Villa Ana 1928
Panama
Consider visiting the art gallery for unique exhibitions by both local and international artists.
Villa Ana 1928 is a finely restored mansion located at Plaza Catedral, within the historic district of Casco Viejo in Panama. This four-story building combines history with modern luxury, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. The villa is known for its unique ban on the use of cell phones in its premises, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The interior is elegantly designed, reflecting the grandeur of its past while involving contemporary comfort.
The venue features multiple distinct areas, each with its own charm. The Dining Room offers a setting for enjoying exquisite meals, while El Ático offers a more relaxed and intimate ambiance. Art enthusiasts can explore La Galería, which showcases exhibitions by both local and international artists throughout the year. This versatile space is also available for corporate events and cocktail gatherings, making it ideal for special occasions.
For those who relish a fine drink paired with a quality cigar, the Rum & Cigar Bar provides the perfect haven. The bar invites guests to savor a selection of rum and cigars in a luxurious setting. Throughout the villa, the attention to detail in the restoration is apparent, with antiques sourced from around the world to complement the stories the building holds.
Villa Ana 1928 is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Panama. It welcomes guests who appreciate history, art, and fine dining, as well as those planning to host special events in a refined environment. The venue stands as a testament to the vibrant legacy of Ana Mercedes Arias Icaza, embodying the spirit of the Roaring Twenties while honoring Panama's layered history.
Reviews
At the recommendation of a friend , my daughter and I went upstairs to the speakeasy for the evening. The atmosphere is fabulous. Leather wing back chairs and sofas make it incredibly comfortable and cozy. The cocktails were Excellent and the band was fantastic. We met a charming man from Turkey, who we spent the evening chatting with, and before it was over everybody in the bar was up dancing. Even a group of six Chinese business men took to the dance floor. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had never danced before, but they definitely got into the spirit of it. It has been years since I can remember having that much fun. At the end of the evening, we discovered that downstairs they have an art gallery . Who knew? I cannot wait to go back and try the restaurant and visit the speakeasy again. It is a destination not to be missed on any visit to Panama City. I would add photos, but I didn’t take any. I was too busy, enjoying the experience.
My husband for anniversary weekend decided to come here for their cigar bar and speakeasy. It is true they do take your phones, but they place it in a pouch that they can open later. The photos on the website are true and accurate. We made a reservation for sunset because my husband really wanted to do our last night at their rooftop cigar and rum bar. We walked up the stairs, and had the cigar bar all to ourselves. It was a Tuesday night, so weeknight might be busier. My husband enjoyed a rum on the rocks with one of his cigar choices. I had a glass of wine to enjoy outside. We watch sunset from their rooftop patio space, which accommodate quite a few small top tables, for parties of about 3-4. The cigar bar also has an interior with tables, but the weather was too good to sit inside. As we are just come from dinner, we did not try any of the food choice, but saw their menu was absolutely divine. We didn’t get to peek at their restaurant side, and loved the room and its seating. When we return to Panama, we decided we’d have dinner there. We did get to see the speakeasy (and jazz spot) called the attic. There was a group of ladies already sitting there, and no jazz on that evening, but the atmosphere was quiet, inviting, and cozy. They have a lot of beautiful zones to sit in and enjoy. The bar is a fun modern take with a variety of sprits to choose from. We did love the interior stairs as you go up to the restaurant and concierge staff. They reminded us of a mix of our Moroccan trip in French trip, with the tiles and stained glass. If you are in the area, we truly do recommend this spot.
If you go anywhere in Panama City, go to Villa Ana 1928. The staff, especially Rolando and Astrid, treat you like it’s actually your home in all its Art Deco splendor. The food is 5 star, the environment surreal. It feels like Flapper Girl Ana is just behind the curtain. And go upstairs after dinner for a live jazz treat to top off the best night ever!
Come for drinks and jazz. NOT for dinner. We visited Villa Ana for dinner after seeing strong reviews and because it is part of the Hyatt Hotel, where we were staying at La Compañía. While the service and atmosphere were excellent, the food was a major disappointment. To start on a positive note, the service was phenomenal throughout the evening, attentive, professional, and genuinely warm. The restaurant also locks guests’ phones in pouches upon entry, which I personally appreciated and had no issue with. For dinner, we ordered four appetizers and one main course. Unfortunately, the appetizers were consistently underwhelming. The main course was the only dish that prevented this from being a two-star experience. Appetizers: Tom Yum Soup: Overly acidic and heavily seasoned, with unbalanced flavors. It was thoughtful of the staff to offer to split the soup for sharing. Shrimp Tartare: Contained very little shrimp and was overwhelmed by other ingredients, resulting in a bland profile. The shrimp served on the side was overly salty and sour, possibly due to added seasoning and vinaigrette. Corn and Lobster Croquette: Fine but forgettable. One small croquette served with two scoops of salsa and minimal lobster meat. At $26, the value was difficult to justify. Grilled Octopus: Cooked tender, but completely overpowered by excessive salt, multiple sauces, and a salty dry crumb of some sort, leaving little of the octopus flavor. Main Course: Lamb Tagine: Well executed and flavorful, with no complaints. This was easily the highlight of the meal and the reason the rating isn’t lower. It’s unfortunate, as expectations were high, especially after enjoying other restaurants within the hotel. The ambiance of the space is beautiful, and the service truly stands out. Dinner for two with one drink came to $160 before tip, around $190 all in, which further heightened expectations around food quality and value. The second-floor bar is excellent, particularly with live jazz and comfortable seating, and the cigar and rooftop bar are nice additions, though they could use refinement. The running-water ashtray is a creative idea, but water pooling on the floor beneath it detracts from the experience. Overall, Villa Ana works well as a venue for cocktails and live music, but the food does not currently match the level of the setting, service, or pricing. Update: During my stay at La Compañía, Carlos, the Hyatt's Food & Beverage Manager, personally reached out to apologize and discuss our dining experience. I genuinely appreciated the gesture; it speaks volumes about the care, accountability, and dedication he and his team have for their guests. I’m confident they’ll take this feedback seriously and work to address the issues we encountered.
Top floor smoking room, with bar. Very relaxing. No phones allowed which is a lovely change of pace. Bar has a huge variety of drinks. The manager comes around and is an absolute gentleman. Great range of cigars. No photos as no phones allowed but it is the epitome of exquisite. I'd love to try the restaurant downstairs as you can tell they have rhe highest standards.
