Panama City - Panama - page 106

Trump Hotel LUXURY HOTEL $$$ $$$

( 215-8800; www.trumphotelcollection.com/panama ; Calle Punta Colón; d from US$176;
) A logical step if you already have the Burberry coat or Chanel bag, this long-anti-
cipated hotel resembles a mirrored sail on swank Punta Paitilla. Staff filter out gawkers.
The 369 rooms feature neutral palettes, pillow menus and ubiquitous ocean views,
though some housekeeping was found lax. The infinity pool oozes ambiance, but it's so
on display that few dare go.

TOP OF CHAPTER

4 Canal Zone

Hostal de Clayton HOSTEL $
( 317-1634; www.hostaldeclayton.com ; Edificio 605B, Calle Guanabana; dm US$15, d with/
without private bathroom US$45/38; ) Reminiscent of an army barracks, this
friendly hostel is located on the site of the former US army base of Clayton, a well-
heeled residential area. The rooms and amenities here are perfectly suited to the budget
traveler, but for those without bus savvy or the budget for taxis, the location leaves you
adrift in suburbia.

Hostal Amador Familiar INN $
( 314-1251; www.hostalamadorfamiliar.com ; Casa 1519, Calle Akee, Balboa; dm incl breakfast
US$15, d with fan/air-con US$30/35; ) If you like quiet, this big red canal house
offers bargain private rooms with old-home charm. Tiled high-ceiling rooms with rod
iron beds and sashed windows are worn out but clean; dorms are dark and less appealing.
A highlight is the dining patio and open-air kitchen where breakfast is served. Service is
sadly lax.
The location is just off the causeway, a US$5 taxi ride from the center.

Dos Palmitos B&B $$$
( 391-0994; www.dospalmitos.com ; 0532B Guayacan Terrace, Ancon Hill; s/d incl breakfast
US$75/88; ) If your attraction to Panama is more about wildlife than wild life,
check out this tucked-away Canal house B&B. There are just four rooms decorated with
molas (colorful hand-stitched appliqué textiles made by Kuna indigenous people) and
vintage newsclips and featuring immaculate wooden floors, king beds and wicker fur-
niture. The backyard terrace offers bird-watching and abundant breakfasts featuring
homemade bread and fresh juice. Angeline the host also offers transportation and tours.