What is the Panama Hotel known for?

The Panama Hotel is a National Historic Landmark and an outstanding example of pre-World War II single-room-occupancy hotels in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. It is also home to the last remaining Japanese-style public bathhouse (sento) in the United States.

Who built the hotel and when?

The hotel was established in 1910 and designed by Sabro Ozasa, who was the first Japanese American architect to practice in Seattle.

Can I tour the bathhouse?

Yes, the bathhouse, known as Hashidate Yu, is open for tours by appointment.

What are the hours for the tea and coffee shop?

The Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

What is it like to stay at the hotel?

Guests stay in original hotel rooms furnished with pre-World War II furniture. The rooms include personal sinks, while bathrooms are shared on each floor.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Panama Hotel (with Bathhouse View) in Seattle

Panama Hotel (with Bathhouse View)

A National Historic Landmark established in 1910, this former workingman's hotel preserves the heritage of Seattle's Nihonmachi with its rare Japanese-style public bathhouse and pre-World War II furnishings.

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What to know

The Panama Hotel is a five-story brick structure located in the heart of Seattle's Chinatown-International District. Established in 1910, it was designed by Sabro Ozasa, who was the first Asian American to practice architecture in the city. Originally built as a single-room-occupancy hotel, it served as a residence for Japanese men seeking employment in America during the early 20th century. Architecturally, the building remains remarkably intact, featuring a layout that includes ground-floor stores, a mezzanine, and three floors of guest rooms. The hotel is most famous for its basement sento, known as Hashidate Yu. This facility is recognized as the last remaining Japanese-style public bathhouse in the United States, offering a rare glimpse into the communal bathing culture of the historic Nihonmachi district. Today, the site operates as the Historic Panama Hotel Bed & Breakfast. Guests who stay here experience a step back in time, as the original hotel rooms are furnished with pre-World War II furniture. While rooms include personal sinks, they maintain the historic tradition of shared bathrooms on each floor. Recognized for its deep cultural significance, the property was designated a National Historic Landmark in March 2006. It is one of only three buildings in Seattle to hold this prestigious status. Beyond its lodging, the street level hosts the Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee, which serves pastries and coffee from a local roaster.

Visitor tips

Visit the Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee on the street level between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM for local coffee and pastries.
If you wish to see the Hashidate Yu bathhouse, remember that tours are available by appointment only.
For those interested in staying overnight, reservations can be made via phone, email, or Airbnb.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the hotel is located within walking distance of Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.

Nearby context

The hotel is a cornerstone of Seattle's Chinatown-International District, situated in the area formerly known as Nihonmachi. Its central location puts it just minutes away from the Amtrak station, the waterfront, and the historic galleries and museums of Pioneer Square.