Current Weather Conditions in Panama City

I'd like to share with my readers this great weather banner I got from Wunderground.com which shows the current weather conditions in Panama City.

If you are going to Panama, of course you are going to want to check up the latest weather in Panama. This banner always updates and shows the current weather information Once this posting is no longer on the front page of my blog , you can always come back here and find the page and check up the latest weather by finding this in the right hand side under the section "Panama Information".

Plan your trip Local Radar Detailed Forecast

Luxury Resort in Panama - Playa Blanca

If you are looking for a Panama resort hotel, there are many beach resorts just outside of Panama City that you can book your vacation in Panama at. Playa Blanca Beach is on the exterior of Panama City about an hour and 15 minutes away. The beach is marvellous to relax or take walks on, white sand, azure blue waters and coral reefs to explore. It is much more tranquil vacation than the hustle and bustle of Panama City. It all depends on what type of
holiday you are seeking for your trip to Panama. At Playa Blanca, there are many beach resorts to choose from for your Panama holiday destination.

Rated as a 5 star hotel and resort in Panama, the Playa Blanca Hotel and Resort where discerning travellers will find what they usually expect from this type of luxury hotel. You can just relax here and soak up the sun or you can keep yourself very busy with all the activities at the hotel and there are many. This is an ideal vacation spot for both those seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation. You can get an all-inclusive price at this resort and the prices are very reasonable for this 5 star luxury resort in Panama.

The large hotel rooms and suites look out to the pool, the beach and gardens and include a living room, a main bedroom and a luxurious bathroom. There is also a breakfast table for you to have your meals and snacks at. All hotel rooms come with the standard comforts you would expect from a hotel of this class, including two Queen size beds or one king size bed, daily maid service, air conditioning, a safe, cable TV, telephone, electronic locks and hair dryers. There are also available rooms for disabled travellers.

For outdoor activities you will be able to participate in snorkelling, boat tours, sports fishing, tennis, aerobics and exercise classes, swimming in the two pools, beach volleyball and soccer, dance classes, water polo, water sports including pedal boats and kayaking, daily activities for adults and children and jet skiing. There is also a playground for children and an amphitheatre for games, shows and concerts. For those who love golf, yes, indeed you can golf at the nine hole putting course.

There are four restaurants at the Playa Blanca resort for you to dine in with a menu ranging from seafood, tropical delights and international cuisine to snack foods. The El Velero Grill restaurant specializes in fresh seafood. The Panama Canal buffet restaurant has international food on the menu. At the Pollera you will also be able to get international food for dinner times and you can get snacks and salads from the Snack Bar. If you are thirsty, there are six bars around the resort hotel where you can savour beers, liquors, wines and cocktails.

So if you are seeking beach hotels in Panama with all inclusive rates, the Playa Blanca Beach Resort and Hotel is an excellent choice because of its 5 star rating, its excellence in service, numerous activities and cleanliness. Another bonus: it is also situated on a most beautiful white sand beach with clear blue azure waters on the Pacific Ocean. You can't go wrong with this hotel resort in Panama.

Luxury Hotels in Panama - El Panama Hotel

One of the most famous luxury hotels in Panama City , the El Panama Hotel is one of the classic older hotels, a historical landmark, now about 50 years old. Designed with the open air tropical concept in mind, the hotel is undergoing renovations at the current time. I’d first heard mention of this hotel in the movie “The Tailor of Panama”, made in 2001. Don’t let the renovations bother you, you will hardly notice that they are going on.

Located in the center of town in the El Cangrejo area, the hotel is just under a half hour from the airport. The neighbourhood is safe to walk around 24 hours a day. Enjoy a stroll at night time and you will feel safe. You will see many policemen with and without guns otherwise known as the "tourism" police standing around to know that the crime rate is low. You can obtain a map of the neighbourhood at the reception desk to help avoid paying for expensive taxi rides here and there. Just walk out the front door of the hotel, turn right to Veneto and then you can go in any direction to find other four and 5 star hotels, shopping, casinos, restaurants, car rental agencies all within just a short walk away.

