Accommodation in Panama

Overview of Panama Accommodation

Types of Accommodation

The isthmus of Panama offers travelers a cornucopia of sleeping options, ranging from the swanky high-rise hotels in Panama City to quaint casitas on the beach. Dive into the mix of luxury resorts, budget hostels, guesthouses, vacation rentals, and eco-lodges that pepper the landscape.

Popular Areas for Visitors

The hustle and neon glow of Panama City attract urban adventurers, while the San Blas Islands call to the sun worshippers and hammock lovers. Meanwhile, Boquete beckons the mountain escapists, and Bocas del Toro is a siren song for the beach bum at heart.

Hotels in Panama

Luxury Hotels

Nothing screams ‘I’ve arrived’ like the glitzy Trump International Hotel or the historic grandeur of American Trade Hotel. Slip into the lap of luxury and bath in rooftops pools gazing at the Panama skyline.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Travelers counting their balboas can bunk at places like Hotel Centroamericano or Magnolia Inn, where your wallet gets a breather without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.

Boutique and Unique Hotels

For those allergic to the mundane, Panama has got your remedy. Hotels like Tantalo Hotel or Las Clementinas offer a side of character with your continental breakfast.

Resorts and All-Inclusive

Beachfront Resorts

Playa Blanca Resort and Royal Decameron stand proud with sand between their toes, offering sun-kissed patios and margaritas big enough to swim in.

Eco-Resorts

Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge is where luxury shakes hands with Mother Nature, and your conscience can take a vacation too.

Family-Friendly Resorts

Resorts like Sheraton Bijao Beach Resort roll out the red carpet for the entire clan, with activities and kiddie pools in abundance.

Hostels and Backpackers

Best Hostels in Panama City

Luna’s Castle Hostel and Selina Hostel are the spots if you want to mingle with fellow wanderers and swap tales over communal breakfasts.

Hostels Outside the Capital

Mamallena in Boquete or Palmar Beach Lodge in Bocas del Toro cater to the explorer who’s left the city skyline in the rearview mirror.

Vacation Rentals

Apartments and Condos

Airbnb and VRBO are treasure troves for finding that perfect city apartment with a view or a beachfront condo where the waves serenade you to sleep.

Villas and Houses

Fancy a kitchen with your vacation? Renting a villa or house provides space for cartwheels and home-cooked meals.

Booking Platforms

Besides the usual suspects, don’t ignore local sites like Encuentra24 which can unearth some hidden gems.

Bed and Breakfasts

Local B&B Experiences

Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel in Casco Viejo offers a side of history with your scrambled eggs and a chance to feel like a local.

Advantages of B&Bs

B&Bs are like the cool aunt of accommodations – more personal, a tad quirky, and with breakfasts that don’t come out of a cardboard box.

Considerations for Choosing Accommodation

Location and Accessibility

Sure, a treehouse in the jungle sounds dreamy, but if you’re planning city tours, consider something less Tarzan. Proximity to attractions, restaurants, and transport can save you from the tyranny of endless commutes.

Amenities and Services

Wi-Fi faster than a speeding bullet, on-site spas, or perhaps a personal butler to peel your grapes – choose your poison.

Reviews and Ratings

An establishment’s reputation can hinge on its TripAdvisor score. Take reviews with a grain of salt, but if there’s talk of bedbugs staging a coup d’etat, best to steer clear.

Seasonal Variations

High Season vs Low Season

Rates can swing like a yo-yo between seasons. The dry spell from mid-December to April sees wallets weeping, while the wetter months might just score you a bargain.

Festivals and Events Impact

Carnaval or the Panama Jazz Festival can see hotels booked tighter than a pair of skinny jeans. Plan accordingly, or join the festival – it’s really a matter of perspective.

Tips for Booking Accommodation

Early Reservations

Early birds don’t just get the worm; they get the best rooms too. Planning in advance can snag you that suite with the sunset views.

Comparing Prices

Put on your detective hat and cross-reference prices across multiple sites. Sometimes, the difference can be enough to fund your ceviche addiction.

Contacting Properties Directly

A little chat with the property can unearth discounts that the internet has coyly hidden away. Plus, nothing beats the human touch.

Sustainable Accommodation

Eco-Friendly Choices

Properties like The Canopy Family turn green living into an art form, proving that you can enjoy Panama’s splendor responsibly.

Community-Based Tourism

Staying in accommodations that support local communities, like Casa Cambutal, not only gives you good karma points but also stories that stick.

Safety and Security

Safe Areas to Stay

While Panama is broadly welcoming, neighborhoods like Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo in Panama City are known for being tourist-friendly and having a good safety record.

Accommodation Safety Features

Inquire about security measures such as 24-hour reception, safes, and security cameras, especially if you’re carrying your life in a backpack.

Final Recommendations

Panama’s array of accommodations means there’s a pillow for every head. Whether you’re a luxury seeker or a hostel-hopping soul, this land straddling two seas has got you covered. Remember, your choice of digs can make or break that vacation vibe, so choose wisely and don’t forget to enjoy the view.