Central America - long weekend in Panama -- where to stay?

Looks like I'll be spending a good portion of this winter in Central America. Another great deal from EWR to PTY (although at $89 each way, expensive compared to last week's BZE deal!).

I've only ever been to the airport in Panama. I know I need to see the Canal, and I recall folks tell me that the old portion of Panama City is very interesting. Any other siteseeing suggestions? And where's the best place to stay? Is there a good beach option? A quick kayak search shows the chain hotels to be fairly expensive. Are there better "local" options?

Thanks for the help!

I'm preferential to the Radisson Decapolis.Very modern, nicely designed rooms, excellent bar, right across the street from the mall and casino - also centrally located. Take a gander at tripadvisor - this place is always highly rated - bit on the pricey side.

I'll be there on Thursday - beautiful country.

I'm preferential to the Radisson Decapolis.Very modern, nicely designed rooms, excellent bar, right across the street from the mall and casino - also centrally located. Take a gander at tripadvisor - this place is always highly rated - bit on the pricey side.

I'll be there on Thursday - beautiful country.

Yes, I saw that some of the guidebooks like the Radisson, too. Any way to get a good deal there?

The Marriott is only Cat. 4, which seems like a good use of hotel points. Everyone seems to love that hotel. I'm leaning toward making that my base for as many nights as I want to be in Panama City.

I'll ask around when I'm there this week and try to get back to you.
An old trick that used to work in MEX for the IC Presidente --> Check to see what trade shows / conventions are running concurrent with your stay, call hotel directly and ask if they are offering discounts for that particular show.
PTY isn't as good for shows as MEX but worth a try.

I'll ask around when I'm there this week and try to get back to you.
An old trick that used to work in MEX for the IC Presidente --> Check to see what trade shows / conventions are running concurrent with your stay, call hotel directly and ask if they are offering discounts for that particular show.
PTY isn't as good for shows as MEX but worth a try.

Wow -- a trade show or convention LOWERING your hotel tab? That would be different for me. :)

There's also an awesome IC resort right outside Panama City.. in Playa Bonita.. have stayed there a couple of times... service was great... and every room has ocean views.

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/pcyhb?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/6c/1/en/hotelsearchresults

Location was convenient for Canal, ZipLine Tours, etc... and is close to the airport.

The reason for suggesting this one, is because you might be able to work the "conference" discount at this property.. as another poster mentioned earlier.

I've stayed here as well (with my family).
This is a really nice and relatively new property - about 15 maybe 20 minutes out of downtown (45-50 from PTY). Definitely off the beaten path but close enough to the city to drive over. Beautiful vista but it is important to note that if you are looking for beach the beach itself and water leave a lot to be desired. Sort of dirty - maybe due to all of the canal traffic? Proximity to city?
Nonetheless really nice place.

Hi Guys, I live in Panama and if you want a couple of days relaxing at the beach try the Decameron Resort..They pick you up at the airport it is all inclusive free food and drinks ..shows and disco till 4 am and really lovely staff..

In the city I like the Decapolis, The Marriot or Veneto..

If looking for great music and the most stunning girls in the world to dance with go to the Bodequita in Calle Uruguay $10 to get in and that includes a free drink..The music is latino and everyone is dancing.. a crazy place and full of beautiful south american girls who love to dance..I usually take my clients there to party ..it is open till 4 am and after that there are discos nearby open till 7 am

Right round the corner from there are numerous restaurants catering for all tastes..

Bienvenido a Panama

Golfers PM me as I have an executive house at the beach for hire near a golf course..I can also arrange translaters and guy only tours..

I will strongly recommend you Playa Blanca, near Panama City, an excellent place to rest and enjoy nature.

Looks like I'll be spending a good portion of this winter in Central America. Another great deal from EWR to PTY (although at $89 each way, expensive compared to last week's BZE deal!).

I've only ever been to the airport in Panama. I know I need to see the Canal, and I recall folks tell me that the old portion of Panama City is very interesting. Any other siteseeing suggestions? And where's the best place to stay? Is there a good beach option? A quick kayak search shows the chain hotels to be fairly expensive. Are there better "local" options?

Thanks for the help!
I concur with others - Decapolis is nice, didn't stay there but we hung out at the bar. I stayed at the Intercontinental Playa Bonita - if you are IC Ambassador, the upgraded suite is very nice, and includes jacuzzi.

