On this and the following pages, we will do our best to give you be the best Panama hostel, nightlife, and restaurant recommendations in tourist destinations all over Panama.
We believe that staying in good hostels around Panama is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your time spent in this amazing country is enjoyable, well rounded and relaxing. When arriving in Panama, your first stop will most likely be Panama City, so we’ll start by listing all of the Best Panama City Hostels. But be sure to take advantage of all the other good information we have ranging from sail to Colombia and Panama surfing information to to the best hostels in Bocas del Toro.
Hostels in Panama City
Luna’s Castle Hostel
Luna’s Castle Hostelwww.lunascastlehostel.com
(507) 262-1540 (Panama)
(925) 402-4101 (US)
This hostel, located in the heart of Casco Viejo, is widely known as the best hostel in Panama City. Set in a Spanish colonial mansion built upon the water´s edge, Luna´s Castle Hostel attracts those who seek the ideal Panama City backpacking experience. Following Captain Morgan’s plunder of Panama Vieja in 1671, stones from the ruins were used to construct the massive walls of Casco Viejo. Luna’s Castle, built in 1905, rests upon these original city walls. Inside the building one finds a clean, comfortable bed, a modern communal kitchen, free breakfast, a legendary movie theater, a spacious outdoor courtyard, free internet, free storage, free lockers, laundry service, gorgeous sea views of the Bay of Panama and the modern city skyline, and an amazing social atmosphere. And now the hottest new Bar in Panama City is now located right downstairs. Be sure not miss out on the incredible happy hour in Relic Bar. But more important than anything is that those who work at Luna’s Castle Hostel have all been on the other side of the reception desk. Everyone who is part of the staff is passionate about backpacking, backpackers, and Panama.
Hospedaje Casco Viejo
Hospedaje Casco Viejowww.hospedajecascoviejo.com
(507) 211-2027
This is the ideal backpacker’s hostel. Intimate, comfortable, and located right in the heart of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1997. The area is beautiful to walk around in, and the hostel is located within a short distance from some of the best bars in Panama City, all located in various parts of Casco Viejo. The services in the hostel are great, ranging from free internet to a TV room. They have a wide range of good travel information, whether you want to sail to Colombia or take an overnight bus to Bocas del Toro. The very friendly staff is always there to help.
Hostel Mamallena
Hostel Mamallenawww.mamallena.com
(507) 6676-6163
Hostel Mamallena has recently moved to a bigger, better location. But that’s about all that has changed. They still have the same great service and the same great staff. Located in a quiet, friendly, old fashioned residential area, they are close to supermarkets and banks and are only a 15 min walk or $2 taxi ride away from pretty much anywhere you could want to go in Panama City. You won't see neon lights flashing from your dorm room but you will get to soak up the vibe of a 'True Panamanian' barrio while being able to walk the streets at night. And be sure not to hesitate to ask them information ranging from sail to Colombia to the best places to stay in Boquete. The staff is extremely knowledgeable.
Hotel Pension Colon
Hotel Pension Colon
www.elhotelcolon.com
(507) 228-8510
This is another lodging option in the heart of Casco Viejo. They are more of a cheap hotel, rather than a hostel, but they are still a great option if you want to be in the old town of Panama and not spend top dollar on a hotel. These budget hotel rooms will cost no more than $25 for the room. Their location is in the heart of San Felipe and is within walking distance from many of the budget and top restaurants in Panama City.
La Jungla Hostel
La Jungla Hostel
http://www.hosteltrail.com/lajungla(507) 6668-5076
This is a good budget hostel and classy bed and breakfast located right in the middle of the young and hip El Cangrejo District, within a few steps from great Panama City restaurants, 24 hour grocery stores, bars, shopping, and casinos. 'Tree Top' level rooms overlook the hotel/casino district of the city. There is a communal area with TV, movies, free internet with good wireless signal throughout the facility and rooms. Walking distance from Panama City Bars and Clubs, restaurants, shopping, casinos, and supermarkets. There is a great communal kitchen, laundry service, garage parking with remote access, equipment rental for excursions, airport transfers and reputable boats (no dodgy captains) to Colombia through San Blas can all be arranged. Car rental and Mirador Adventures tour operator on site with info and budget excursions to literally ALL parts of Panama and the Republic of Chiriqui.
Casa de Carmen
Casa de Carmenwww.lacasadecarmen.net
(507) 263-4366
This is a great option for those willing to spend a little bit more. The facilities are great. There is free breakfast, free internet, a great reading room, communal kitchen, AC rooms, hot water showers, a storage service as well as a parking area. If you don’t mind spending slightly more than a normal hostel, you won’t be disappointed. The staff is very friendly and very helpful. They are a great option for associations, educational institutions, companies, and groups. Keep in mind that they give discounts to students.
Zuly’s Backpacker Hostel
Zuly’s Backpacker Hostelwww.zulysbackpackers.com
(507) 269-2665
This backpackers hostel is one of the cheaper options in the city. They have all the basic services in a hostel. Free coffee, free lockers, some AC dorms, a BBQ area, comfortable couches, good travel information, and free internet. They are also very centrally located so if you want to be close to all of the stores and supermarkets, then you will be happy with the location.
Voyager International Hostel
Voyager International Hostelwww.voyagerhostelpanama.net
(507) 223-3687
Voyager hostel has recently changed location to Via Argentina. Via Argentina is a street full of good restaurants, nightlife and stores. The hostel offers free internet, free breakfast, TV access, laundry service, hot water showers with Air conditioned rooms available as well.
Anita’s Inn
Anita’s Innwww.hostelspanama.com
(507) 213-3121
This is a very relaxed hostal in Panama City. Services include a communal kitchen, comfortable mattresses, free tea and coffee, a library and book exchange, Cable TV, lockers, and Laundry Service. This hostal is especially good if you are looking to learn and study Spanish in Panama. They have a relationship with a reputable school in Panama City. Keep in mind though they do have a minimum stay requirement so be sure to contact them before you show up.