La Compania Casco Viejo
Panama
La Compania Casco Viejo
Av. A Calle 8, Panama, Provincia de Panama
www.hlcpanama.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Hyatt International Hotel
Shareholders
Shebandowan Holdings SA
Date of Creation
2022
Hotel General Manager
Bruno Belletti is an accomplished hospitality executive with nearly 20 years of international experience in luxury hotel operations and management. He began his career at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo, advancing through multiple leadership roles within the Hyatt brand across Asia, Latin America, and Europe. His career highlights include directing operations for several hotel openings such as Park Hyatt Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hyatt Centric Montevideo (Uruguay), Hyatt Regency Guadalajara, and Andaz Mayakoba (Mexico).
After leading operations at Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro and founding his own hospitality consulting firm, Bruno transitioned to managing a family-owned hotel group in Brazil, where he established a strong corporate framework for expansion. In 2024, he joined Hotel La Compañía in Casco Antiguo, Panama, as Director of Operations, and was later promoted to General Manager.
As General Manager of Hotel La Compañía, Bruno plays a pivotal role in positioning the property as the leading luxury heritage hotel in Central America. His leadership focuses on blending historical preservation with contemporary hospitality, enhancing Panama’s global reputation as a premium travel destination. Through his vision and operational expertise, he contributes to the growth of La Compañía Hotels & Resorts, a brand celebrated for integrating cultural authenticity with world-class service.
Hotel Positioning
5 STAR LUXURY HOTEL
Development Strategy
Hotel La Compañía aims to position itself as the most iconic luxury heritage hotel in Central America, blending international leisure travelers, luxury tourism, corporate events, and authentic local experiences.
Supported by The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the property leads Panama’s luxury hospitality market and is a member of prestigious travel consortia such as Amex FHR, Virtuoso, Ensemble, Kiwi, Visa, and Hyatt Prive. Its primary clientele includes high-net-worth travelers from the U.S., Europe, and South America, seeking culture, history, gastronomy, and authenticity.
The MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) is growing rapidly, driven by multinational companies, U.S. government institutions, and corporate clients looking for customized meeting and event experiences.
Strategic partnerships with travel agencies, DMCs, tour operators, consortia, and OTAs form the backbone of the hotel’s commercial success.
Key elements of the strategy include:
• Strategic alliances with travel partners and distribution networks.
• Digital channel optimization and brand integration with Hyatt’s marketing programs.
• Corporate programs and seasonal promotions under the Hyatt umbrella.
• Active participation in international trade shows, luxury travel fairs, and tourism events.
• Collaboration with content creators, journalists, and brand partners to amplify visibility.
• Customer loyalty initiatives through World of Hyatt and partnerships with major entities such as ATP, PROMTUR, COPA Airlines, and the private sector.
Overall, Hotel La Compañía’s strategy is centered on strengthening its position as Panama’s flagship luxury heritage destination, enhancing global brand awareness, and delivering exceptional, culturally rich hospitality experiences.
La Compania Casco Viejo
History & Story
Hotel La Compañía, located in the heart of Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, traces its origins back to 1688, when it was built as a Jesuit convent. Over more than three centuries, the building has witnessed the evolution of Panama, reflecting different historical and architectural periods, from Spanish Colonial and French Colonial to influences of American Beaux-Arts.
After centuries of history, the convent was carefully restored and transformed into a luxury hotel that functions as a living museum, preserving original elements such as stone walls, high ceilings, and historic architectural details, while integrating modern technology and contemporary design. This combination allows guests to experience the site’s rich history without sacrificing comfort and modern elegance.
Date Renewal
The hotel consists of three buildings dating back to 1688, 1739, and 1904, which were carefully restored and began operations as Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo in 2022.
Date added extensions
2022
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Historic and Iconic Location: Situated in Panama City’s UNESCO Casco Antiguo, offering guests a unique blend of heritage and culture.
• Architectural Heritage: Comprises three restored buildings dating back to 1688, 1739, and 1904, combining Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, and Beaux-Arts influences.
• Luxury Accommodation: 88 unique rooms and suites blending original architectural details, handcrafted furnishings, and modern technology for authentic elegance.
• Culinary Excellence: Five restaurants, two bars, and a rooftop, offering diverse international and Panamanian cuisine.
