Panama City Hotels

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La Estancia

At a Glance

    Pros

  • quiet
  • surrounded by nature
  • friendly, helpful owners and staff

    Cons

  • rooms small
  • some bathrooms across the hall

La Estancia Review

One of the city's only bed-and-breakfasts, La Estancia is the perfect spot for nature lovers or anyone who wants to avoid the noise and crowds downtown, since it sits at the edge of the forest that covers the top of Ancón Hill (Cerro Ancón). The breakfast area and common lounges include long balconies that overlook a strip of forest where you might see tamarins, tanagers, and toucans. The trail to the summit of Cerro Ancón starts just up the road, so it is the perfect spot from which to make that hike first thing in the morning. The owners, Gustavo and Tammy Liu, have a small travel agency; they can set up day trips, or tours of the country but are also happy to offer friendly advice. The tile-floor rooms are small and simple. Because the hotel used to be an apartment building for the U.S. Army, the bathrooms of a few rooms are across the hall. There are also two suites that are full apartments with kitchens and balconies (these are the only rooms with TVs). Most guests hang out in the common areas, where complimentary breakfast is served, and which have wicker furniture, balconies, Wi-Fi, and a self-service bar.

    Hotel Amenities

  • 15 rooms, 2 suites.
  • Parking.
  • Rooms have: kitchen (some), no TV (some).
  • Rate includes breakfast.
  • Credit cards accepted.

Member Reviews

  • janeq, from ny
    11/18/09

    We stayed 2 nights in room 14, it was at the end of the hall, and we had no noise issues. The room and bathroom were spotless. There was a/c and a ceiling fan. Though the rooms are small, the ample public areas ( 2 balconies, a sitting room, the dining area) make it feel less small. There were 2 free computers for guests.

    Included breakfast was choice of eggs. omelet or pancakes, and a small buffet of cereal, fruits,breads. We went to breakfast just as bananas were put out for the animals, so we got to see 2 tamarind monkeys. We arrived late, so took advantage of their take out menus (pizza, chinese, japanese) and had them order for us. We got the pizza-- it was average but satisfied us for the night.

    The staff were friendly, we used their transportation service to/from airport without problem, and they were willing to call and price taxis for us at other times.

    If you want a quiet location that provides a respite from the city, it is the place for you. If you want to be able to walk to shops,restaurants or night life, you may be better off in the city center.

    Ratings details: Room: 3 | Atmosphere: 4 | Service: 4 | Value: 4
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