Panama is more tolerant toward gays and lesbians than other more conservative Latin American societies, but discrimination exists, and displays of public affection are not common but in the capital you can find most of the Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Panama may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Panama, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal benefits and protections available to opposite-sex married couples.
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a modern city framed by the Pacific Ocean and man-made Panama Canal. Casco Viejo, its cobblestoned historic center, is famed for colonial-era landmarks like the neoclassical Palacio Presidencial and bougainvillea-filled plazas lined with cafes and bars. The Miraflores Locks offers views of ships traversing the canal, an essential shipping route linking the Atlantic and Pacific.
Top attractions to visit in Panama City Beach
Best Day Trips in Panama City
- Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands
- Combination Tour from Panama City: Rainforest, San Lorenzo Fort and Canal Expansion
- San Blas Island-Hopping Day Trip from Panama City
- Embera Village Day Tour
- All Inclusive Full-Day Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panama City, Panama
See all Day Trips in Panama City on GetYourGuide.
1. Selina Casco Viejo Panama City 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City
Selina Casco Viejo Panama City features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and shared lounge in Panama City. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Rod Carew National Stadium is 13 km from the hotel and Canal Museum of Panama is less than 1 km away.
A à la carte breakfast is available daily at the hotel.
Selina Casco Viejo Panama City offers a terrace. You can play billiards and table tennis at the accommodation.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart and soul of Panama City, complete with a pumping nightlife, trendy restaurants, and cool bohemian vibes. It’s the historic part of the City, full of old colonial buildings, cathedrals, and museums. You’ll be transported to another world when you stay at Selina Casco Viejo. Surrounded by colorful, colonial buildings and close to modern-day skyscrapers, you’re never far from adventure.
Use our hotel as a starting point for a jungle hike or a day trip to the nearby beach. Update your Instagram feed while sipping a cocktail from the on-site rooftop bar, overlooking Panama City. Or take a break from the hustle and bustle with one of our daily yoga classes. Don’t miss their daily tour offers to one of the most paradisiac places in the world, San Blas Islands.
Check your email between wandering the streets of this enchanting city. With daily, weekly, and monthly memberships, Selina Casco Viejo CoWork has everything you need to take your work on the road. Focus in a stylish space filled with light or socialize with other entrepreneurs and nomads between taking client calls. With free coffee and tea, we have everything you need to fuel your creativity and passion.
This was a cool place to stay in old town. They were kind of a party hostel and even though I’m not a party animal it didn’t get in the way. Mostly because I do other things until late at night so i wasn’t trying to sleep while the partying was going on.
There is a rooftop bar and pool which many people come just to see, so there are lots of people here most nights.
A great place to meet people and have a good time, enjoyed my time with people from USA, Canada, Sweden, Israel , The Netherlands and more.
The rooftop has an amazing view. Great place to get a mojito with friends and enjoy the sunset.
The walking tour with Kobi from Israel is hilarious. For a foreigner he knows a lot about Latin American history and will give you tips on how to be successful on tinder in Panama 🙂
Really the “most memorable” thing about this place to me is the rooftop view of this “impressive length” of the city’s skyline across the water & past the low-rise old buildings of Casco Viejo (not as a comprehensive view as that seen from the top of Ancon Hill which can also be seen from this rooftop); and on that rooftop, apart from that great view, are also a small pool & a “pretty spacious” area for the Hostel’s bar & restaurant.
Located in the “old town” Casco Viejo, it’s just about a 10-to-15-minute walk (to the right after coming out followed by a left once on the main street and pretty much just a straight way) to the area with a number of nice churches just in a fairly close proximity to one another (such as Catedral Metropolitana with statues of the 12 Apostles on its front face, Iglesia de la Merced with colorful sculptures & also an adjacent small museum, Iglesia de San Francisco de Asis near the water’s edge with also some “elaborate monument” for Simon Bolivar, and the “church ruin” of Iglesia de Compania de Jesus just to step inside its empty interior within 4 walls & with an open sky above.