I found the large open breezy, Latin/Caribbean tropical style of the hotel architecture delightful and gets you in that tropical mood for your vacation in Panama. It has a very Panamanian atmosphere which gives a certain ambiance to this luxury hotel in Panama. You will find in the lobby, a collection of several very “chi-chi” (upscale) stores. In the pool area, the pool is large, the surrounding tropical foliage is beautiful. There is a swim-up bar in the pool and a restaurant by the pool which serves delectable cuisine. The hour glass shaped pool is lovely to swim in and lounge around developing your sun tan. The overall sense of luxury and comfort makes this hotel in Panama City a fabulous vacation getaway for romantic occasions such as honeymoons for newlyweds, couples wishing to escape, romantic getaways for younger and older travelers, disabled travelers and families with children or teenagers.

My room, although the air conditioning was set a little to high, was excellent and had all the modern amenities such as WiFi, cable TV, telephone, and a safe to protect my valuables. The room was spotlessly clean, spacious with tiled floors. However, I’ve got to say, perhaps because of the location or the noisy traffic below, it was, at times difficult to sleep at night. If you rent cabañas on the ground-floor, you will have immediate access to the pool. All in all, there are 330 guest rooms including standard, junior Suites, Cabanas by the pool, and a presidential suite. For those demanding butler service, there are two executives floors with butler service to give you personalized assistance as well as private meeting rooms if you require. For the fitness conscious, there is a spa and sauna to use.

There are quite a few restaurants at the hotel that serve up delicious cuisine. There is a different breakfast buffet served daily which is included in the price and is an excellent way to start your day in Panama City.

The business center is good for the business traveller with internet available for a couple of dollars per hour. There are 35 meeting rooms and a convention center on the premises. It is a popular place for international conventions and you will find it is a favourite luxury hotel in Panama for Latin American and European visitors to book their vacations in Panama at this hotel. The staff, although they don’t speak a lot of English are friendly and efficient. The service provided was excellent. The restaurant serves great food and the service is excellent. For the gamblers among us, there is a casino and nightclub attached to the hotel. It is a more pleasant stay than the chain hotels which lack the atmosphere and ambiance of the El Panama in Panama City, so if you can ignore the renovations and want something in a more Panamanian style, definitely try this classic hotel. Remember, the renovations will not last forever at this luxury hotel in Panama City.

Panama Hotels Country Inn & Suites Amador

Look for a cozy Panama hotel for your holiday in Panama? Try booking your vacation in Panama at the Country Inn & Suites Amador. Fabulously located right by the Panama Canal entrance, each room has a balcony with either a view of the famous Canal and the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean or a view of the gardens.

The Country Inn & Suites Amador is in an excellent location for tourists who wish to stroll along the walkways of the Canal, savour the dining and nightlife on the waterfront and the hustle and bustle of downtown Panama City life.

The hotel has 98 rooms both standard and junior and nine apartment suites, Complimentary local and international newspapers are available if you want to read what’s going on in the rest of the world. All rooms have telephones, coffee makers, satellite tv, internet and fax access. The apartment suites have a kitchen with kitchen equipment. The hotel is also good for the business traveller to Panama, providing conference and banquet facilities. There are laundry facilities and free parking and shuttle service. Breakfast is included in the price. Outside activities include a playground for children, a swimming pool, and deep sea fishing trips, a Jacuzzi, tennis courts and fitness facilities. There are also spa services offered for those wanting the pleasures a spa has to offer.

What did I like about my stay at the Country Inn & Suites Amador? Well, the prices are reasonable and the rooms are clean and large and the beds are comfortable to sleep in. Cleanliness is very important when you are looking for a hotel to rest in during your vacation. A comfortable bed helps too. The location is great and it is close to restaurants and bars, the Marina and the view of the Canal is wonderful to wake up to and watch the large ships as they travel along the Canal.

