Veneto Hotel and Casino in Panama

The Veneto Hotel and Casino on the Via Veneto and Eusebio A. Morales is located in the financial district of El Cangrejo is one of the finest of the luxury hotels in Panama City. It is rated as a 5 star hotel in Panama. It is also centrally located in the shopping district so if you are looking to do some shopping, it’s in the great location for tourists and business people alike. However, if you are travelling to Panama with children, this would not be a hotel to book in. There are lots of men’s clubs in this area. A better choice if travelling to Panama with children would be one of the beach resorts in Panama where there is lots of fun for kids and the true beach resort experience.

It is a luxury hotel, very stylishly designed, flat screen TVs in your suite, marble tiled bathrooms – all the modern amenities for your stay in Panama City. You will not be disappointed with the comforts the Veneto Hotel & Casino provides, including in room dining, orthopaedic mattresses, crisp linens, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, mini bar, coffee maker and plush bathrobes, to name a few. The hotel also provides a full service spa called the Bamboo Sea Spa & Gym (one of the best spas in Panama City), quality restaurants, and an enormous casino, all on the premises of the hotel. There is a great swimming pool where you can cool off and relax in the sun. Think of a Las Vegas style hotel and casino, but with lots of style and you can get a good picture of the Veneto Hotel and Casino.

You have your choice of rooms or suites if you desire the ultimate in luxury, including 18 Junior Suites, two Executive Suites with 1 bedroom and for the finest, two Grand Presidential Suites are available. Prices for a room range from $135 - $165 US per night. The larger suites start at $200 per night. Your breakfast is included in the cost of your hotel room or suite. Of course, if you decide to stay at this luxury hotel in Panama, check out the different rates offered by different travel sites because prices always vary. You can also book online at the hotel’s own website at venetopanama.com.

While staying at the Veneto Hotel, relax and rejuevate at the full service Bamboo Sea Spa and Gym. This spa is one of the best spas in Panama. Services include a variety of massages: Therapeutic massage, oriental, stone therapy and a hydrotherapy Vichy shower massage. Other spa services include a variety of facial and body treatments and natural spray tanning. Absolute bliss and a wonderful way to re-energise!

For Panama fine dining, there are a variety of restaurants serving seafood, steak or Italian food. Their Ristorante Vivaldi serves either buffet or menu items for breakfast and for dinner, you can choose from any number of Italian gourmet dishes, fine wines and Italian desserts. Other options for dining available include the New York Steakhouse, the La Fontana Sushi Lounge for fresh sushi or, as already mentioned, you could order room service if you wish to remain in for the night.

The Veneto Hotel also has a couple of bars on the premises, namely the V Bar and the Bamboo Sea Pool Bar. For nightly entertainment, you must drop by the Casino at the Hotel Veneto for the excitement of gambling at a casino in Panama. The Casino is open 24 hours a day where you can play the table games, the slots or play in the tournaments.

Hotel staff are friendly and professional, rooms are clean and you can truly enjoy your stay whether for pleasure or business, at the Hotel Veneto and Casino, a luxury hotel in Panama.

Accommodations in Panama

There are a wide variety of accommodations in Panama, some are reasonably priced and some are expensive. Depending on your needs and budget will help you decide what hotel to stay in. Differences between hotels are great, so check out our hotel reviews of the many hotels in Panama.

Outside of Panama city, in the more remote areas, there is limited accommodation. During the festival times of Panama, the hotels book up fast, so remember to make your hotel booking early and in time. If you are visiting Darien or the San Blas islands, hotel accommodations are very basic and eco-friendly.

Panama city hotels are numerous and you can find some of the best luxury hotels in the city. Many are equipped with business convention facilities and some of them have their own casinos. Some of the larger hotel chains are located in Panama City including Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Intercontinental Hotels, Holiday Inns and Radisson.

We have done hotel reviews on some of the major hotels in Panama including Hotel Bristol, Marriott Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Deville, Radisson Decapolis and Intercontinental Miramar. Check out our site for these hotel reviews.

For less expensive hotels in Panama, you could try the Executive Hotel which is an impeccable hotel in the banking center of the city – which caters to business people. High quality furnishings and all the modern amenities of a great hotel. There is a very popular jazz bar in the hotel but only a café for dining. However, there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. Breakfast is included in the cost of your suite. Their website is at executivehotel.com for more information.

Another reasonably priced hotel in Panama City would be the Plaza Paitilla Inn on Via Italia, Punta Paitilla. The hotel is circular in shape, ultra modern and giving your fabulous views of Panama from every angle. The Plaza Paitilla offers special rates and bargains for those interested. Check out their website at: plazapaitillainn.com.