It’s wonderful place to stay. We had a deluxe room which had a big bed, spacious bathroom, a little terrace to view the bay from and the bedroom aircon was very good.
The food in the bar on the ground floor and the 6th floor terrace was delicious. Some examples were the burritos, the various filled tacos, power bowls and omelettes. Of course the mojitos and coffee was really good too.
I enjoyed yoga on two mornings with Andrea. She is a great instructor and very good with beginners. The perfect way to begin your morning in panama. This was one of the many free activities that Selina offer on a daily basis.
For information for other visitors. It is a busy place so give yourself time to wait at reception and there is loud music until late at weekends. We didn’t mind that as we knew this before we arrived. There are ear plugs at reception for those that want them or I found listening to spotify or watching netflix till I drifted to sleep worked well.
The location is perfect for walking around the old city with many many shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. There is a tattoo and body piercing salon beside Selena also.
If you are coming to Panama City don’t miss the opportunity to stay here.
How much does a room costs at Selina Casco Viejo Panama City?
Prices start 70 $/night for Standard Double Room. The Suite is 120$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This double room features air conditioning.
Where to book online– Selina Casco Viejo Panama City – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City – you can find the best hotels deals in Panama City during SandJam Fest which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Panama City on Booking.com or Trip.com or HotelsCombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City
Featuring free à-la-carte breakfast, on-site cafeteria and free Wi-Fi, Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel is located 550 m from the Seafront Boulevard and 15 minutes’ drive from Panama Canal.
The rooms and apartments offer Colonial-style décor, air conditioning, wardrobe and cable TV. The apartments also feature an equipped kitchen and all come with balcony, microwave and fridge.
Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel’s guests can find a variety of restaurants and bars within 5 minutes’ walk.
This property is 220 m from Plaza Independencia Square and 2 minutes’ walk from Panama Cathedral. Tocumen International Airport is a 25-minute drive away.
Midwest Hospitality in the Middle of the Americas and a Home Cooked Breakfast to Start Your Day! Located in the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood of San Felipe, Panama, Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel is a renovated 1873 five bedroom three apartment guest house for those visiting our historic city.
With its unique architectural history, picturesque buildings, cathedrals and churches, ruins, museums, varied and diverse cultures, and gourmet restaurants, guests of Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel will have the best of the city waiting just outside their door.
We’re two gay women who needed a home away from home in Panama City for 2 weeks, and Rich and Alyce certainly provided that! The food was great, and they went above and beyond to make our trip a memorable one–giving suggestions, preparing special meals and vegetarian breakfasts, and generally being fantastic hosts. By the end, we felt like family.
Service: Welcoming and Friendly!
Rooms: Charming and comfortable. We were upgraded to a small apartment at no additional cost but either way the property is interesting.
Location: This is in the heart of Casco Viejo and is the perfect location for the entire area. The area is very loud at night and we were provided ear plugs which, for us, was totally unnecessary but appreciated.
Cafe: great coffee, the lunch sandwiches are amazing and the breakfast was good.
The location is perfect for access to Casco Viejo and many good restaurants. I will say there is some noise, but you would have this at any centrally located hotel due to the nature of the area. Breakfast is delicious with ample portions and is served at the coffee shop next door by the lovely Yamila. The building is historic and has a classic old Panamanian feel. Overall I was very pleased with this choice.
Almost immediately, they treated us like family, constantly making sure we had everything we needed. They gave us great recommendations on places to check out, especially important because many places were closed. The owners opened the cafe the morning of Christmas Day just for the guests of Casa Sucre. Later, Alyce asked us if we wanted to join them for dinner at a nearby “block party.” We said yes and she said that she would give us something to bring (wine) so that we felt totally comfortable. It turned out to be an outside dinner party at a beautiful home overlooking the water. The tables were set up along the street and Rich and Alyce introduced us to many of their friends. It was one of the best experiences of the trip.
