Panama Floods Leave 5 Dead, Threats of More Flooding

Nov. 25 – 5 People Dead in Panama, Threat of More Flooding

Notice to travellers to Panama – west coast of Chiriqui and Bocas del Toro are experiencing severe flooding. Five rivers flooded in the western provinces of Chiriqui and one person is dead in Bocas del Toro after a series of storms according the Panama's President Martin Torrijos’ website. More than 5,700 people’s homes have been flooded and over 60 landslides have been reported.

At state of emergency has been declared on November 22. More heavy rains and floods are expected.

“As this system drifts slowly west-northwestward, it will likely produce heavy rains and localized flooding over portions of Panama…” stated the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Travellers to the western coast of Panama should check with the Panamanian embassy or consulate in their area to verify the weather conditions in Chiriqui or Bocas del Toro before travelling to this area in Panama in the near future.

Source: bloomberg.com

Source: President Martin Torrijos’ website

Melia Panama Canal Hotel in Colon

Most tourists who come to Panama include a trip to Colon Panama to see one of the marvels of that country, the Panama Canal. Many hotels in Panama offer a Panama Canal tour and it is not a sight you should miss. The Panama Canal is one of the engineering marvels of this world. Many cruise lines offer Panama Canal cruises, such as the Princess Cruise line.

Shopping in Panama is another highlight of this Free Trade Zone especially because of the low tariff rates, lowest prices in the Americas, due to its location. Many people take a tour to the Panama Canal while staying at various other Panama accommodations. However, there are hotels in Colon which you might want to consider if you wish to stay a night or more in Colon.


There are some Colon Panama hotels available for you to consider for your vacation in Panama. One such resort in Colon Panama you may wish to consider is the Melia Panama Canal. Situated on Gatun Lake, 80 minutes from the Panama International Airport, 10 minutes from the city of Colon, the Melia Panama Canal is another great eco-tourist destination besides the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, surrounded by tropical vegetation, unspoilt nature trails where you can explore the flora and fauna of Panama. For tropical birdwatching, it’s an excellent location for bird watchers. Hike along the banks of the Panama Canal, take a plane across the trees over Gatun Lake. Small boats and canoes are available for guests to take on Lake Gatun. The view of Lake Gatun is wonderful and the only sounds you will hear are the songs of the birds.

The Melia Panama Canal Resort was originally a hospital for the wounded of the Second World War. Later it became a military school, ‘Las escuela de las Americas '. In the 1990s, it was converted into the Melia Panama Canal resort. There are 285 rooms, two great swimming pools, and a pool for children, a tennis court, a business center, a games room and babysitting available for the kids. The resort itself is surrounded by lush gardens, a magnificent swimming pool (two actually) and a gorgeous view of Lake Gatun. It is an older hotel, so you cannot compare it to North American standards. The accommodation would be 3 star, the location, 5 star, the swimming pools, 5 star if you do. This is a hotel in Panama which should be chosen for its location, a great getaway for those seeking ecotourism in Panama and to see the Panama Canal.

The Melia Panama Canal offers great prices and all inclusive resort package deals. You can also just stay here for a night or two if you wish. Companies such as Nolitours offer all inclusive packages to the Melia Panama. What I would recommend for people seeking hotels in Panama, is to know what kind of vacation you want. This is an ecotourism resort, close to the Panama Canal and the free trade zone shopping which is 10 minutes away by car. You can visit a part of Spanish history in the nearby towns of Portobelo and San Lorenzo to see the colonial fortresses. Just ask at reception for details about the organized tours.

The all inclusive package deals from Nolitours range in price from $1,115 to $1,655. for one week. Included in the price are three meals daily, drinks (beer and cocktails – some international brands), a kids club, daily activities, entertainment at night, a casino, 1 buffet and one a la carte restaurant, two bars, a snackbar, and a disco. Your rooms are spacious, clean and equipped with all the modern amenities guests require and expect. Non motorized sports are available free of charge. For additional charges, fishing, deep sea fishing, horseback riding and bicycle rentals are available. Nightly entertainment includes Panamanian cuisine, Panamanian folkloric music and dance whereby you can experience some of the indigenous culture. Also available at the hotel are shuttle service to the Free Trade Zone. Bird watching and hiking are splendid in this ecotourism resort for the nature lovers among us. The staff is friendly and helpful.

