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one, with its antique regional maps, recycled hardwood floors from the canal, and unusu-
al relics from the original house, feels like authentic Panama. The restored colonial has
six airy suites, a leafy courtyard and wonderful restaurant.
Guests get the opportunity to locally engage with free cruising bikes and house-made
pocket guides including listings of the best neighborhood dives. Original tours visit mar-
ginal areas where tradespeople such as traditional tailors work, to show the many com-
plex issues of the city.
Casa del Horno
BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 212-0052;
www.casadelhorno.net
;
cnr Calle 8a & Av B; d incl breakfast from US$250;
)
A great addition to the neighborhood, this modern understated haven manages to be
boutique yet still feel very Panamanian. Decor includes exposed original stone walls,
polished cement and large art prints of Congos by photographer Sandra Eleta. There are
two penthouses with Jacuzzi and eight rooms, which feature soft lighting, wine cellar,
mini HD entertainment center and private balconies.
Concierge service and in-room massages are a plus. There's a great cafe and upscale
restaurant onsite.
Canal House
B&B $$$
$$$
( 228-1907;
www.canalhousepanama.com
;
cnr Calle 5A Oeste & Av A; ste incl breakfast from
US$210; )
Exclusive and elegant, this grande dame B&B is where Agent
007 slept when in town. Fine details in the three luxury bedrooms include iPads, blown-
glass lamps and embroidered pillows. Shared spaces are lovely and service rates impec-
cable. Though located in the Casco, it feels removed, with climate-controlled rooms and
double-glass windows sealing out street noise (and yes, part of the ambiance).
Green-gold certified, the hotel recycles and separates waste, in addition to using
energy-saving lights and biodegradable detergents. It also works with the Cal y Canto
Foundation to train and employ Casco residents.
Tántalo
BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
$$$
( 262-4030;
www.tantalohotel.com
; cnr Calle 8a Este & Av B; d incl breakfast from US$159)
In-
dustrial chic has hit Casco hard. Various artists were commissioned to make the rooms of
this 12-room boutique hotel. Do oversized spikes on the ceilings humor your fantasies?
With oversized murals, stenciled Bukowski quotes and stripped-down decor, none of the
