While traveling, the one thing that every tourist wants to decide in advance is regarding accommodations. One can take chances with food and places to visit, but after a full day of roaming around in a new city and submerging yourself in its scenic beauty, everyone wants to have a relaxing and comforting place to tuck themselves in for the night. This decision cannot and should not go wrong, because if that happens, then you will find yourself tired and cranky and this will take its toll on your enthusiasm for exploring sites and participating in activities. And if you are traveling with friends or family and have kids along with you, then planning your accommodations becomes even more essential.
If you are planning on visiting Panama for vacation, then let go of your worries because we have got you covered. I visited Panama back in 2010 and even then, there were a variety of decent accommodations to pick from, and now with the rapid progress made in the past few years in the hotel industry, those choices have expanded even more. So if you are going to visit Panama, here is a list of the best places you can check out for your stay.
Casco Viejo
This city almost looks like it was taken straight out of a lesson from some history book. Its charm is simply irresistible. It feature a collection of some old colonial buildings that are cool enough to look inviting and pass off as the city’s best bars, restaurants or museums. Its beauty has not gone unnoticed by UNESCO, which declared it a world heritage site back in 1997.
Book your stay here for at least a day or two if you love charming old colonial buildings. While you’re here, check out the local sites nearby, like the History Museum of Panama, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Arco Chato, the Panama Canal Museum, etc. as they are popular tourist attractions.
For more information about Casco Viejo, its history and what to visit in Casco Viejo, read my article here.
Here are some recommended Casco Viejo accommodations:
Accommodations in Casco Viejo
- The Villa Palma Boutique Hotelthat is a little away from the noisy neighborhood of Panama will offer you a comfortable, rejuvenating stay. This place is elegantly decorated and designed to appeal.
- The Magnolia Innoffers both dorms and rooms that come with attached washrooms so you can rent whatever suits you. This place is located at the heart of Casco Viejo and promises its customers a luxurious stay at affordable prices. Hanging out on a balcony with a glass of your favorite wine and enjoying the peaceful sunset is recommended.
- If you harbor a love for swimming and cannot think of going a day without taking a dip in the pool, then The American Trade Hotelis the place for you. This hotel offers amiable services and a gorgeous interior. Be sure to check it out.
Obarrio & El Cangrejo
If you are traveling with family and kids, it is understandable that you would want to stay at a place that is situated in a central location and is a little safer. If that is the case, then you can definitely look for accommodations in this part of Panama. Obarrio & El Cangrejo is a popular place to seek accommodations for travelers who are looking for a little more quality regarding their stay. This place offers tourists a modern vibe and superb restaurants to enjoy a meal at.
The security is the selling factor for most tourists. While you stay here, you can go and check out popular tourist attractions like Via Argentina, The Roof, El Trachipe, etc.
Accommodations in Obarrio and El Cangrejo:
- The Hyatt Place Panama City Downtownis situated at a central location so it’s easier for tourists to go anywhere they want without spending a lot of time or effort on their part. The hotel offers amenities like a buffet or an outside pool that is a seller.
- The Global Hotel Panamalocated in Obarrio & El Cangrejo is a 4-star hotel that offers luxurious and spacious rooms. The service provided at this hotel is simply extraordinary. Chilling in the pool after a long day of sightseeing is bound to be one of the best parts of your day.
- W Panamais quite a popular choice because of its 5-star status. This hotel offers king-size rooms and your own private balcony that will charm you within seconds.
- Eurostars Panama Cityis another popular choice if you wish to plan your stay at Obarrio & El Cangrejo. This place offers a budget-friendly stay and facilities like a sauna and Turkish bath, and an outdoor pool where you can relax your nerves.
Marbella
If you are one of those travelers who does not mind sacrificing a little bit of comfort so you can enjoy a local feel, then Marbella is just the place for you. This beautiful neighborhood, which is only a few kilometers away from Panama City, is high on residential vibes with hints of colonial-style architecture and, at the same time, located in a safe, central neighborhood.
While here, you can check out the Panama Bay, Megapolis Convention Center or the Avenida Balboa. This place is not a very popular tourist attraction, but it still has plenty of restaurants, shops and bars to give you an authentic Panama feel. If you wish to buy yourself a memento, you can find one in one of the local shops in Marbella.
Accommodations in Marbella
- The Hotel Sercotel Panama Princessis a favorite among tourists because of the pool, spa and the sauna it offers. This hotel is a 3.5-star accommodation and offers you comfortable and cozy rooms to relax and sleep off your tiredness. The affordable prices increase its popularity even more.
- If you are a fan of waking up to gorgeous seaside views, then the Waldorf Astoria Panamais exactly the kind of place you are looking for. This 5-star hotel offers large and luxurious rooms with all the facilities that you can think of.
- Another popular choice to stay at in Marbella is the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis. This place offers beautiful views of the Panama Bay and boasts of a 4.5-star status. What makes this place worthy is its charming amenities like an outdoor infinity pool, spa, sauna, and a rooftop lounge. Moreover, if you are a foodie, then treat yourself because this hotel has ten on-site restaurants and bars.
So if you are visiting Panama soon, make sure to check out these places and to book your stay well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.