What to do - get a helicopter tour from helipan.com - unfortunately they had no helicopter available while I was there. Definitely go visit the Canal at Miraflores locks.

Thanks for the tips. Anyone else have experience at the Playa Blanca? The Playa Bonita IC looks very nice, but seems to be quite expensive (even using PC points). Are there ways to get a better deal there?

Thanks for the tips. Anyone else have experience at the Playa Blanca? The Playa Bonita IC looks very nice, but seems to be quite expensive (even using PC points). Are there ways to get a better deal there?


I usually have no problem getting award stays at both the Marriot and the Sheraton Four Points. I would not stay at the Playa Bonita unless you want to just relax and don't care about paying ridiculous prices for meals. We stayed there last year for 2 nts and had a great rate. We also had a car and spent 3 nts at the Marriott. We just got back Sunday from our 4th stay at the Marriott and I still think it is the best for location, service, etc.

We found a new restaurant called Tre Scalini which is 2 blocks from the Marriott and was fantastic. Dinner for 4 including a bottle of wine, 2 salads, one appi, 4 dinners and 3 desserts including tax and tip: $107.00 Great service and cuisine.

I was going down 2-6 but now am going to the CO DO IV instead.

The person next to me on the flt coming back was at Playa Blanca this past weekend. It took her 9 hours to get to the airport (it should be 2.5) due to all the flooding, land slides, mud slides androad closures. There have been terrible rains in Panama, worse on the Atlantic side, and lots of rain damage.

I usually have no problem getting award stays at both the Marriot and the Sheraton Four Points. I would not stay at the Playa Bonita unless you want to just relax and don't care about paying ridiculous prices for meals. We stayed there last year for 2 nts and had a great rate. We also had a car and spent 3 nts at the Marriott. We just got back Sunday from our 4th stay at the Marriott and I still think it is the best for location, service, etc.

Thanks for the info. I can get 3 free nights at the Marriott, and it seems like a good deal as a Cat. 4 (I wouldn't pay the published room rates).

I'm trying to decide on a Panama Canal transit. The prices seem to start at $100+ per person. Not so cheap. Is it worth it?

Thanks for the info. I can get 3 free nights at the Marriott, and it seems like a good deal as a Cat. 4 (I wouldn't pay the published room rates).

I'm trying to decide on a Panama Canal transit. The prices seem to start at $100+ per person. Not so cheap. Is it worth it?

If you have never done it yes I would do it. I have transited the canal on a cruise ship in 97 and will be doing so again in January. I think it is fascinating. If you don't want to go for the big bucks you can always go to the Miraflores visitor center. I have been there 3 times and I think it is interesting. Be sure to have the concierge find out when the ships are scheduled to go thru as it is amazing to see these huge container ship going thru with a foot on either side.


Have fun.

I also recommend the Marriott there as the location is excellent and its only a category 4, so it will not eat up your points. The Courtyard in the city is also very nice (cat 3) and is next to a large mall.

With regards to the previously mentioned La Bodeguita, um, be forewarned that the girls there are extra friendly for a reason ;).

For dining, go to the middle eastern place in front of the marriott (yes, middle eastern cuisine panama!). It is excellent. For more casual dining try Costa Azul, which is a block away from the hotel. Parrillada Jimmy's by Atlapa convention center may be my favorite place to eat there.

I also recommend the Marriott there as the location is excellent and its only a category 4, so it will not eat up your points. The Courtyard in the city is also very nice (cat 3) and is next to a large mall.

With regards to the previously mentioned La Bodeguita, um, be forewarned that the girls there are extra friendly for a reason ;).

For dining, go to the middle eastern place in front of the marriott (yes, middle eastern cuisine panama!). It is excellent. For more casual dining try Costa Azul, which is a block away from the hotel. Parrillada Jimmy's by Atlapa convention center may be my favorite place to eat there.


Sorry to mention this but the Middle Eastern place across the street is closed. I really liked their hummas and pita bread. I also like Costa Azul and they do great omelettes.

If anyone is looking for a hotel deal in Panama City, I was successful in getting a "best price guaranteed" match for 25% off a rate I found on easyclicktravel thru kayak. Got a decent hotel for $58/night. It seems to work on several, but not all, days. PM me if you need help finding it.