Page 79 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

ACCOMMODATION Panama City 77
aCCOmmODatiOn 1
There are accommodation options to suit all tastes and all budgets in Panama City, but beds can be in short supply at
busy times such as Carnaval or Christmas, when it is essential to book in advance. Some mid-range hotels offer special
business rates (open to all) and most mid-range and high-end hotels offer substantial discounts for online bookings.
Note that hotels located on a major bus route, such as Vía España or Av Perú, can get noisy from around 5.30–6.00am,
when the traffic starts up and the horn honking begins, until late at night, so ask for a room at the back on one of the higher
floors. As for facilities, hot water is standard in hotels (though not necessarily in hostels) and most have a/c, cable TV and
wi-fi (free in budget and mid-range accommodation, often charged for in the expensive hotels). Families or anyone staying
a week or more might consider an aparthotel – these have kitchen/lounge/dining facilities and offer hotel services such
as cleaning, laundry and breakfast. Long-term rentals and corporate rates are often negotiable.
CASCO VIEJO and private rooms (shared bathroom for $5 less) in a quiet
Many budget travellers opt for the backpacker hostels in street by the Iglesia de San José. The cold-water showers
Casco Viejo, the old colonial centre, where there are also have seen better days, but you can’t complain for the price.
some very comfortable choices. The restoration of many of Small shared kitchen, interior patio and a cosy rooftop
the historic buildings and absence of buses make it a terrace. Basic breakfast included. Dorms $13, doubles $35
pleasant retreat from the congestion and the pollution of ★ Luna’s Castle C 9 Este, between Av “B” and Av Alfaro
the rest of the city. Lively bars and restaurants have also T262 1540, Wlunascastlehostel.com; map p.56.
made it a popular nightlife destination, though most Boasting bags of character and a laidback vibe, this
places are relatively pricey. backpacker party venue is set in a rambling property with a
★ American Trade Hotel Plaza Herrera T211 2000, balcony overlooking a square. It offers large dorms (fan or
Wacehotel.com/panama; map p.56. Overlooking an a/c) – with curtained bunks for privacy – and a handful of
elegant plaza, a gleaming white facade proudly announces doubles, with a big shared kitchen, solar hot water,
Casco Viejo’s first fully restored grand hotel. White and laundry, lounge areas, book exchange, free bike use, ping
wood predominate in light airy rooms, many of which have pong, free pancake breakfast and on-site bars. Just don’t
their own balustraded balcony. Every detail has been expect much sleep. Dorms $16, doubles $37
considered, from plush bathrobes to fully stocked minibars, Magnolia Inn C 8 and Boquete, behind the cathedral
with modern comforts carefully blended into the historical T202 0872, Wmagnoliapanama.com; map p.56.
structure. Substantial discounts for advance booking Lovingly restored, this colonial mansion is part boutique
online. $195 hotel, part luxury hostel. Superior dorms have a/c and
The Central Hotel Plaza de la Catedral T309 0300, private reading lights, plus use of a beautifully furnished,
Wcentralhotelpanama.com; map p.56. Despite oozing comfortable dining and lounge area; the cheaper “ballroom
history, Panama’s recently renovated Canal-era hotel dorm” – somewhat reminiscent of a hospital wing, despite
somehow lacks character – lost perhaps when ensuring the piano and three-piece suite – has fans. The variously
the (small) rooms have all the comforts and amenities of a priced hotel rooms offer affordable luxury. Dorms $15,
modern five-star hotel. The views from the rooftop pool doubles $88
and bar, though, are amazing. $319
Las Clementinas C 11 and Av “B” T228 7613, CALIDONIA AND LA EXPOSICIÓN
Wlasclementinas.com; map p.56. Half a dozen Calidonia and La Exposición offer a wide selection of
beautifully decorated suites (sleeping two to four), with unexceptional but affordable modern hotels and pensiones.
hand-painted tiles, wooden floors and a combination of The streets off the main arteries are not very safe at night,
antiques and stylish modern furnishings. All have lofty however, and some of the hotels offer rooms by the hour
ceilings, fully equipped kitchens and access to a fabulous – though usually on a separate floor. Also, places to eat are
rooftop terrace. Service is top-notch. $198 few and far between, though generally quite cheap.
★ Los Cuatro Tulipanes Casa las Monjas, Av Central, Hostel Mamallena Primera C Perejil, off Vía España
between C 3 and C 4 T211 0877, Wloscuatrotulipanes T6676 6163, Wmamallena.com; map pp.62–63.
.com; map p.56. Bohemian chic, with a range of Popular backpacker place where you can chill in a hammock
sumptuous apartments in beautifully restored colonial on the communal balcony or in the courtyard garden, or
houses, plus traditional hotel services if required. Weekly lounge in front of the TV. Dorms have a/c and quality
rates ($1260) and substantial discounts in low season. mattresses while private rooms (also a/c) share bathrooms.
Three-night minimum stay preferred. $210 The friendly, helpful staff have bags of info and deals on
Hospedaje Casco Viejo C 8 and Av “A” T211 2127, trips, and there are plenty of extras – PCs with Skype;
Whospedajecascoviejo.com; map p.56. Clean, relaxed complimentary tea, coffee and all-day pancake breakfasts;
and surprisingly spacious hostel with fan-ventilated dorms cheap airport transfers; washing machine – and

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