Tips on Accommodations

Hotel Options

Travelers of every budget and taste will find lodging that meets their needs throughout Panama, including all-inclusive luxury resorts, rustic lodges, intimate bed-and-breakfasts, and pared-down, midrange hotels for those who simply want a cheap place to sleep. In fact, Panama's strong suit is its moderately priced hotels in the $50 to $100 range. Hotels from $40 to $65 are lean on style, and mattresses are not orthopedic and fitted with high-thread-count sheets, but more budget-minded or bohemian travelers won't mind. These hotels usually have air-conditioning and TV, too. In the $65 to $100 per night range, you'll find outstanding hotels, ecolodges, and B&Bs that include all amenities and are usually located in beautiful surroundings. Few remote lodges have in-room amenities such as television, telephones, or hair dryers, and some solar-power-generated hotels may have electricity for a few hours only, or no electricity at all. Remote lodges usually have ceiling fans or cross-ventilation instead of air-conditioning.

Panama is a world-class eco-tourism destination, and therefore there are many nature-oriented ecolodges throughout the country. These lodges are found in natural settings and frequently offer opportunities to see sloths, monkeys, and a host of birds, sometimes even from your bedroom window. Ecolodges are so-called for their commitment to sustainable tourism, or because they are centered around activities that involve learning about tropical forests or bird-watching. They range from spartan facilities in converted scientific research stations to luxury accommodations. Ecolodges can be quite expensive if you throw in the cost of a chartered plane, guided excursions, and meals. Also, consider the elements you'll be forced to put up with, including biting insects, heat and humidity, strenuous hikes, or rugged transportation to see wildlife.

Tip: When surfing the Internet for a hotel room, keep in mind that some hotels, in an effort to boost occupancy, often make claims about the property that are at best exaggerated and at worst outrageous. Photos can be taken at such an angle as to hide an unattractive element of the hotel (which could be the neighborhood surrounding it), and photos never show the nicks and scrapes that general use leaves behind. Some hotels blow their budget on their website and do little in the way of property upkeep. Use this guide to help make the right lodging decision when booking.

Landing The Best Room

Somebody has to get the best room in the house. It might as well be you. You can start by joining the hotel's frequent-guest program, which may make you eligible for upgrades. A hotel-branded credit card usually gives its owner "silver" or "gold" status in frequent-guest programs for free. Always ask about a corner room. They're often larger and quieter, with more windows and light, and they often cost the same as standard rooms. When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is, request a room away from the construction. Ask about nonsmoking rooms; rooms with views; rooms with twin, queen-, or king-size beds. If you're a light sleeper, request a quiet room away from elevators, restaurants, bars, and discos. Ask for a room that has been most recently renovated or redecorated.

If you aren't happy with your room when you arrive, ask for another one. Most lodgings will be willing to accommodate you.

In resort areas, particularly in warm climates, ask the following questions before you book a room:

• What's the view like? Cost-conscious travelers may be willing to pay less for a back room facing the parking lot, especially if they don't plan to spend much time in their room.
• Does the room have air-conditioning or ceiling fans? Do the windows open? If they do, and the nighttime entertainment takes place alfresco, you may want to find out when showtime is over.
• What's included in the price? Your room may be moderately priced, but if you're charged for beach chairs, towels, sports equipment, and other amenities, you could end up spending more than you bargained for.

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Panama, 1st Edition Author: Kristina Schreck Pub Date: December 26, 2006 Price: $21.99				Related Titles: Costa Rica For Dummies, 2nd Edition Frommer's Belize, 2nd Edition Frommer's Belize, 3rd Edition