THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 293

ACCOMMODATION
A broad range of good-value accommodation exists in David, most near the city centre and
all with hot water, a/c and free wi-fi unless indicated. Note that during the Feria de David and
the festival periods in Boquete , it is difficult to get a room.
Bambu Hostel C Virgincita, San Mateo district 730 2961, bambuhostel.com . Further
out than most places, though within reach of amenities on C “F” Sur. A place for mellow-
minded folk and those who like to party, this place offers en-suite dorm bunks, and private
rooms, both with a/c and excellent mattresses, as well as cheaper beds protected by mosquito
nets in a wood-and-bamboo jungle house. The standout feature is the lush tropical garden
containing a sma ll p ool with ran cho bar and open kitchen; plus there's a table-tennis table
out front. Dorms $11 , doubles $34
Chambres en Ville Av 5 Este between C “A” Sur and C “B” Sur 775 7428,
chambresenville.info . A good choice for couples and mature travellers, with cosy, en-suite
private rooms that are a little dark but brightened up with colourful murals. The large open-
air kitchen leads to a fruit-filled garden, with hammocks and a decent-sized swimming pool
- thoug h t he caged tou can might upset some visitors. French, English and Spanish spoken.
Dorms $11 , doubles $33
Hotel Castilla C “A” Norte between Av Cincuentenario and Av 3 Este 774 5236, hotel-
castillapanama.com . The pick of the hotels in terms of good-value comfort, and centrally loc-
ated. The tiled rooms are slightly chintzy but bright and clean, and you might fancy splashing
out the extr a $15 for a balcony view of the main park. There's a decent, if dark, on-site res-
taurant. $65
Hotel Ciudad de David C “D” Norte and Av 2 Este 774 3333, hotelciudaddedavid.com .
This new sleek business hotel is the most upscale place in town, with over a hundred rooms
and suites boasting contemporary furnishings and all the usual business amenities: minibars,
safes an d roo m service, as well as a sauna, pool, gym and bar-restaurant. Buffet breakfast in-
cluded. $138
Hotel Gran Nacional C Central and Av 1 Este 775 2221. Before the recent arrival of the
Hotel Ciudad de David , this was the top hotel in town with name and marble lobby to match,
conveniently located a couple of blocks from the main square. Rooms are tastefully furnished
with flat-screen c able TV and other mod cons. There's also a bar, pool, casino, cinema and
three restaurants. $100
Hotel Iberia C “B” Norte, between Av 1 Oeste and Av 2 Oeste 777 2002, hoteliber-
ia.net . Popular with business folk for its immaculately cle an, functional rooms with cable TV,
friendly staff and on-site restaurant offering tasty meals. $42