When I get back to Panama which will be sooner rather than later, I will stay again at the Country Inn & Suites Amador (I’m usually in the lower price range when I’m seeking out hotels to stay in when I travel). It’s one of the most pleasing, reasonably priced Panama City hotels and close to everything you want to visit on your vacation in Panama.

Panama City Beach Condos

You might have not considered Panama City beach condos in your search for a retirement destination or vacation home. If you are looking for a warm, sunny place for retirement or to purchase a condo in a vacation destination, Panama City in the Republic of Panama is definitely a viable destination to consider. I will definitely retire in Panama, if not earlier than my retirement age.

One of the most privileged countries in Latin America, offering political and economic stability unlike so many other countries in Latin America, it is an extraordinary option to consider. In recent years it has opened up to tourism and visitors have been flocking there by the tens of thousands as the new vacation spot for tourists seeking sun and relaxation.

One of the problems for people looking to retired in a country they have found on their travels and fallen in love with is that many of these countries have political instability, human rights issues and huge poverty which leads to crime. Panama, however, is governed by constitutional democracy, is not a militarized country and no power crazy dictator running things and a low crime rate. You don’t need to worry about some revolution rearing its ugly head while you are enjoying the sun and your retirement. Terrorism is not a problem here because Panama is very peaceful with no enemies.

Panama City offers much in the way of beautiful beaches sprawled along over 20 miles of coastline, abundant nature, national parks, rainforests to explore, airports, a thriving commerce and banking sector, shopping, a low crime rate and high quality of life, education and healthcare. Offering a solid infrastructure, competitive housing prices, high quality construction, Panama City should definitely be considered an option.

Why is Panama City a great place to retire or purchase property in? Well, if you want to retire somewhere in a hot sunny vacation destination in Latin America or the Caribbean, one of the first questions you are going to ask yourself when looking at countries is, how safe is this destination? What about safety and security? Panama City has, first of all, a very low crime rate. You can walk the streets at night without fear of being robbed or assaulted. Tourists are safer in Panama than in most other holiday destinations.

Another benefit to the purchase of a condo in Panama City is the unique location of the country. Its location is in a place where there are no hurricanes or earthquakes unlike other Latin American countries. It’s no fun having to leave town when hurricane seasons sets upon your retirement home.

The easy-going lifestyle is somewhat like the lifestyle of Miami. It is known as the “second Miami” because of the amenities of modern life that it supplies. Panama City is a sophisticated capital of commerce and industry. The city’s infrastructure is solid and strong designed like any large city in North America. The surrounding neighbourhoods are really charming. The suburbs are full of homes much like the style of homes in Miami. For someone looking for a Panama city beach condo there is a huge supply of apartments and condos with views of the sea.

Condos and apartments in Panama City are numerous and the construction is of high standards and quality. Not many other Latin American cities offer such standards of quality and construction. Many of these Panama City buildings were constructed by the architect George Moreno.

Panama City is also a great place to shop because of its low tariffs – the lowest in the Americas. Anything can be bought in Panama City, whether you are looking for cars, electronics, computers, clothes. Grocery stores are big like the big grocery chains in North America stocked with numerous American products. The cost of living is much cheaper here than in North America or Europe.

There is a high standard of education in Panama City. There are 12 universities in Panama and three American universities with branches in the city. You will also find many excellent bilingual schools and three international schools. Health care in Panama is also excellent with great hospitals and medical service.

Dining in Panama City is excellent and on par with the rest of the world. You will also find many American brand restaurants if you are longing for some junk food from “home”. There are branches of McDonalds, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, etc.

Consider the distance of a place you are thinking of retiring to. Panama City is not that far away from North America when you are concerned about relatives visiting you or you hopping on a flight to visit back home. Round trips are relatively cheap and the distance is short.

How popular has Panama City become? Many ex-citizens of Panama are now returning to their homeland probably because of a better quality of life in Panama. This should tell you something. Many Americans who had lived there in the Panama Canal Zone and returned to the U.S. have gone back to Panama to retire.

