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.