We stayed in the Calicanto Room on the second floor. The bed was comfortable, the shower excellent, and it was relatively quiet (this is a very loud part of Casco Viejo, especially weekend nights). The room is connected to a large and beautiful living room which usually had no one in it, so it was like a huge extension of our room. The day after Christmas we had to get up early to catch our flight to Atlanta and we were concerned about getting a taxi/uber in a timely manner. So we arranged to have the Casa Sucre driver, Shonny, pick us up (he brought us to Casa Sucre Christmas Eve). He was so responsible that he got there extra early waiting for us in the parking area across from the hotel.
From beginning to end, our experience with Casa Sucre, Alyce, Rich, and all the staff was superb. The location, although not particularly quiet, is the perfect place to stay in terms of access to excellent restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist sites. We would definitely go back.
How much does a room costs at Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel?
Prices start 150 $/night for Apartment. The Apartment – Ground Floor is 140$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This double room features air conditioning.
Where to book online– Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City – you can find the best hotels deals in Panama City during SandJam Fest which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Panama City on Booking.com or Trip.com or HotelsCombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Las Clementinas 3* – LGBT Friendly Hotels Panama City
Offering massage services, a furnished terrace with Panama City views and a garden with outdoor furniture, Las Clementinas is located 350 m from Plaza de la Independencia square.
The Queen Suites offer contemporary décor, wardrobe, ceiling fan and living area. All are equipped with, flat-screen cable TV and Panama City views. The kitchen comes with dining area, stove, microwave and fridge. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
A variety of restaurants offering international food can be found within 400 m.
The centrally located Las Clementinas is 5 minutes’ walk from the seafront boulevard and 10 minutes’ drive from Cosway Zone with its restaurants, shops and entertainment options.
apartments and studios, hidden gardens, artisan beer and friends to guide you throughout your stay… all in the middle of Panama’s cultural and historical center.”,”viewport”:”DESKTOP”}]}”>
The room itself was thoughtfully designed. When I arrived, there was water in the fridge, the lights were on and the AC was going. It made my transition into the city much easier. The kitchen is well-equipped with filtered water, all the amenities are modern, the bathroom was spacious, and the bed was comfortable.
I had to get going quickly the next morning, and was able to run to a nearby coffee shop and grocery within 15 minutes. The location pays off.
Finally, it’s important to note that everyone at Las Clementinas goes out of their way to accommodate LGBT guests. Paola is a great ally to the community and this is my top recommendation for gay couples or solo LGBT travelers in Panama City.
The Las Clementinas Boutique Hotel is run out of a beautifully restored building discretely located in the heart of Casco Viejo, with incredible views of the Panama City skyline. Keep in mind this is a *restored* building (no elevators)–it’s an authentic and charming boutique hotel with old school vibes. It’s full of history and located in a historic area with a unique social story. We were lucky to get Apartment #4. It’s on the middle floor and has several beautiful balconies, with equally beautiful views, and is perfect for couples or groups of 2.
The apartment itself is clean, bright, open and fully equipped–it has a large living room area, a dining area, a full kitchen and strong air conditioning. Stocking your kitchen for your stay is super easy–there’s a small supermarket only a couple minutes’ walk away as well as little markets along the streets (side note: everything in Casco is walkable from the hotel). The bedroom is spacious and has a large armoire and other amenities (iron, ironing board, small safe, etc.).
Another side note: the safe is small–it can hold some jewelry, money, passports, etc., but this isn’t something I would worry about. We came with over $10k worth of camera equipment/laptops and it was safe the entire time. The heavy doors and window closings keep noise levels low in the evening and at night, when it gets lively in the streets outside. Cocoon yourself by also closing the bedroom doors at night and sleep like a baby (doesn’t hurt that the pillows and mattress are super comfy)! The room itself has double doors that open up to the apartment’s main balcony. It has a cute little table and chairs where you can sit and enjoy a drink or cup of coffee. We spent a lot of our downtime time out there!
