacent to it. Our new spot is beneath the stairs, behind the DJ, and in front of the elevator. The picture is where we were seated.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Stay somewhere else.!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Panama City area.
PRICE RANGE
C$248 - C$430 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Central Hotel Panama
LOCATION
PanamaPanama ProvincePanama City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
135
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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