My husband and I will be visiting Panama in May 2005 for a week's stay at the Canopy Tower. We're going to spend two days in Panama City before going to the tower and need advice on a good hotel. We do not want the expense of 5 star...just something decent in a safe area. Any recommendations? Also, how far ahead of our trip should we make hotel reservations? Thanks!
Martha

In March, we did about the same thing you are planning to do, spending two nights in Panama City before we went to Canopy Tower. We stayed at the Executive Hotel, which we thought was decent, clean, and safe. We were not looking for five star, and the Executive met our needs well.

One of the advantages was it was within walking distance of a restaurant (don't remember the name) that featured authentic food and a great folkloric show. We didn't take our camera to the show and really wish we had. The Executive Hotel also had an adequate restaurant and a happy hour with free drinks.

It didn't seem like you would have to make reservations way in advance.

We're going to Panama in January. We're staying at Sevilla Suites while in Panama City. Reasonably priced, I'll let you know how it goes. We're also going to Canopy Tower, but only for two nights. Jean

You might want to go ahead and price some of those 5-star hotels anyway. I did and was VERY pleasantly surprised --- managed to snag a $120/night rate on weekends at the Bristol by booking through Luxury Hotels of the World (www.lhw.com). At that price, it's almost criminal NOT to splurge! (Awesomely good service...)

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

Check out the Country Inn and Suites on what used to be the Fort Amador causeway. Great balcony views of the ships queing up for the Canal. Enjoy Panama. It is a glorious country. Make your reservations a minimum of 30 days in advance. Oh, and if you have any opportunity to do so, visit Boquete or El Valle.

Thanks to all for your comments and recommendations. Jean, I look forward to hearing your trip report.