Another great reason to purchase a Panama City beach condo for retirement or a holiday home is that the prices are excellent and as a foreigner you are allowed to own property unlike many other foreign countries. Panama gives you exactly the same rights and protection as a citizen of Panama. And another reason is that the prices for property are excellent in Panama and have not changed since the mid 1990s. You can find real estate in Panama for incredible prices, a luxury two bedroom condo in Panama City overlooking the Pacific Ocean for $150,000. Luxury condos in Panama City start at $100,000 U.S. A beach front condo on the Island at Isla Colon, Bocas can be had for as low as $164,000.

And what about the people of Panama? This is also a fact to consider when purchasing a retirement home in a foreign country. As I have already mentioned the politics are stable, there is a high quality of life, the business sector is thriving and the people of Panama are friendly, easygoing and warm. The cost of living in Panama is much lower than North America or Europe. Your rights are protected by the Panamanian government as a property owner. There are so many good reasons to purchase a home or condo in Panama City or its surrounding areas.

The Radisson Decapolis Hotel in Panama City

The Radisson Decapolis Hotel in Panama City is one of the newest upscale Panama City hotels now open for tourists to Panama. Situated in the heart of Panama City, surrounded by great shopping and the entertainment district, the hotel is different from other hotels in Panama with its hip, modern atmosphere and design.

For business and leisure travellers, you will find all the services, amenities, and comforts, you need for your vacation in Panama City. Its location is ideal for the business traveller because this Panama City hotel is located right in the center of the business district. The Radisson Decapolis Hotel will provide the expert assistance of its staff to assist you with the set up and success of your business meetings. For banquets and events, there are large meeting rooms and banquet halls which seats up to 300 people.

The spacious hotel rooms and suites with gorgeous decor at the Radisson Decapolis Hotel Panama City can have either a view of the Pacific Ocean or a view of Panama City through windows which span from floor to ceiling. The hotels and rooms are decorated with Panamian art and sculpture. The views of the ocean and the downtown skyline are nothing short of spectacular All modern amenities and comforts are provided such as minibars, coffee machines, high speed internet access, voicemail, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards. If you are looking for day trips and tours to do while on vacation in Panama, there is also a tours desk for your convenience for booking a tour.

For relaxation and fitness, there is the Aqua Spa and Gym on the fourth floor of the hotel. At the Aqua Spa, one of Panama City’s first class spas, there is a beauty salon for hair, massages, pedicures, manicures and other services by skilled aestheticians.

The Aqua Gym is for fitness buffs and you will also find the year round outdoor pool where you can lounge under the warm sun, surrounded by a spectacular view of Panama City. Most amazing is that when you swim in the pool, you can look through the glass bottom three stories below to the Fusion restaurant.

For dining, I have already mentioned the Fusion restaurant for great Panama City restaurants, you should not miss the dining experience here. The menu is gourmet fusion and over your heads, three stories up you can see the glass bottom swimming pool.

Fresh sushi can be eaten at the Sushi bar and cocktails can be enjoyed at the Martini Bar which also serves special martinis. You can find these bars in the lobby. They are favourite Panama nightlife hotspots.

What you might like even more about the Radisson Decapolis Hotel in Panama is that it is connected by the skywalk to the biggest shopping center and casino the Central America. The Multicentro has 25 restaurants including the Hard Rock Café, see a movie at the Multiplex and gamble at the Majestic Casino.

The Radisson Decapolis Hotel in Panama City is one of the finest hotels in Panama to book your vacation or business trip with for its location and amenities.

Photograph courtesy of Radisson Hotels

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Gamboa Rainforest Resort in Panama

Rainforest Hotels and Resorts in Panama

For the more adventurous among us who want to experience eco tourism and the verdant rainforests of Panana and are looking for a luxury resort in Panama, I highly recommend the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. This 5 star luxury resort in Panama is right in the center of the Panamanian rain forest situated on the Panama Canal.

Situated in the Soberania National Park, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort is actually a half hour away from Panama City on the Pacific Coast side of Panama. Located on the shores of Gatun Lake and the Chagres River, the source of water for the Panama Canal. These are a part of Panama’s most valuable assets. It is also about a half hour from the Colon Free Zone.

