Hotel La Compañia Review: Hyatt Transforms Stunning 300-Year Ruins Into Perfect Old Town Hotel

We at Travel Off Path recently covered San Diego’s new groundbreaking flight to Panama City via Copa Airlines, a historic feat 12 years in the making, according to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.

With their popular Stopover Program, travelers have the chance to spend as long as a full week in Panama before venturing off to some of my favorite destinations that were formerly a headache to reach before Copa saved the day — Honduras, Guatemala, and Brazil.

Between the vibrant wonders of Casco Viejo (Old Town), the staggering never-ending skyline reminiscent of Dubai, and both Caribbean and Pacific shorelines as well as hidden UNESCO-protected towns, Panama earned my stamp of approval not only as a stopover, but your Central America mainstay.

Of course, any seasoned traveler knows choosing a destination is one thing, but choosing where to stay is another conversation entirely.

One glance at Hotel La Compañia answered that question real quick.

Welcome To Hotel La Compañia: Panama City’s Remarkable Revival

If you’ve been following us at Travel Off Path in recent months, you’ve likely noticed I’ve personally been a globetrotting fool anywhere from San Jose, California to Panama.

As such, I say with no exaggeration: my stay in Panama City is one of my favorite in all my recent travels — a truly unique hotel that Hyatt has masterfully transformed.

Preserved ruins now stand as a 5-star hotel that feels more like home than a place where you’re not allowed to touch anything.

Every meticulous detail is wrought with purpose, whether it be different aromas in every corner of the property, dedicated wings of Spanish, American and French flair, or centuries-old stone walls, rustic timber ceilings, and surprisingly spacious rooms outfitted with aesthetically rich remnants of bygone eras.

Best of all — Old Town Panama City is practically at your doorstep. Walk past the friendly front desk staff, outside the lobby doors always opened for you with a smile, and you’re smacked with cobbled streets, pastel plazas, and ornate cathedrals — and of course, some souvenir shops to purchase an obligatory “Panama Hat”.

Hyatt’s Unbound Collection property opened in 2022, but you’d never know it. The grounds are spotless and seems as if it opened yesterday even with unmissable touches of its 300+ year past as the original Jesuit convent dates back as early as the 1680’s.

The hotel itself feels like a modern hotel nowadays (well, except for the elevator serving as a time machine), but next door lies a stunning backdrop of Jesuit ruins now commonly used for wedding receptions.

Though, the gates do open to the public on Sundays to a local artisan market, making for an unforgettable photo-op even if you can’t make room for a new art piece in your carry-on.

Travel Tip: I highly recommend checking out the Capella Rooftop for tasty cocktails and sweeping views of not only the preserved ruins, but Panama City’s mix of towering cathedrals and soaring skyline.

Turn Back The Clock At Dinner: No Phones Allowed!

As if Hotel La Compañia didn’t offer a trip back in time simply by staying here, around the corner from the hotel grounds beyond the sightly plaza is Villa Ana, named after Ana Mercedes Arias, who wasn’t shy for opulence and her passion for living life to the fullest.

Surprises await on each floor of this awe-inspiring 1920’s multi-level mansion, whether it be a rooftop cigar bar, quirky speakeasy, or the star of the show, the restaurant itself, backed by Michelin-starred Chef Patrice Jaumon, who proudly told me their dishes are “made with love”.

If that’s the secret ingredient for the sensational perfectly crafted Caipiroskas, a hefty serving of Duck Confit Dumplings, and equal parts juicy and crispy Suckling Pig that graced my lips, then someone give me a hug because I need more love in my life.

I’d love to show you photos as proof of how delicious this meal was, but circling back to Ana’s zest for life, Villa Ana believes the best experience is to enjoy a meal with loved ones free of conversation lull escapes of doom-scrolls and swiping right into digital oblivion.

This was my first “digital detox” meal, but certainly won’t be my last. Good wine, great food, and even better company made for a truly memorable evening while my phone enjoyed a break from my thumbs, locked away at the hostess stand.

There are 5 on-site restaurants at Hotel La Compañia. In my opinion, Villa Ana topped them all with a close second being 1739, a French Modern concept actually located in the hotel just beyond the lobby and hidden wine cellar (ask about it!).

I might give 1739 the nod above Villa Ana, but they 86’d escargot, which is about as much of a party foul as Mexican restaurants not having chips and salsa.

Though, my order of Lamb Chops was flawlessly executed, capped off with a better selection of wine than Villa Ana, the overall experience of being forced to lock our phones away was truly unique and borderline necessary when we’re glued to the ‘gram in Travel Mode.

There is one secret spot you should know about, though. Tucked away in the back corner of El Sanctuario lies La Panadería, a great place to fuel to your morning with freshly made empanadas and to- die-for lattes.

World Wonders At Your Doorstep: Let Ancon Expeditions Guide You

One step outside Hotel La Compañia’s lobby and you’re transported back centuries along a maze of stone streets boasting an array of colorations.

While my travel ego gets the best of me at times trying to find hidden gems on my own, I thoroughly enjoyed letting Ancon Expeditions take the reins on an insightful walking tour through the heart of Casco Viejo.

For sample size, I never would’ve learned what you think is a “Panama Hat” really isn’t one at all. Those are for tourists. Locals rock a completely different style.

Our guide Nico Guerrero couldn’t have been more helpful guiding us around not only Panama City, where we were able to score behind-the-scenes access learning the ins and outs of the world-famous Panama Canal, but also a grand tour (including samples) of the world’s most expensive coffee — you have to take part in the Geisha Experience, known as the “champagne of coffee”.

Each bean is hand-picked one by one by farmers, resulting in a flavor so profound, you may never go to Starbucks again.

As amazing as wandering the urban sprawl of Old Town was, my personal favorite excursions went way beyond the historic streets and towering skyline.

Witnessing the Panama Canal firsthand and realizing how ingenious it was took me back to my first visit to Paris, where I already decided I wouldn’t be impressed by the city’s most famous attraction. Needless to say, I was wrong…

The best part was the boat tour through Gatun Lake and run-off waterways, including close-up encounters with wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and crocs as well as massive ships that bring us all the Temu junk we order.

Though, if there’s one place on the itinerary I wish we had more time to spend, it’s the UNESCO-protected town of Portobelo, a secret village on Panama’s remote Caribbean coast with roots tied to Christopher Columbus’ voyage.

As more travelers discover the magic of Panama, Portobelo should top their wishlist with its compelling blend of history, unique Afro-Caribbean culture, and natural beauty, including seemingly untouched shores perfect for snorkeling, where I saw eels, stingrays, schools of fish, and coral reefs — thankfully, no sharks.

Ancor Expeditions’ shuttle picks you up at Hotel La Compañia with timely precision and safe driving practices.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Hotel La Compañia, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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