THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 207

ACCOMMODATION
Most of El Valle's accommodation can be found within walking distance of Avenida Central.
Prices can be higher than elsewhere in the interior and are often higher at weekends than dur-
ing the week. Holiday weekends are busy, when a minimum two- or three-night booking may
be required.
Anton Valley Hotel West end of Av Central 9836 6097, antonvalleyhotel.com . Com-
fortable, tastefully furnished rooms sharing a couple of pleasant patios with games and books
to entertain. Has a small pool and offers bike rental, wi-fi, massage and various other extras.
$20 midweek reductions. $82
APROVACA Signposted to the left on the way into town, next to ANAM 983 6472,
aprovaca.org . Excellent value and a quiet place to stay - either in the comfortable dorm, with
en-suite bathroom and a small kitchen, patio area and laundry facilities , or in the s potl ess en-
suite room. Rates include wi-fi and entry to the orchid nursery. Dorms $12 , double $30
Cabañas Potosí On the road to Chorro las Mozas, 1km west of town 983 6181, el-
valepotosi.com . A welcoming place with four simply furnished, clean concrete cabins (with
double and single bed) with shared patios facing La India Dormida. The cockerels in the
flo wer-filled ground s, where you can als o camp, should ensure an early start. Camping
$10 /person (own tent $5 /person), cabins $54
Canopy Lodge On the road to Chorro El Macho 264 5720, canopylodge.com .
Though not actually in the canopy (unlike its Gamboa cousin), this lodge overlooking the
Río Guayabo is superbly situated in a private nature reserve. It's aimed at birding enthusiasts,
but the fine surroundings, tasteful furnishings and comfortable common areas make it a fine
spot for anyo ne to unwind. Minimum three-night stay preferred; prices include meals and one
birding tour. $254 /person
La Casita de Don Daniel At the foot of La India Dormida, La Pintada 6615 5511, laca-
[e-mail] . Friendly, family environment with three inexpensive double
rooms and a riverside campsite, where you can rent a tent ($20) or pitch your own, with use of
bat hroo ms and comm un al kitchen. Best to contact in advance as it's not always open. Camp-
ing $10 /tent, doubles $40
Golden Frog Inn (Villa Rana Dorada) C Las Veraneras 983 6117, goldenfro-
ginn.com . Satisfying views across the crater valley floor from this superior hillside inn, a
20min walk from the town centre. A handful of rooms and suites, some with private verandas
and fully equipped kitchens, are set in a nicely landscaped garden with a dec ent- sized pool,
shared kitchen and hammock deck for enjoying the daily happy hour. Doubles $70 , suites $135
Hotel Don Pepe Av Central, by the market 983 6835, [e-mail] . Cen-
trally located block with clean, comfy en-suite rooms with the customary amenities (hot wa-