The bathroom has a large and powerful shower (hot water and good pressure!) with beautiful tiling. I loved loved loved the rooftop–the bar area wasn’t active while we were there so we found ourselves up there alone quite often…it was actually really nice to be able to take a bottle of wine up in the evening, look at the skyline/landscape and take in life below. The hotel has a couple other great spaces too, including the restaurant’s (definitely give it a try, it has a great and fairly priced menu) hidden garden, the event space and the quiet sunbed area just outside of the studios.
It’s also worth mentioning that the hotel even offers a complimentary airport transfer with a 3-night minimum booking. Hotel aside, the staff made our stay extra special. Miguel was our go-to local expert and even kindly helped us make our dinner reservations. Everyone is super friendly and always willing to help.
We love the location. The rooms are spectacular, The old world charm in enchanting. There’s a great outdoor courtyard and makes you believe you’re miles from downtown and a really charming rooftop terrace. The Las Clementinas is priced very well for the quality and ambiance. You’ll love it! There’s a little noise at night from some neighboring nightclubs, but that’s part of the charm of being in Casco Viejo.
How much does a room costs at Las Clementinas ?
Prices start 55 $/night for Double Room. The Queen Suite Room is 100$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This apartment offers free Wi-Fi. Have a queen size bed in the main room, a living room (with a queen sized sofa bed), , wardrobe, air air conditioner, ceiling fan, dining area, Kitchen, one bathroom, and access to private balconies.
Where to book online– Las Clementinas – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City – you can find the best hotels deals in Panama City during SandJam Fest which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Panama City on Booking.com or Trip.com or HotelsCombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
4. Waldorf Astoria Panama 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City
Centrally located in the business district in Panama City, The Waldorf Astoria Panama features a swimming pool, spa, gym and massages services.
The accommodations offer modern-style décor, air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, coffee maker and work desk. The bathrooms come with free toiletries, hairdryer and some with spa bath.
This hotel features 2 restaurants; the Brio Brasserie serves French and American food; while the Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge is specialized in sushi. A terrace, a pool bar and The Peacock Alley is also available and serves cocktails.
Waldorf Astoria Panama is 50 m from Balboa Avenue with its picturesque walking and bike path trailing along the Pacific Ocean. Tocumen International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
The Waldorf Astoria Panama is conveniently located on Calle Uruguay, a vibrant street known for its entertainment and restaurants, and steps away from the financial banking center. This new hotel jewel features 248 guestrooms, suites and luxury residences as well as an array of culinary options to serve the most exquisite palates. Cozy meeting rooms can accommodate an intimate business gathering or a memorable social event.
A spacious and comforting area awaits you at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, an oasis of relaxation adjacent to a large exercise area by Life Fitness and a shimmering pool where you will enjoy the beautiful sun rays. Your guests will certainly enjoy inviting facilities with sophisticated furnishings and an ample number of restaurants and activities within the hotel, as well as experience the sincerest definition of personalized service while living the True Waldorf Service, which aims to offer guests luxury attention during a memorable stay in Panama.
Awesome gay friendly place to stay in Panama City: We stayed here for 3 nights in PC before flying north to Bocas Del Toro. Staff are very friendly and it’s very modern, beautifully decorated.
Bed was luuuurvely- like melting into a cloud 🙂
Best hotel breakfast we’ve had- a mix of local and continental style. Also the gym is excellent.
If you want a luxury hotel & gay friendly hotel in Panama with great service, this is it. The help works real hard to provide excellent service and they succeed. Hotel is luxurious but not overdone. Very comfortable. You must try the restaurant’s balcony which is excellent for breakfast and dinner. Menu is small for dinner but you can ask for of menu items and they’ll accommodate you!
Everything I heard about the elegance of a Waldorf Astoria property was not exaggerated. The climate and culture of excellence strikes you right away as soon as you walk into the hotel; as soon as you walk in you pick up the sweetest vanilla smell in the lobby. The room was large and spacious and the lighting imparts a sense of luxury to you. The front desk is helpful and supportive but I must really praise the Oliver our concierge.