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort which was built in 2000, has been created with the eco tourist and adventure seeking traveller in mind. It has been built to provide adventurous and educational experiences to its visitors. Exploring a rainforest is often a difficult task and here at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort they have made it all easier for guest to explore because the Gamboa Rainforest Resort is right in the center of it all – the attractions and tours are right at your doorstep.

This 5 star luxury resort in Panana has large modern hotel rooms with all the modern conveniences of a five star hotel resort in Panama City. The amenities of all the hotel rooms include satellite TV, mini bar, electronic safety deposit box, Crystal showers, hair dryers, make up mirror, iron and ironing board, coffee and coffee maker, fire protection systems, monogrammed robes and balconies with a view to the Chagres River. How wonderful it is to sit on your balcony to watch as the sun rises or sets, the sounds of the rainforest, the beauty of wild nature surrounding you and the of the opening or closing of another day in the rainforest.

For those also in search of beauty, relaxation and pampering, guests the visit the Gamboa Spa which is known worldwide. Every service you require is available, from massages, to skin care, facials, manicures and pedicures and many other services. After a long hike in the rainforest, I liked to go for a half hour massage at the spa to soothe my muscles.

For those that love sport fishing, fishing enthusiasts will find some of the greatest fresh water fishing in the world at the Chagres River and Gatun Lake. The Gamboa Rainforest Resort offers the services of their expert guides to catch some of the huge Peacock Bass in the waters.

A few minutes drive away from the resort, for the avid golfer, there is the Summit Gold Course. This is a World Class championship golf course of 18 Hole, par 72, 6,626 yards built by Gregori International designed by Jeffrey Myers.

Other facilities available at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort are wonderfulo freeform natural water pool, a fitness center, tennis courts which are lighted at night for those who want to play tennis at night, kayaks which are free for guests to use, jogging and cycling trails.

So if you have already experienced a Panama City beach hotel and wish to go back to Panama for another type of adventure in the country, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort will provide so much more to explore for those who want to experience eco tourism and the rainforests of Panama. Panama is a multifaceted country and is able to provide all types of vacation for all the different needs of tourists seeking the sun, the beach, the wilderness and adventure.

La Casa de Carmen

Budget Accommodation in Panama City

Probaby one of the most charming budget hotels in Panama City to book your stay at is the Casa de Carmen. Located in the neighbourhood of El Carmen, this budget accommodation in Panama City is so wonderful that you definitely have to book ahead. If your Panama vacation is going to be done on a budget try booking at this lovely hostel. You can do this by phoning or emailing them directly. It is not possible to book online for a reservation at this hotel in Panama City. I thought the readers of my blog would enjoy discovering some of the more lovely and charming places to stay for their vacation.

Originally a renovated colonial house, the rooms are all different in this charming budget hostel. There are two co-ed dorms for six people each, lockers, air conditioning and clean bathrooms with hot running water. There are also private rooms which sleep from two to four people with private bathrooms. The rooms have high ceilings; lovely lighting and some even have hammocks. In the back, you will find a lush green terrace, there is a TV room with a library, free internet and a great kitchen to cook your meals in.

All ages of travelers have stopped here at La Casa de Carmen from toddlers to senior citizens. The atmosphere is festive, friendly and busy. The only drawback to the hostel is its location. You have to take a bus or taxi to visit just about everything you will want to see.

For further information about the La Casa de Carmen, you can also check out their website at lacasadecarmen.com for more.

Address: Calle de la Carmen 32,
El Carmen, Panama City, PANAMA

As I said, because of it’s charm, La Casa de Carmen, it is definitely one of the best budget accommodations in Panama City. However, you cannot book your reservations online. Contact them directly by email at either lacasadecarmen@cableonda.net or serviturisa@cableonda.net.