You could always try a bed and breakfast inn while in Panama. On the Calle 49, Belle Vista, you will find El Litoral. Built in a colonial wooden home, French owned, with simple, tasteful décor, you will find this an elegant place to stay while in Panama City. Their website is at litoralpanama.com for more information and booking.

There is certainly a wide choice of hotels in Panama City in which to stay on your vacation or business trip. Remember to check out what each hotel offers and remember to book early for your vacation in Panama.

Panama Resorts

Many people on their first vacation to Panama want to stay at one of the many Panama resorts for their holiday. This is probably the best decision, when a country is not known to you. You know you will get a relaxing vacation, lots of activities, close to a beach for relaxing, swimming and other water fun in the sun. You know the price is all inclusive so there are no surprises. If you love Panama after your first trip, you will be back for more and want explore other venues and hotels in Panama, such as the San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro or Boquete, to name a few. The following is just a short guide to some of the resorts in Panama.

The most popular resorts in Panama would have to be Intercontinental Playa Blanca, Gamboa Rainforest Resort, The Royal Decameron, and Playa Bonita. Why are they the most popular? Well, they offer everything that one has come to expect at a resort, everything is taken care of for you. They are excellent resorts, offering great food, activities, the beach, pools, spas and free drinks. Most of them are rated 4 star resorts, but to be truthful, they should be classified as 5 star resorts in Panama. We’ve written long reviews of these resorts on this site, but here we are adding some more resorts such as the Mango Beach Club Resort and the Playita Resort for you to consider when booking your vacation in Panama.

The Royal Decameron Beach Resort:

The Royal Decameron Beach Resort is on the beach, just 90 minute from Panama City. This is a popular resort destination in Panama for tourists and most especially first time visitors to Panama. Read more about the Royal Decameron Beach Resort in our article here on this site.

The Gamboa Rainforest Resort:

Interested in eco tourism, and want to visit your first rainforest? The Gamboa Rainforest Resort could be the best place for you to stay. Exploring the rainforest, swimming, spa treatments and many more activities are yours. Read more about the Gamboa Rainforest Resort here.

The Playa Blanca Resort:

Playa Blanca Resort, also about 90 minutes from Panama City will offer you ecological adventures and beach time on your travel to Panama. The Playa Blanca Resort has its own secluded beach and is another one of the luxury resorts that are popular for tourists. Lush tropical vegetation full of wildlife surrounds the resort Another perfect place to kick back and enjoy the beach, the pool and the natural surroundings.

Read more about the Play Blanca Resort on our website here.

The Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa:

The Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa on the beach. Just think sun, sand and surf. The sunrises and sunsets over the Pacific ocean are gorgeous. The resort is magnificent, with nicely decorated rooms. It’s a favourite resort for tourists from around the world.

Read more about the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa on our website here.

The Mango Beach Club:

The Mango Beach Club in Bocas Del Toro is definitely a romantic getaway. Rooms start at $79 US during the low season. Close to the town of Bocas del Toro, it is situated on a beach beside the ocean. There are 14 rooms and one suite in the Mango Beach Resort. All rooms come with air conditioners and there are kitchen supplies if you need them. Breakfast is included in the price of the room and internet is available. There is a pool close to the Playa Mango beach. There are hammocks available for those who want to truly kick back. Great food is available at the hotel restaurant. The staff is friendly and the service is good.

This resort is an excellent choice for people looking for a tranquil place while still having quick access to the town of Bocas del Toro. Activities include swimming, exploring and relaxing on pristine beaches or kayaking to the reefs.

The Playita Resort:

Not far from Boquete by a few hours drive, at Los Santos on the Azuero Peninsula you will find the Playita Resort. Owned by Lester, the service is wonderful and personal. This is a nature lover’s paradise, not for someone who wants to stay at the Marriot. The wildlife photography opportunities are amazing. The resort is beautiful, one and two bedroom units surround a central kitchen and outdoor dining area. Local foods, fresh fish and tropical fruits are plentiful on the menu, all prepared to order, fresh and delicious. Rooms come with air conditioning, and are well cared for. There is no hot water, no cell phone access. A room starts at $70 per night plus 10% tax. The beach is small, with white sand and protected. Mask, snorkel, fins can be rented. Fishing trips are arranged and if you catch something, they will clean and cook your big catch.

As you can see, there are many diverse resorts in Panama for you to choose from where you can experience the resort experience, nature, the beach and surf. Panama is the most wonderful country, the newest vacation destination, just waiting to be explored.