The Melia Panama Canal is not far from the Gamboa Rainforest Resort but the prices are a bit lower than the Gamboa. If you are looking for a relaxing, laid back vacation in Panama, close to the Panama Canal, close to nature for a reasonable price, try the Melia Panama Canal.

All Inclusive Resorts in Panama

For travel to Panama, there are two companies in Canada which offer all inclusive resort package deals to Panama. All inclusive packages to Panama are a great way to travel to Panama for the first time because you because for one low price which covers the flight to Panama, your hotel for one week and food and drink. Some activities are also included in these all inclusive deals at resorts in Panama.

The first travel company with package deals to Panama is Nolitours. Nolitours is a Canadian company that offers quality affordable packages to many other countries besides Panama, including Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and other countries in Central and South America. Nolitours has a rating system for the hotels they use to help their clients choose the vacation package to Panama that is right for you and your budget. They also add the flexibility of offering golf packages if you are an avid golfer, enabling you have to the perfect golf vacation in Panama at one of these resorts.

Nolitours offers travel deals to Panama to such resorts as the Royal Decameron Beach Resort Golf Spa and Casino. They rate this resort as a 4 star resort in Panama. All three buffet meals, unlimited house win, domestic beer, international brand drinks, gym, tennis, volleyball, soccer, billiards, scuba lessons in the pool, kayaks, pedal boats windsurfing, sailing and nightly entertainment. For an extra charge, bicycling, snorkelling, excursions, fishing and jet skis are available. For golf lovers, there is a world class golf course. Rooms for the golfers among us are across the street from the main resort, surrounded by the golf course. A golfer couldn’t as for more! There is also a casino and a spa available at the Decameron resort.

Where is the Royal Decameron Beach Resort? It’s a beach front property, 90 minute drive from Panama City, a 45 minute drive from the Anton Valley. What’s also wonderful is that Nolitours will allow you to try out another of their other Panama hotels. You can stay for 5 days at the Royal Decameron Beach Resort, and then spend two other nights at either the eco Gamboa Rainforest Resort or the Radisson Decapolis in Panama City. Think of the advantages of this - you can visit both the beach and the city of Panama or experience eco tourism. If you find you like one of the other hotels better, on your next trip, you can stay in Panama at the hotel you prefer.

Prices for these packages vary from $999 to $1,759, depending on when you travel, if you have an ocean front suite or stay for a one week or two week package. Nolitours website can be seen at Nolitours.com.

The other travel company that offers travel to Panama packages is SunWing.ca. They offer more Panama hotel resort packages than Nolitours. Again, with their all inclusive deals to Panama includes your flight, your hotel, your food and beverages. They also allow you to try a couple of nights at a second hotel. SunWing also offers a fly now pay later opportunity called FlysunwingPayLater where you don’t have to pay for six months or you can pay equal payments from $26 per month. Sounds like fun and an easy way to afford a vacation in Panama.

SunWing’s cheapest all inclusive package is one week at the Playa Blanca Resort, located on the beach, 90 minutes from Panama City, just minutes away from ecological adventures if you are looking for a little bit of eco tourism and beach experience in your travel to Panama vacation.

SunWing also offers all inclusive deals where you can experience two different hotels in a one week vacation, such as the Playa Blanca for five nights and Crown Plaza Panama Hotel for two nights. You can rest and relax at the Playa Blanca Resort on the beach and then spend a couple of days exploring the excitement and shopping of Panama City. This particular all inclusive package price starts at $905 for the week in Panama. You can find out more information on their website at SunWing.ca or drop into your neighbourhood travel agency.

I can’t think of a better way to start exploring this new vacation destination to Panama than an all inclusive resort package – because the price is a bargain for one week, flight hotel and food. I’ll be looking around for more companies that offer all inclusive travel packages to Panama. But for now, for your use and research you now have a couple of companies which offer great prices for all inclusive resorts in Panama.