If you are on a budget, searching for an interesting and charming type of bed and breakfast place, try booking your vacation with La Casa de Carmen. Staying at a hostel and living with the people is one way to discover the true life and culture of a country. In this way, you truly get to experience another country. Sometimes you will find that by staying in resorts or expensive hotels, you remain somewhat isolated from discovering and truly knowing the life of another country and its people. If you are not looking for a Panama City beach hotel or resort and, instead, searching for other types of hotels in Panama, this kind of option is clearly something to consider.

Images of Panama City Beaches and Hotels

Get to know Panama City hotels and beaches. Photographs I thought you might like. This first one is courtesy of Instituto Panama de Turismo, the national organization for tourism in Panama.
I love these photographs of Panama, they bring back my favorite memories of the beaches in Panama.

The islands, if you have a boat, are absolutely beautiful with their white sandy beaches and the lush green palm trees. The water is a beautiful clean blue. The weather is very hot and humid and you tend to find the ocean water is luke warm too.



The city view shows - the fabulous skyline of Panama with the mountains and lush forests. The bay opens up to the Pacific ocean. What a city!



I'm waiting until I get my new photos of Panama ready for the Panama City Beach Hotels blog. For now, here's another one, of San Blas Island, Panama.

The Bristol Hotel in Panama City

If you are looking for a luxurious Panama City beach hotel and want to stay close to shopping, the nightlife and many cultural attractions, book your vacation at the Bristol Hotel in Panama City. For uncompromising luxury standards and exquisite culinary delights, stay at The Bristol Hotel. The hotel is located right in the busy financial center of the city. You will love the privacy, the security and the luxury of the Bristol.


The Bristol Hotel in Panama City has 37 deluxe King guest rooms, seven deluxe double queen guest rooms, one Bristol Suite, 3 one bedroom suits, 3 two bedroom suites and eight junior suites. The elegant décor of each suite consists of Mahogany furnishings and fabrics, accompanied by art by well-known Panama artists. Every room has the modern conveniences of fax machines, internet access, CD stereo systems and private bars. Each day, a bowl of fresh fruit is provided to your room.

Business people will find a complementary executive business center available, voicemail, free high speed internet access, color and laser printers open 24 hours a day.
For the gourmands, the dining experience is marvellous. Panamanian inspired cuisine, elegant display and presentation, the amazing ambiance and attentive service gives you a memorable culinary experience. Shift yourself over to the hotel bar and savor a vintage cognac and perhaps one of your favourite cigars.

What is have found at the Bristol Hotel in Panana is that their commitment to service is supreme. First of all you have a butler in a uniform on every floor, 24 hours a day. As I have already mentioned, the service in the restaurant was superior. They also provide CDs from their CD digital library to make your stay more pleasant if you desire to listen to some good music on the CD player in your room. They will iron an outfit for you upon your arrival and overnight, shine your shoes for the next day. In the morning, they provide wake up calls and coffee or tea to get you going. And for returning visitors, they will remember your preferences and fulfil each of them again. The hospitality is amazing at the Bristol.

For those looking for this type of sophistication, elegance and luxury in a bustling urban setting in their choice of Panama City beach hotels, The Bristol Hotel is the place to book your stay.

What to See on your Vacation in Panama City

Most first time tourists to the Republic of Panama are probably going to check out the Panama beach hotels and resorts first for their first vacation in Panama. After you’d found the hotel or resort in Panama you want to stay at, you are going to want to know more about what to see in Panama besides the beautiful beaches.

Panama City, which sits on the bay of the Pacific Ocean is one of the most modern, urban cities in Panama and in Central America, diverse, very cosmopolitan and sophisticated. It has miles of white sand beaches along the shores and in the city with many hotels and beach resorts in Panama at all prices ranges for you to choose from for your vacation in Panama city.
Panama City, due to its ideal location on an isthmus, is much like some of the other great shipping and trading cities of Singapore or Hong Kong. Economically, it is a thriving city, based on commerce, tourism and banking. The view in Panama is fabulous, there is the famous Panama Canal, the Pacific coast bay and ocean, glittering skyscrapers of El Cangrejo and mountains with lush forests that rise behind the beautiful skyline.

