THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 114

Hospedaje Casco Viejo C 8 and Av “A” 211 2127, hospedajecascoviejo.com ; map .
Clean, relaxed and surprisingly spacious hostel with numerous private rooms in a quiet street
by the Iglesia de San José. The bathrooms have seen better days but you can't complain for
the price. Small shared kitchen and inter ior patio plu s fre e wi-fi and basic breakfast. Rooms
with shared or private bathroom. Dorms $11 , doubles $25
Luna's Castle C 9 Este between Av “B” & Av Alfaro 262 1540, lunascastlehostel.com ;
map . Great backpacker party venue set in a rambling property with a balcony overlooking a
square, and both private rooms and dorms (fan or a/c $2 extra). Run by experienced owners,
it offers free internet, shared kitchen, solar hot water, laundry, balconies, ping pong, a c ine-
centre, f ree pancake breakfasts and an on-site bar; just don't expect much sleep. Dorms $15 ,
doubles $32
Magnolia Inn C 8 and Boquete, behind the cathedral 202 0872, magnoliapanama.com ;
map . Lovingly restored, two floors of this colonial mansion are part boutique hotel, part lux-
ury hostel. The deluxe six-bed dorm in particular offers excellent value, boasting a/c, mat-
tresses and private reading lights, plus use of a beautifully furnished, comfortable dining and
lounge are a to relax in. The handful of private rooms at various prices offers affordable lux-
ury. Dorm $15 , doubles $80
Panamericana Plaza Herrera 202 0851, panamericanahostel.com ; map . Beautifully
restored colonial mansion enlivened by artistic touches in fluorescent paint, with shared bal-
conies and a great rooftop terrace-bar offering panoramic views of Casco Viejo. Large, airy
rooms with high ceilings and excellent beds, plus spacious hot showers and a comfy TV
lounge and decent-sized kitchen downstairs m ake this a top cho ice. The only downside is that
some rooms by the stairs can be noisy. Dorms $13 , doubles $35
CALIDONIA AND LA EXPOSICIÓN
Between Casco Viejo and the banking district of El Cangrejo lie the areas of Calidonia and
La Exposición, which offer a wide selection of unexceptional but affordable modern hotels
and pensiónes . Note that the streets off the main arteries are not very safe at night and some
of the hotels offer rooms by the hour, while places to eat are few and far between, though
generally quite cheap.
Hostel Mamallena Primera Calle Perejil off Vía España 6676 6163, mamallena.com ;
map . Popular backpacker place for chilling in a hammock on the communal balcony or in
the courtyard garden, or lounging in front of the TV. Dorms have a/c with quality mattresses
while private rooms (also with a/c) have shared bathrooms. The friendly, helpful staff have
bags of info and deals on trips and there are plenty of trimmings - free wi-fi and PCs with
Skype, complimentary tea, coffee and all-day pancake brea kfas t, cheap a irp ort transfer, wash-
ing machine. Only the location could be improved. Dorms $13 , doubles $33