Photo courtesy Sunwing Travel

Cheap Hotels in Panama Part 2

I’ve given my readers in Part 1, a list and description of some of the best cheap hotels in Panama as an introduction. This posting continues on the subject of finding discount hotels in Panama. It is very possible to find some good budget hotels in Panama if you are not looking for a resort type of holiday and don’t need absolute luxury. If you are searching for a cheap hotel in Panama, read on and be sure to check out the hotels mentioned in my first article.

Aramo Hotel


In Panama City, at Brasil Avenue and Abel Bravo you will find the Aramo Hotel. This hotel features a business center, high speed internet connection, a fitness room, a swimming pool, cable TV, room service, mini fridge in the room, parking and is handicap accessible. There is the service of a concierge and an airport shuttle available. Pets are allowed. Situated in a residential neighbourhood, it is only 10 minutes away from the Atlapa Convention Center, in the banking district of Panama and the Via Espana where you will find great shopping. All of this will cost you only $70 US per night for a single or double room. Add $10 per additional person. Reservations can be made for this inexpensive hotel in Panama on their website at AramoHotel.com.


Tower House Hotel

The Tower House Hotel in Panama City is located at Calle 51 and Bellavista N. in Panama City. It is centrally located in the banking and commercial district of the city. It is close to the shopping on the Via Espana. The hotel features a business center, high speed internet connections, room service, a fitness center, a restaurant, a swimming pool and airport shuttle service. The hotel has disabled access and breakfast comes with the price of the room. You can bring your pet as the hotel allows pets. The front desk is open 24 hours a day. The hotels rooms will cost you approximately $66 US per night. Reservations for a hotel room can be made online at their website at Towerhsuites.com, but unfortunately, their website is only available in Spanish so get someone to help you with the translation.

Andino Hotel

Next on the list of cheap hotels in Panama City is the Andino Hotel situated at Avenue Peru and Calle 35. The hotel is in the banking and business center of Panama City, close to great shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Single rooms will cost you $45 US and a double room will cost $55 US. There are 40 rooms in total, bright and spacious rooms. There is a business center for the business traveller, with a meeting room which seats up to 120 people. Services available at the hotel include parking, high speed internet, room service, a fitness room, a restaurant, a swimming pool, airport shuttle service, and pets are allowed. The hotel is handicap accessible. There is also a restaurant called the Cartagena serving local and international foods, service is friendly and the restaurant is clean. You’ll also find a bar at the hotel. You can’t go too wrong with that. Although you can’t book online for this discount hotel in Panama, they do have a website at HotelAndino.net and you can email them to inquire.

Veracruz Hotel

The Veracruz Hotel in Panama at Avenida Perú Y Calle 30 goes for about $73 US per night. Again, its another hotel in Panama City located in the downtown business district. It features all of the same as the above mentioned hotels such as a business center, high speed internet access, room service, exercise room, a restaurant, swimming pool, cable TV, and safety deposit box. However, you may find the hotel a bit too noisy for getting a good night’s rest. People’s experience of the hotel varies, but you must remember that you usually get what you pay for. You can always try the hotel yourself for one night and if it is not satisfactory, you can check out the next day and try another hotel. There are many to choose from.

Roma Plaza Hotel

On the Avenue Justo Arosemena and 33rd Street you will find another budget hotel in Panama called the Roma Plaza Hotel. The rooms run about from $66 US for a single to $77 US for a double. You will find all of the same amenities as mentioned with the other cheap hotels in Panama above. They have plenty of halls for meetings or weddings or banquets which seat from 12 to 200 people. Again, some guests have complained about the noise levels, but this seems to be a common problem in many of the hotels in Panama except for luxury hotels or resorts in Panama. Remember, you get what you pay for and this is not North but Central America. For some of the same prices in North America you will find the same quality hotels. Some of these hotels in Panama are even nicer than those for the same price in Panama. However, you will find this hotel has a nice pool on the roof top and breakfast is also included in the total price. They offer an airport shuttle but it is cheaper to step outside and grab one of the many taxis just dying to take you to the airport. The Roma Plaza Hotel is in a good central location in the business and banking center of Panama City, close to great restaurants, nightclubs and casinos. You can book online at their website at hotelromaplaza.com.