You will also find San Felipe, the old city center full of 19th Century mansions, old Colonial churches, You should also check out the ruins of the first European city settled in Latin America on the Pacific coast called Panamá Viejo. There is also Balboa to visit which was the former U.S. Canal Zone town given back to Panama in 1979.

To get away from the hustle and the bustle of urban Panama City, 20 km from the city in the bay is the Isla Taboga (“island of flowers”) and there is the tropical rainforests of the Parque Nacional Metropolitano.

If you’d like to explore the rest of the country, Panama City is a great base from which to start your journey of exploration. Day trips from Panama City include trips to the Caribbean coast up to Portobelo, the Canal and Colón.

Also, one of the most festive times to visit Panama is during the Carnaval time which happens one weekend a year, the weekend before Ash Wednesday. However, you must make sure to make your hotel reservations many weeks in advance of the carnival time because all hotels, including the beach hotels and resorts in Panama sell out quickly.

InterContinental Miramar Panama

If you are looking for a 5 star luxury hotel in Panama for your vacation stay, I would have to recommend the InterContinental Miramar Panama. It is centrally located in the banking and financial district, near shopping, and the Atlapa Convention Center. This is a luxury Panama City beach hotel, located right on the bay of the Pacific Ocean, about 16 miles from the Panama International airport.

The hotel has a total of 185 rooms and 4 spacious suites. Rooms are available by request for the physically challenged. The usual comforts can be found the standard rooms which include remote control television, movie and satellite channels, direct-dial telephone with two lines, bathroom telephone, minibar, in-room electronic safe, bathrobes, voicemail, video games, internet access iron and iron board, alarm clock radio, and turndown services. While staying at the InterContinental Miramar Panama there is a health club, fitness room, swimming pool Pool with a great view of Panama bay, including the ships that use the passageway of the legendary Panama Canal. beauty salon, massage services, whirlpool, sauna, lighted tennis courts, and Turkish bath for you to enjoy. In addition you will find a private marina for fishing, water sports yacht hire.

Amenities at the InterContinental Miramar Panama hotel include:

• Business center - two floors of business rooms
• An exclusively private floor for members of the Six Continents Club
• Beauty salon and barber shop
• Transportation to/from the hotel
• Multilingual staff
• Laundering service
• Valet Parking
• Private heliport and marina
• Limousine service and car rental
• Restaurants / bar / lounge
• Newspaper and sportswear shop

For dining, you can find gourmet and international cuisine at the Miramar and international cuisine at The Bayview Restaurant. There is a lounge on the 5th floor called Sparkles where you can find live music and entertainment. Snacks and drinks can be obtained from Las Olas at the swimming pool. Of course, there is 24 hour room service available.

Contact Information:
InterContinental Miramar Panama
Miramar Plaza, Balboa Avenue
Panama City, Panama
Tel (507) 206-8888
Fax (507) 223-4891
E-Mail panama@interconti.com

For your accommodations at a luxury five star hotel in Panama, I will definitely recommend the InterContinental Miramar Panama for its services, its views and locations. A fantastic hotel to stay in Panama City!

Travel Information for Panama

I should give you a little background to my favorite holiday destination Panama because you’d probably like to know more about Panama before you go and before you start looking for hotels and beaches in Panama City. I think Panama is one of those undiscovered tourist destinations which is only just now opening up to tourism. So it’s one of those undiscovered secrets that will quickly change as more and more people from North America look to find another sunny vacation destination apart from the traditional islands and places like Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica etc.

Location of Panama

Panama or officially known as the Republic of Panama is most southern country located in Central America on the isthmus which connects North and South America. It is between two great bodies of water, the Pacific Ocean in the South and the Caribbean Sea in the North. The local population of Panama is about 3.1 million people but it is growing with the increasing number of retirees who are choosing Panama to retire in. Check out the map of Panama.

