Canal Inn B&B Panama — Hotel in Ancón

Arriving from the wonderful and remote surf spot Santa Catalina I didn't expect much of Panama City. However, the Canal Inn owners helped me to have four great days in this thriving city. ||||To start with, (and I guess for many people a crucial factor when deciding where to stay in a big metropolis such as PC), the Canal Inn is located in a safe and quiet surrounding. On top of that you find some of the major sights within walking distance: The Panama Canal is around the corner, Ancon Hill with a unique view over the city is about 20- 30 minutes away and the wonderful Causeway is about 30- 40 minutes by foot. Casco Viejo, the old town, is also in the closer vicinity, however, it is recommended to take a taxi (not more than 5$) since you have to cross a rather unfriendly neighborhood to get there. The Albrook Mall and the for tourists inevitably important Albrook Bus Terminal is a 10- 15 minutes taxi ride (3- 5$) away. ||||Much of this information and other interesting facts can also be taken from Lonely Planet or any other well researched travel guide. But no tourist guide book is as valuable as first hand information from local citizens who have lived their entire lives in this city. When I arrived at Canal Inn the owner sat down with me and advised me in solid English with some things I needed to know: never get in a taxi before agreeing on a fare, great Panamanian run restaurants for reasonably cheap prices which cannot be found in Lonely Planet, quickest directions and short cuts, some history facts on the city and its development, etc. They even gave me a ride to the airport on my check out day for a very very good price. ||||Next time Panama, I will most def stay check in...

My Rating: 3.8||Highlights: Close to domestic airport (Tocumen)-5 minute ride||Lowlights: Room has small windows no real ventilation. Monkey on a chain||We stayed at Canal Inn for 1 night since we had an early flight to Bocas Del Toro. (Think flight was just after 6 a.m.) Chose Canal Inn since it seemed to be the closest place to stay near the domestic Panama City airport. The Inn arranged a ride for us from international airport to Canal Inn. Cost $40. Inn is close to Canal but do not think you can walk to the canal. Inn cost $80 for 2 people (their website is a bit confusing on this) and included breakfast which they allowed us to make ourselves, though they had little available to make. Tomas, a staff member, was very helpful. They ran out of beer ($2) but they went and got more ASAP. Cost $10 to get a ride to domestic airport. The Inn itself is ok but needs some repairs. Had air conditioning in room which worked fine. Do not expect too much in the way of service, but they are helpful arranging rides to airports and to restaurants. Rooms small and basic. Room had small windows so not well ventilated. Bed really small. The property itself is not much bigger than the Inn, looked a lot larger on the website. Descent pool out front. Almost under the Bridge of the Americas but we did not find it too noisy. Not many places to eat within walking distance, maybe one or two. We took a taxi to the...

When we arrived at the Canal Hotel, scenically located under the noisy Bridge of the Americas (this is scarcasm), we were given room number 5. After the check-in clerk opened the door to our room, a rush of musty and mildewed air escaped from the room seeking freshness and freedom. After stating we would preferred another room, the clerk said room number 5 was the last available room, but he would provide a can of Glade and a minute air dehumidifier. We sprayed most of the Glade in the sleeping area, started the dehumidifier on it's pitiful challenge, and slowly unpacked our backpacks. After returning from dinner, we prepared to sleep but noticed the rancid odor of urine in one corner at the head of the bed in our glorious room number 5. Using more Glade, we went to sleep, awoke early, ate the less than appetizing breakfast, gave our excuse that we had to catch an early flight, hailed a taxi, and quickly moved to the Doubletree Inn in downtown...