Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ample dorms (US$2 extra for air-con) are stacked with bunks and the shared bath-
rooms get a frequent scrub. Perks include free bikes, laundry service and a basement
movie house showing popular flicks.
Panamericana Hostel
HOSTEL $
( 202-0851;
www.panamericanahostel.com
;
Calle 10 & Av A, Plaza Herrera; dm/d incl breakfast
without bathroom US$13/28, d incl breakfast US$38; )
Billed as a 'design hostel', this
four-story newcomer offers equal doses of pop art and playfulness. It seems big, with 29
rooms, many stenciled with Panamanian slang, some with huge views. Wall murals,
cutouts and black lights offset a whole lot of white space. The soon-to-open rooftop bar
offers an amazing panorama, but might be detrimental to R & R.
Hospedaje Casco Viejo
HOSTEL $
( 211-2027;
www.hospedajecascoviejo.com
; Calle 8a Oeste; dm/d incl breakfast without bathroom
US$11/22, d US$25; )
Every inch of this old hostel - pending renovation - has
seen heavy use, but it's hard to get picky at these prices. The best room is the dormitory,
with well-spaced single beds. Perks include a communal kitchen and an open-air court-
yard. It's on a quiet side street near the Iglesia de San José.
Magnolia Inn
INN $$$
( 202-0827, 6551-9217;
www.magnoliapanama.com
;
Calle Boquete cnr Calle 8; dm US$15, r
US$80-135; )
Every little detail speaks to the thoughtfulness of this cool inn, a re-
stored three-story colonial run by American expats. Air-conditioned dorms are grown-up
friendly, with orthopedic mattresses, quality bedding, individual lamps and numerous
power plug-ins. Shared bathrooms and kitchen are immaculate and service is top-notch.
Ample doubles with city views come stocked with minifridges, flat-screen TVs and cof-
fee makers.
Tango lessons (US$8) are offered in the ballroom on Monday nights. There's also a
personal taxi service with English-speaking driver.
Las Clementinas
BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
$$$
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
228-7613;
www.lasclementinas.com
;
Calle 11 & Av B; d incl breakfast from US$275; )
All happy families may be the same, but great hotels have their particularities. This
