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tangobento20:25 UTC13 Jan 2009

Hi All,

This is obviously one of the most often asked questions on the TT, but I thought I would seek some advice from people that have been to Panama City recently.

I'm heading there in early February and will probably stay in a hostel for a couple nights. I've read about other hostel renovations and wanted to get the latest scoop. Any recommendations for a fun hostel that has good advice for ongoing travel? I speak a decent amount of Spanish if that makes a difference.

I have a month there total, so my second question is where would be the best place to celebrate Carnival?

Thanks!

patywolf20:53 UTC13 Jan 2009

Mabye you should describe what you mean by a fun hostel..

andiamotony22:31 UTC13 Jan 2009

The three hostels I can recommend are:

Lunas Castle - in Casco Viejo, great place, particularly for more 20-something backpackers. Lots of space, and once they get their 3rd floor open, they'll have even more beds.

Zuly's - in El Cangrejo. Great location, and Richard and Zuly are very cool. I'm particularly fond of their location.

Mamallena - also in a great part albeit older section of Panama City. They just added several private rooms on the ground level, very nice and airconditioned.

davegttph111:09 UTC14 Jan 2009

I stayed at Zulys, as said, great location, near plenty of shops and bars, supermarkets etc. aircon room for $9 too which was nice. Everyone there was happy to go out and party, nice balcony to sit and watch the city go by with a few beers in the evening, free internet access etc. Defo gets my thumbs up

andiamotony16:46 UTC14 Jan 2009

Zuly's is $11 a night now I think....

wilsonmg17:39 UTC14 Jan 2009

Mamallena for cleanliness, internal security and advice
Zulys for partying and external security(good area)
Castle Luna for atmosphere!

honeymoonlexa01:10 UTC15 Jan 2009

I've been to
LUNA'S CASTLE
twice and I think it was ABSOLUTELY one of the three BEST HOSTELS on my whole CA&SA-Trip!!!!!

$10 a night, pancake breakf for free, best atmosphere, nice cinemaroom, internet for free, fun fun fun! :)

tangobento18:06 UTC15 Jan 2009

Thanks for the advice.

Anyone around that has been in Panama for Carnival? Would love to hear about experiences both in Panama City and elsewhere in the country.

-20 degrees F in Chicago and Panama is just 2+ weeks away...

Panama City Hostel Advice Country forums / Central America / Panama
tangobento20:25 UTC13 Jan 2009	Hi All, This is obviously one of the most often asked questions on the TT, but I thought I would seek some advice from people that have been to Panama City recently. I'm heading there in early February and will probably stay in a hostel for a couple nights. I've read about other hostel renovations and wanted to get the latest scoop. Any recommendations for a fun hostel that has good advice for ongoing travel? I speak a decent amount of Spanish if that makes a difference. I have a month there total, so my second question is where would be the best place to celebrate Carnival? Thanks!
patywolf20:53 UTC13 Jan 2009	Mabye you should describe what you mean by a fun hostel..	1
andiamotony22:31 UTC13 Jan 2009	The three hostels I can recommend are: Lunas Castle - in Casco Viejo, great place, particularly for more 20-something backpackers. Lots of space, and once they get their 3rd floor open, they'll have even more beds. Zuly's - in El Cangrejo. Great location, and Richard and Zuly are very cool. I'm particularly fond of their location. Mamallena - also in a great part albeit older section of Panama City. They just added several private rooms on the ground level, very nice and airconditioned.	2
davegttph111:09 UTC14 Jan 2009	I stayed at Zulys, as said, great location, near plenty of shops and bars, supermarkets etc. aircon room for $9 too which was nice. Everyone there was happy to go out and party, nice balcony to sit and watch the city go by with a few beers in the evening, free internet access etc. Defo gets my thumbs up	3
andiamotony16:46 UTC14 Jan 2009	Zuly's is $11 a night now I think....	4
wilsonmg17:39 UTC14 Jan 2009	Mamallena for cleanliness, internal security and advice Zulys for partying and external security(good area) Castle Luna for atmosphere!	5
honeymoonlexa01:10 UTC15 Jan 2009	I've been to LUNA'S CASTLE twice and I think it was ABSOLUTELY one of the three BEST HOSTELS on my whole CA&SA-Trip!!!!! $10 a night, pancake breakf for free, best atmosphere, nice cinemaroom, internet for free, fun fun fun! :)	6
tangobento18:06 UTC15 Jan 2009	Thanks for the advice. Anyone around that has been in Panama for Carnival? Would love to hear about experiences both in Panama City and elsewhere in the country. -20 degrees F in Chicago and Panama is just 2+ weeks away...	7

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