The Economy of Panama

Economically speaking, Panama is the third largest economy in Central America but it has the largest consumer of resources in Central America. Its unemployment rate is about 7.2% and a poverty rate of about 20%. However, it’s infrastructure and economy is booming. It’s an up and coming vacation destination for travelers from North America who look every year to escape the bad winter weather. It’s industries are mostly in the commerce, banking, tourism, private industries, and trading and because of its privileged geographic situation. There’s lots of construction going on and real estate is also thriving. Both tourists and retirees heading south are checking out Panama as a retirement destination. Lots of surprises for those who know nothing about Panama.

Currency of Panama

The national currency is the balboa, but American dollars are used here for the most part.

What to See in Panama

Although most famous because of the Panama Canal, for the tourist to Panama – there are lots of other delights to discover. It’s a paradise for snorkeling, bird watching and hiking in Latin America. The white sand beaches of the coastline are magnificent. There is also an indigenous people there called the Kuna and you should explore their culture and meet the Kuna people to really get a sense of Panama.

Security Warning for Some Areas of Panama

Just a warning though for travelers to avoid the smugglers, bandits, Colombian guerrillas and paramilitary forces in Darién Province from the Columbian border along the Tuira River to Yaviza because of bandits targeting tourists. Most of Darién National Park is safe, but take a travel guide with you or avoid it altogether. Also avoid the Madden Dam in Chagre National Park because of the same safety concerns.

The Weather in Panama

When is the best season to travel to Panama? There are two different seasons, a dry season which runs from mid-December to mid-April and a rainy season which lasts from mid-April to December. On the Caribbean side of Panama, it basically rains all the time, but less in February to March, September to October. The days are hot throughout the year, on average 32 degrees celcius, (90 degrees Fahrenheit to about 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit in the nights. When it’s the rainy season, the humidity is pretty high. If you are going to the mountains, the cooler temperature ranges from about 10 – 18 degrees Celsius (50 – 64 degrees Fahrenheit and remain in this range through all of the seasons.

So there you have it, a basic introduction to the Republic of Panama and the country you have decided to explore for your next southern escape from the cold winters of North America. I’m mostly blogging here about Panama City beach hotels, but I figure you need some extra information about the actual country of Panama before you head there.

Map of Panama

For my readers at Panama City Beach Hotels blog, a map of Panama.

This shows Panama's location in relation to other countries Central and South America.

Royal Decameron Beach Resort Hotel, Panama City

Royal Decameron Beach Resort, Golf, Spa, and Casino Hotel in Panama, a traditional all inclusive experience for first time visitors to Panama. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, located on two kilometres of private white sand beach, there are eight large swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar, an 18 hole golf course, organized activities, from water aerobics to volleyball, lush gardens of tropical plants, and many other water sports.

For kids, there is nightly entertainment shows. For the adults, there is also nightly entertainment including dancing and music, a casino and dancing at the discothèque.

So what does the Royal Decameron Beach Resort include in their all-inclusive holiday package? Just like any other all inclusive beach resort package, there are breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, a la carter dinners, daily snacks and unlimited domestic and international alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There are daily activities at hotel, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboats, snorkelling and sailing. You could take some introductory scuba diving lessons in the pool. All the beach towels you need are provided at the Activities Center. There are tennis courts, beach volleyball, so many sports activities that you can burn off all those extra calories from the buffet dinners.

Okay, so how did I feel about my stay at the Royal Decameron Beach Resort in Panama? For starters, the cost of my one week stay was very reasonable. For a Panama City beach hotel resort, I found the rooms large and spacious. Okay, the design of the place was a bit old fashioned, but it was very clean. The food served at the buffet was very good. And there were lots of activities to do when I felt like doing something more than just floating in the pool and soaking up the sun at the Panama Beach.

The shows at night were pretty entertaining and fun to watch. And when I wanted some pampering, I visited the spa where I got some excellent service. I visited the casino only once with some friends and that was a good night out.

Hotel address:
Km 115 Carretera Panama
Panama City Panama
Phone: 866-823-9330

Would I go back again to this beach resort in Panama city? Yes, definitely. It’s also a great introduction to the many vacations in Panama you will take in the future. I loved the all-inclusive package deal I got at Royal Decameron Beach Resort in Panama