Entering the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria, you immediately sense the air of luxury – marble floors, nice lighting, warm and professional reception. Unfortunately, the maintenance of the rooms lack the same level of standards.
Our room which had a great view of the city was in need of some maintenance (which we immediately addressed with the front desk but could not really be solved during our stay): Bathroom sliding doors were almost impossible to move, rain shower nozzles were distributing water in all directions (but not really vertically), and the bathroom night lights were not working. Hairdryer was missing, but one was brought when we complained.
We felt that the pool area was lacking some atmosphere. I guess you could improve it by adding some more plants to make it look more interesting.
Breakfast was great and I believe included in every stay – we were not even asked for a room number before we were told it was included.
This Waldorf Astoria does probably not meet your expectations you may be used to from other Waldorf hotels. But if you get a good deal, it’s not a bad choice in Panama City.
How much does a room costs at Waldorf Astoria Panama ?
Prices start 155 $/night for Deluxe King Room. The King Suite with Ocean View is 350$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
Relax and unwind whilst gazing into the backdrop of Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean in one of our magnificently spacious 120 sq. m. Suites. Amenities in the suite includes a 40-inch HDTV, alarm clock with iPod dock, chair and ottoman, laptop-sized safe, minibar, Nespresso coffee maker, Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities and much more including a lavish walk-in rain shower. Our Waldorf Astoria bedding ensures an indulgent night’s rest in our comfortable king-sized bed with Super Topper mattress pad and down-filled comforters. This room type is fully non-smoking.
Where to book online– Waldorf Astoria Panama – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City – you can find the best hotels deals in Panama City during SandJam Fest which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Panama City on Booking.com or Trip.com or HotelsCombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
5. Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City
Pros: good location, area around looked like a combo of hotels and condos. Lots of restaurants around within walking distance. We Uber’d everywhere for a few bucks.
Good continental breakfast that was included. Nothing great but good enough. Good options.
Rooftop pool was pretty and great views of the city from there.
Friendly helpful staff.
Good size room with good working AC.
WiFi worked well from room.
Reasonably priced (except bar) and well maintained. Clean and comfortable. Spacious room with plenty of free add ons. Huge bathroom. Extra large and comfortable king bed. Nice views. Reception staff very helpful and friendly. Luggage storage was free and secure while we left for a Kuna islands multi-day trip.
This hotel was centrally-located and quite nice. The rooms were modern and fine. Only complaint was that we had booked and paid for a King-size bed but they gave us 2 double beds instead. There is a pool on the rooftop that is the size of a postage stamp. The rooftop bar was not in service either day we were there; you had to call down to the restaurant to have it delivered. The buffet breakfast (included) was amazing with a big selection. The restaurant food was delicious and very affordable. Lots of cabs wait at the front door but it’s cheaper to grab one of the bazillion cabs available down the street. We paid $7 for cab to the Panama Canal and only $5 for cab to the old city.
The rooms are very nice, incredibly clean with comfortable beds and nice showers. The room comes with a hairdryer and a coffee maker.
The hotel has a restaurant, a rooftop pool and an exercise room. The staff were very friendly and could speak English. The area around the hotel is safe for walking, there are a few convenience stores, a pharmacy, restaurants, car rental companies and stores including what might be the best souvenir store we found.
We walked from the hotel to Cinta Costera. To get to the sites we used Uber and typically paid somewhere between $3-$20 for 4-5 of us in one vehicle. We really enjoyed this hotel and found the rates to be very reasonable for the quality of the rooms and the service we received. If/when we get back to Panama we would stay here again.
How much does a room costs at Tryp By Wyndham Panama Centro?
Prices start 60 $/night for Deluxe King Room.
Where to book online– Tryp By Wyndham Panama Centro – Gay Friendly Hotels Panama City – you can find the best hotels deals in Panama City during SandJam Fest which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Panama City on Hotels.com or Trip.com or HotelsCombined.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
