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The accommodations in Central Panama range from big resorts to colorful bungalows in stunning natural surroundings. The region includes some comfortable nature lodges surrounded by rain forest, all-inclusive beach resorts where the bars stay open well past midnight, homey B&Bs, and boutique hotels in natural settings. Even in the cheapest hotels you can expect a private bathroom and air-conditioning. Although nearly all the hotels accept credit cards, some smaller places offer a discount if you pay in cash. Most hotels can book area tours for you, but tour companies will generally expect payment in cash. You can sometimes save a bundle (occasionally upward of $100) at some of the more expensive hotels and resorts by booking via their websites, especially for midweek or off-season stays.
Perched at the top of a steep hill at the edge of the forest, this two-story apartment rental has good views, especially from the second-floor balcony. The two apartments are a great deal for two couples or a family, but they can also be split and rented separately, with use of a full kitchen. The rooms are in the back and lack views, but they are spacious, with ceiling fans, private baths, and TVs. People tend to spend most of their time on the wide terraces, which have a hammock, table, chairs, and ocean views.
One of the best deals in El Valle, this vacation rental near Cerro Gaital consists of just three suites with kitchenettes and two standard rooms surrounded by 2½ acres of gardens and lovely views. It belongs to retired captain Larry Thormahlen and his wife, Becky, who make a stay here that much more enjoyable. There is a small pool surrounded by a stone deck and abundant flowers, and a free-standing kitchen nearby that guests can use. The rooms have two single beds, or a queen, but the suites are the big draw, with high ceilings, TVs, kitchenettes, and private patios. Rates include a glass of wine in the evening, but you have to make your own breakfast, or drive into town. It's best to drive here.
Isla Taboga's best hotel, the Vereda Tropical is perched on the hillside overlooking the Bay of Panama. Its best rooms have views of the town's fishing fleet, cargo ships, and Panama City, which is almost as impressive at night. Rooms have basic decor with high ceilings, fans, colorful bedspreads, and small tile bathrooms. The best rooms have French doors that open onto Juliet balconies with ocean views—well worth the extra money. You may want to eat at the restaurant ($–$$) even if you don't stay here; it's the best kitchen on the island, and the terrace view is gorgeous, though the service can be slow. The eclectic menu includes a good pizza selection, pastas with a choice of about a dozen sauces, lobster served various ways, curried prawns, and paella.
This dive resort owned by Scuba Panama, the country's biggest dive company, has decent rooms in a lovely coastal setting at very low rates, making it a good option for budget travelers who can do without a lot of service. Accommodations range from dorm rooms to bungalows; the second-floor "single" rooms—small but colorful, with ocean views and narrow balconies—are comfortable enough, but spring for a cabaña (bungalow), which costs just $10 more, and offers much more space and privacy. Large trees shade the ample grounds, and there's a gazebo atop some boulders over the water. The resort has a full dive center and inexpensive trips like snorkeling to Isla Mogotes. The tiny, open-air restaurant serves breakfast and a limited menu, but there's better food down the road.
