Hotel La Compañia – Panama
In the beating heart of Casco Antiguo, Panama City’s vibrant historic district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – La Compañia has had many incarnations since it was built in the 17th century. Artistically restored by a team of architects, designers and historians, bringing together its Spanish and French colonial and American Beaux Arts eras, its rich past shines through. The mix of old and new gives an opulent air of grandeur, with walls lined with slickly framed original photos, and a splendid rooftop pool as a crown.
This may be like staying in a living museum, but rest assured that the service is exceptional, and there’s no finer place to stay when exploring this fascinating city.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its old town location, with the charms of the Casco Viejo right on the doorstep.Style:
Colonial chic.Location:
In Panama City’s old town, close to the waterfront, cultural attractions, bars and restaurants.Rooms:
Individually and meticulously designed rooms and suites, with courtyard or casco views.Swimming:
A rooftop pool with terrace and views out over the entire city.Children:
Families are most welcome.Accessibility:
There are facilities and easy access for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
There are just 88 rooms and suites at La Compañia, across the three separate Spanish, French and American wings, each one uniquely designed and each with a private balcony. Each has an elegant mix of modern and vintage furniture, wooden floors, exposed brickwork, with original prints and local artwork adorning the walls. Rooms are bright and airy, featuring one or two queen size beds or a king size bed, and look out over the old town or the courtyard.
The Suites are considerably more spacious, with separate living areas and quirky features. Choose between a Junior Suite, a slick, mezzanine Loft Suite, a capacious One King Bed Suite, or the largest of all, La Grande Française Suite.
food
La Compañia boasts five restaurants, all in resplendent settings, serving food from around the world. Dine on Panamanian, Asian, Spanish and Indian fusion cuisine at El Santuario amongst exposed brickwork and high, chandeliered ceilings, or on French dishes in the sophisticated 1739. American Bazaar recreates the department store that once graced this building, whilst Luigi’s serves traditional rustic Italian food – cucina povera.
And for a totally different, but vibrant experience, Hari’s is an eclectic Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. Sip sundowners at the rooftop bar, or settle into the very atmospheric Exilio for a signature cocktail or two.
activities
The Casco Antiguo, is undergoing an exciting renaissance, with its colourful streets full of bars, restaurants, old churches, galleries and museums, and is a place for strolling at a very leisurely pace. Further afield in the city, you’ll find secluded beaches on Contadora Island, an eco park, and even tropical rainforests in the Parque Nacional Camino de Cruces.
Take a day trip to the Panama Canal – the locks at Miraflores is a great place to watch the ships pass through – or head to the San Blas islands for some snorkelling. Within the hotel itself, there are mixology classes and a wine cellar experience – the cellar holds nearly 2,000 bottles from an extensive list of countries. And after a day of exploring, retreat to the elegant Spa with its list of restorative therapies and treatments.
family
Whilst there are no specific facilities for children, they are welcomed with open arms.
sustainability
Conservation was the key focus when restoring the original buildings, and much care was taken in preserving as much of the original features as possible, ensuring it remains a legacy landmark. The hotel also ensures that its supports local producers and artisans.
Location
Panama, Central America
In Panama City’s old town, close to the waterfront, cultural attractions, bars and restaurants – just 30 minutes from the airport.