Marbello Hotel

In the district of El Cangrejo, you will find the Marbello Hotel on Calle D. The rooms rates are as follows for this discount hotel in Panama. A single room starts at $50 US and a double will cost you from $55 - $75 US. Rooms, of course, are simple, clean, basic with comfortable beds and air conditioning. There are no safes in the hotel rooms. If you want a fridge in your room, it’s going to cost you $5.00 more per night. Internet access will cost you $2/hour for internet access but you could pop across the street to the internet café and pay only 75 cents an hour. Other amenities for the guests of the Marbello Hotel include laundry services and a restaurant. You can reserve a room online at the Marbello Hotel website at Hmarbella.com.

If you are not expecting luxury and perfection and just looking for a place to rest your head while on your vacation in Panama and see all the sites, these budget hotels in Panama are great choices, clean and remember, for the most part, basic. If you want luxury accommodations you could try booking at the InterContinental Miramar or the Hotel Marriott. But you will pay the price of a luxury hotel in Panama, like anywhere else in the world. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a resort in Panama, check out some of the resorts in Panama such as the Royal Decameron Beach Resort or the Playa Blanca Beach Resort. Whatever hotel or resort in Panama you decide to stay in is going to give you a different experience and a different perspective of the Republic of Panama. I have only been able to mention several of the many discount hotels in Panama in my two articles on the subject on this site. As you can see, there are quite a few good cheap hotels in Panama for you to choose from for your vacation.

Cheap Hotels in Panama

I’ve been looking at the prices of hotels and resorts in Panama recently as I am planning my next escape to Panama as soon as the bad winter weather comes this way. Due to the high price of oil these days, it seems that there are not too many bargains to be found. So I’ve been researching cheap hotels in Panama to see exactly what is available. I’m always looking for bargains like many other people and when I find a bargain, eureka! I’m so ex-cit-ted!

Most of the hotels in Panama City I have written about so far on this blog are priced from the mid to high range. Luckily, there are a lot of different hotels in Panama to suit any budget. You can choose a hostel if you like, such as La Casa de Carmen where the atmosphere is fun and the price is right. If you would prefer a step up from hostel accommodation, there are many other hotels or apartment hotels in Panama City to choose from.

There are actually really cheap hotels in Panama City starting for as low as $25 US or less a night that can be found in the neighbourhood of Curundu, but it’s an extremely impoverished area in the City of Panama. Another area you could try would be the district of Caledonia which is somewhat improved and you can find some bargain hotels there for about the same prices and higher.

In the center of Panama City, you can book a double room for $65 US at the Centrum Tower Hotel. It’s a new hotel, basic and clean. They have a website at Centrumtowersuites.com where you can check out pictures of the hotel and make reservations by phone, fax or email. The Centrum offers all the usual amenities that you would find at any hotel – such as cable TV, air conditioning, queen sized beds, safes for your valuables, etc., etc.

Another good choice is the Centroamericano Hotel at Avenida Ecuador and Arosenena with single rooms starting at $33 US per night and double rooms for $38.50 per might. Again, it’s a clean, safe hotel in Panama with all the usual comforts for its guests that higher priced hotels offer. Just don’t expect luxury class when you are paying for basic, but I don’t want to scare you off. The Centroamericano has a website which you can check out for further information and see if it would suit your needs. The website is at hotelcentroamericano.com



On the forested hills of Panama on the Ancon Hill, you could try the La Estancia Hotel which is akin to a bed and breakfast type of accommodation (it used to be a home). It’s not far from the Panama Canal, which is a great location if you are going to visit the Panama Canal. It’s also not far from the downtown area but staying at this hotel will necessitate that you take a taxi quite often, even to a restaurant. The terraces of the hotel will give you great views of the Bridge of the Americas and Panama City. The rooms are somewhat modest, but comfortable, clean and the staff is very friendly and treats you as if you were a staying at a 5 star hotel in Panama. This means: great service! For two people during the off-season, the price is $89.00 per night and in the high season, it’s going to cost you $99 US for two people for a night. However, you may find it more peaceful in the natural surroundings of La Estancia on Ancon Hill where you can see the monkeys and exotic birds rather than staying in busy bustling downtown Panama.

I’ve only written about a few of the cheap hotels in Panama you could stay with on your vacation. There are many more options for you if you are travelling on a budget and want a budget hotel in Panama City and I promise that I will write about as many as I can in a later posting.

Til later… Veraz