New Boutique Hotel in Panama City

Panama, one of our 21 Places to Go in 2012, is busy building—Trump Ocean Club, Hard Rock Hotel Panama, and Westin Playa Bonita are a few recent hotel additions. The latest is a fresh boutique in Panama City’s revitalized Casco Viejo (Old City). The UNESCO neighborhood is becoming a hot spot for boho-chic hotels, art galleries, buzzy restaurants, and tucked-away bars. The new Tántalo Hotel combines all four enticements.

Located in a former apartment building, the restored 13-suite property offers artist-designed guestrooms and inspiring exhibitions (like a 26-foot-wide live flora wall that stretches two stories high to the skylight atrium); Tántalo Kitchen, a lively communal-style tapas restaurant and lounge; and Enicma Roofbar, Casco Viejo’s first and only rooftop watering hole. Apartments-turned-spacious suites come with private terraces or balconies (overlooking the atrium courtyard or city and bay), sitting areas, and artsy adornments like photography, graffiti, or light boxes; some rooms have kitchenettes. Amenities include free bike rentals, Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, rooftop yoga classes, and access to a nearby gym. Tántalo Kitchen soft-opened in February; Tántalo Hotel opened March 16. Rates start from $200/night. www.tantalohotel.com

Thinking of a trip to Panama?

For up-to-the-minute hotel and restaurant recommendations, plus the best planning advice, check out our online Panama Travel Guide.

Photo Credit: courtesy Stuart Hooper