This month, we get to know Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo:
What was your motivation for joining ICCA?
Our motivation to join the International Congress and Convention Association stems from a clear vision: to position Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo as one of the most relevant historic hotels for the congress, convention and international events segment in Panama.
Being part of ICCA means joining a global network that promotes knowledge, collaboration and development of the MICE industry. For us, it is a strategic opportunity to connect with international organizers, strengthen alliances, and show the world that Panama offers much more than modern infrastructure: it offers history, culture, authenticity, and memorable experiences.
Our privileged location, a few minutes from the Panama Convention Center, allows us to perfectly complement the congress and convention experience with a hospitality proposal of high historical and cultural value. We want every organizer to see Central Hotel as not just a place to stay, but an extension of the Panama destination experience.
Tell us your story. How did Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo come about?
Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo is not simply a hotel; it is a living part of Panama's history. Founded in 1874, it was the first hotel in the country and one of the most important social and political epicenters of the region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Located in the heart of Panama's historic Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the hotel witnessed defining moments for the Panamanian nation. Among its historical guests are figures such as Ferdinand de Lesseps and Theodore Roosevelt, linked to one of the most transcendental engineering projects of humanity: the Panama Canal.
After decades of history, the building was carefully restored to rescue its architectural essence and transform it into a luxury hotel that honors the past while offering contemporary standards of hospitality. Today, Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo combines historic elegance, technology, gastronomy and personalized service in an environment that connects each visitor to Panama's authentic identity. Our story is that of an icon that evolved with the country and that today opens its doors to the world again to receive events, leaders, associations and international travelers who seek meaningful experiences.
What sets Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo apart from others?
What sets Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo apart is the unique combination of historical legacy, strategic location, and personalized hospitality.
While many hotels offer lodging spaces, Central Hotel offers an immersive experience within Panamanian history and culture. Being located in front of the Plaza de la Independencia, in the heart of the Old Town, allows our guests to experience Panama walking among colonial architecture, gastronomy, museums, nightlife and cultural heritage.
For the congress and convention segment, this represents an invaluable advantage. We are just a short drive from the Panama Convention Center, allowing delegates and organizers to combine the efficiency of an international event with an authentic destination experience.
In addition, our approach allows us to offer something that today has extraordinary value in the MICE industry: highly personalized attention. Each event, group or delegation receives close, flexible support adapted to its needs.
Central Hotel isn't looking to be the biggest hotel; seeks to be the most memorable.
What is your favorite success story inside Central Hotel Panama Casco Viejo?
One of our most significant success stories has been to become a meeting point for international events that are looking for more than just logistics: they are looking for identity and connection with the destination.
We have had the opportunity to receive delegations, business leaders and international events that initially sought only a strategic location in Panama, but ended up finding a cultural and emotional experience difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Seeing how organizers and participants discover the history of the hotel, enjoy the energy of the Old Town and experience Panama from an authentic perspective, confirms the differential value of our proposal. Many guests arrive for an event and return later as leisure travelers or recommend the destination to new organizations.
That impact is our greatest satisfaction: transforming a corporate stay into a memorable experience.
Today, as new members of the International Congress and Convention Association, we want to continue positioning Panama as a competitive destination for international congresses and conventions, demonstrating that modern infrastructure and historical wealth can coexist perfectly to create truly extraordinary events.