• Meeting spaces: Versatile spaces for corporate events, meetings, and weddings, attracting multinational companies and international organizations.
• Authentic Panamanian Experiences: Promotes local culture through collaborations with artisans, artists, and producers, offering guests immersive experiences.
• Sustainability and Cultural Preservation: Commitment to heritage conservation and responsible tourism, positioning the hotel as a model of sustainable luxury in the region.
Location
Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, is the historic center of Panama City and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Founded in the late 17th century after the original city of Panama Viejo was destroyed by pirate attacks, this neighborhood combines history, culture, and architecture within a compact urban space. It is characterized by restored buildings, cathedrals, museums, and cultural and tourist attractions such as art galleries, theaters, festivals, and cultural districts. The area also offers diverse gastronomy and a vibrant nightlife catering to all types of visitors.
Key sites/activities in the area
Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, is the historic center of Panama City and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Founded in the late 17th century after the original city of Panama Viejo was destroyed by pirate attacks, this neighborhood combines history, culture, and architecture within a compact urban space. It is characterized by restored buildings, cathedrals, museums, and cultural and tourist attractions such as art galleries, theaters, festivals, and cultural districts. The area also offers diverse gastronomy and a vibrant nightlife catering to all types of visitors.
Fun Facts
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Children’s Corner
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HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of suites: 12
• Number of Luxury rooms: 76
• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 88
Restaurants & Bars
• 1739: A finedining Frenchstyle restaurant located in the hotel’s private wine cellar. It offers a refined setting with tall ceilings, historic stone walls, and a curated wine list of 1,800+ bottles.
• El Santuario: Set inside the historic arches and stonework of the hotel, this restaurant blends Spanish, Indian, Panamanian and Asian influences delivering a globally inspired cuisine in a dramatic, heritagefilled space.
• American Bazaar: Designed to evoke a 1904 Americanera department store, this restaurant offers a relaxed yet stylish environment for Americanstyle cuisine, steakhouse fare, and casual dining.
• Luigi’s: For lovers of Italian cuisine, Luigi’s features a rustic yet elegant Italian menu offering classic dishes in a refined, familyfriendly setting.
• Hari’s: A vibrant and modern Mexican Restaurant, making it ideal for an inventive dinner or social evening.
• Capella (Rooftop Bar): Located on the rooftop with sweeping views of Casco Antiguo and Panama City, Capella offers craft cocktails, small plates and a stylish setting to soak in the skyline and ambience
• Exilio Bar: Positioned adjacent to 1739, Exilio Bar has a historic theme and offers a curated wine list
Wellness
• The spa is part of the luxury heritage experience: treatments in a restored historic building contribute to the overall “living museum” feel of the hotel.
• The outdoor pool offers a respite within the historic district of Casco Antiguo, enabling guests to enjoy leisure and wellness while still being in a central cultural location.
• The presence of a poolbar and loungers indicates that the pool area is designed not just for swimming but also for socialising and relaxing in style.
• The wellness offering ties into the hotel’s broader lifestyle positioning: luxury, history, design and comfort all Events or stays where comfort and premium amenities matter (e.g., honeymooners, highnetworth travellers).
Corporate & Celebration Events
• Ruinas la Compañia de Jesus: 488 m² (approx) with capacity up to 400 guests for large receptions
• Roosevelt Ballroom: 1,709 m² (approx) and capacity 80-100 guests depending on setup.
• La Ciudadela: 763 m² space, more suitable for 25-30 guests, ideal for workshops or smaller meetings.
• Galería Endara: 406 m² space with capacity 15 guests, suited for intimate dinners or executive meetings.
• Capilla Natural (courtyard/outdoor setting): 135 m² with capacity up to 50 to 80 guests for receptions/events in a historic outdoors setting.
Extra Notable Features
• Coffee Tasting
• Mixology Class
• Cooking Class
• Wine Tasting
• Wine pairing dinner
• Rum & Cigar Experience
• Rum & Cigar Tasting
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2023
• “Travellers’ Choice – Best of the Best” designation in 2025 from TripAdvisor
• First hotel in Central America to open under the The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, which itself is a form of recognition of the property’s uniqueness and standing.
Number of employees
225