Accommodation in Panama

Understanding Your Accommodation Types

City Hotels (Panama City)

• Your hotel will typically be a modern, high-rise building adhering to international standards of comfort and service.
• Amenities often include swimming pools (rooftop pools are a popular feature), fitness centers, on-site restaurants, and business facilities.
• Hotels are situated in central, convenient neighborhoods. Casco Viejo, the historic old quarter, offers colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant nightlife. El Cangrejo has a lively, bohemian atmosphere with an abundance of restaurants and cafes. The Financial District is sleek and modern, central to business and upscale shopping.

Beach Resorts & Lodges (Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Pacific Coast)

• Accommodation styles vary widely, from large all-inclusive resorts on the Pacific coast to intimate, rustic beachfront cabanas.
• The focus is on relaxation and direct access to water activities like snorkeling, diving, surfing, and swimming.
• San Blas Islands: Accommodations here are very basic, typically rustic huts with shared facilities, owned and managed by the indigenous Guna community. It is essential to set expectations accordingly; this is a profound cultural immersion and an opportunity to experience a unique way of life, not a luxury resort experience.
• Bocas del Toro: This Caribbean archipelago features a diverse range of unique stays, including iconic overwater bungalows, secluded eco-lodges, and charming boutique hotels.

Mountain & Eco-Lodges (Boquete, El Valle de Antón)

• Often referred to as “fincas” (farms) or lodges, these accommodations are centered around nature, coffee cultivation, and adventure activities like hiking and birdwatching.
• Stays can be more rustic, with an emphasis on sustainability and providing a genuine connection with the stunning natural environment.
• Due to the higher altitude, temperatures are cooler. Central heating is rare, but you will find that extra blankets are readily provided for your comfort.

What to Expect: Amenities & Services

Electricity & Outlets

• Panama uses 110V, 60Hz electricity, the same standard as in the United States and Canada.
• Outlets are Type A and B, meaning your devices from the USA and Canada will not require an adapter.
• Brief power outages can occur, particularly in rural areas and during the rainy season. While many lodges have backup generators, we advise you to bring a portable power bank to keep your personal devices charged.

Water & Plumbing

• In Panama City and other major towns, the tap water is treated and generally considered safe to drink.
• In rural areas, beach locations (such as Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands), and at eco-lodges, it is strongly recommended to drink only the bottled or filtered water provided by your accommodation.
• In more remote lodges, be aware that hot water may be less consistent or heated by smaller on-demand systems, resulting in lower water pressure than you may be used to.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

• In city hotels, you can expect widely available and reliable Wi-Fi service.
• In remote jungle, mountain, or island locations (especially San Blas), please anticipate that Wi-Fi will be slow, intermittent, or entirely non-existent. This offers a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse yourself in Panama’s spectacular natural surroundings.

Air Conditioning vs. Fans

• Air conditioning (aire acondicionado) is a standard feature in city hotels and most coastal resorts to manage the tropical heat and humidity.
• In the cooler mountain regions and in many rustic or eco-focused lodges, ceiling fans are more common than A/C and are typically sufficient for a comfortable temperature.

Hotel Procedures: Check-In & Check-Out

Required Documents

• You must present your original passport (not a copy) upon check-in at all hotels. This is a legal requirement in Panama for all foreign visitors.
• Please have your booking confirmation from us readily accessible, either as a printed copy or on your mobile device.

Standard Times

• Check-in is typically between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
• Check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Please consult your specific itinerary vouchers for the exact times for each hotel. Should you arrive early or have a late departure, we can often arrange for the hotel to store your luggage for your convenience.

Incidental Holds & Deposits

• Most hotels will ask for a credit card at check-in to place a temporary hold for any incidental charges (e.g., mini-bar, restaurant meals, spa services).
• This is a standard international practice. The hold is not a charge and is released by the hotel after you check out, provided no charges were made to your room.

Safety and Security in Your Accommodation

Using In-Room Safes

• We strongly recommend using the in-room safe (caja fuerte) to store your passport, spare cash, credit cards, and other valuables.
• If your room does not have a safe, please inquire at the front desk, as they typically have a central safe available for guest use.

General Precautions

• Always lock your hotel room door, even when you are inside.
• For added security at night, use the deadbolt and/or security chain if one is provided.
• Do not leave valuables like cameras, phones, or wallets unattended in common areas or on display in your room.

Tipping & Local Etiquette

Housekeeping (Camareras)

• It is customary and greatly appreciated to leave a tip for the housekeeping staff who clean your room.
• A general guideline is $2-5 USD per day. You can leave the tip on the pillow or in a clearly marked envelope before you check out.

Bellhops & Porters (Botones)

• For assistance with your luggage, a tip of $1-2 USD per bag is appropriate.

Concierge

• If the concierge provides exceptional service, such as securing a difficult dinner reservation or offering particularly helpful recommendations, a tip of $5-10 USD is a kind gesture, depending on the complexity of your request.