Budget Hotels in Panama

Panama is becoming an expensive place to travel to unless you stay in one of the budget hotels in Panama. If you are looking for a bargain, you can check out some of my previous articles on discount accommodation in Panama after reading this one about budget hotels in Panama. There are some cheap hotels in Panama, but as in all things in life, you get what you pay for. However, these hotels are basic, clean and you have to decide if you like the location and if the amenities of these cheap hotels in Panama are enough to suit your needs. You can also visit Panama on a budget by staying at an all inclusive hotel or resort in Panama where some great deals can be had. I highly recommend some of the all inclusive resorts in Panama by Nolitours or Sunwing.

On the other hand, if you want more information for your vacation in Panama, you can check out my article on Sunwing’s combo packages which offer stays in one or two hotels or resorts in Panama. These packages are only available for part of the year. You can visit Panama City and stay in one of the hotels in Panama and then combine it with a stay at, let’s say, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and experience the rainforest and all of Panama’s tropical splendour. Other hotels in Panama all inclusive package deals include Intercontinental Playa Bonita, Playa Blanca Resort and two nights at the Playa Bonita Resort Crown Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Panama Canal

The following are some information on more budget hotels in Panama.

Hotel Residencial Texas

The Hotel Residencial Texas is a two star hotel in Panama located at Calle 31 Este , entre Avenida Cuba y Avenida Peru in Panama City. It’s just two blocks from the main street of Panama, the Avenida Central. This hotel is basic, clean and offers both single and double rooms with private and shared bathrooms. The rooms start at $61 per night and are spacious and clean but the beds are hard (as judged by some guests).

Service is good, the staff helpful, though not many of them speak English. They will also provide airport transfer for $10.

It’s a child friendly place, has 24 hour front desk, luggage storage, free parking, air conditioning and this is a non smoking hotel in Panama. Breakfast is not included.

Hotel Costa Inn:

Hotel Costa Inn is a 3 star hotel in Panama City, located at Peru Avenue and 39th Street next to the Centro Medico Bellavista. The room rates start at $30 per night. All rooms have air conditioning, cable television, telephone, refrigerator, room service, private bath with either a shower or a Jacuzzi depending on which room you book. Depending on your room, you can also have a nice view of Panama Bay. You can get a package deal from them where your meals are included in the price of the rooms.

The Hotel Costa Inn also has a restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner) which has both Panamanian and Spanish food on the menu. Their speciaties include corvina or sea bass and also Panamanian beef.

Comforts at the Hotel Costa include parking, a swimming pool and terrace overlooking Panama Bay on the 7th floor. They offer conference facilities with all the equipment you need to book and plan your business functions.

Hotel Malparaiso:

The Hotel Malparaiso in Panama is located in the center of the city at Calle34 is a 75 room hotel with single, double, triple and family suites. It has nice rooms which are spacious. The rooms start at $40 per night with breakfast included.

Amenities in this hotel include free internet access, wifi in your room. There is free parking, the front desk is open 24 hours, and luggage storage, It is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator. Your room includes satellite TV, air conditioning, telephone and a fridge. There are laundry and dry cleaning services available. If you are staying more than one night, transportation to the airport is available for free, and if only for the night it’s going to cost you $15.

Your vacation to Panama doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. There is budget accommodation available and if you search, you can find a clean, safe budget hotel in Panama.

Luxury Resorts and Hotels in Panama

Panama is a country which is known for its natural splendor. Whether it is miles of pristine white, sandy beaches or stretches of lush green rain forest areas, there is nothing to beat the sheer variety on offer in this beautiful country. The natural beauty of the country brings in hordes of tourists and people who want to retire in Panama to this country each year. With millions of tourists thronging Panama, it is not surprising that you can find many luxury resorts and hotels in Panama.

Most of the luxury resorts in Panama are located along the coast. Almost all of them offer spectacular views of the ocean. Moreover, the lure of the sun and a variety of water sports is another factor that drives tourists to these sea side resorts and hotels. It is for this reason that most of Panama luxury resorts are located along the waterfront facing the scenic view of the blue Pacific Ocean.

Apart from the beaches, vast stretches of rain forest are another major attraction in Panama. In fact, it must be among the few places which offer this unique combination of attractions. You can find many luxury resorts in Panama within these rain forests too. They offer a romantic getaway, which you will cherish for your lifetime. One good example for one such getaway is the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, located in the Soberania National Park Rainforest. With the Panama Canal and the Chagres River nearby, this resort is ideally located to discover some of the most beautiful places in Panama.

Another one of the well known luxury resorts in Panama is the Playa Bonita Resort and Spa. Nestling amidst sun, sand and surf, you can soak in beautiful views of the sunset and sunrise from the elegantly decorated rooms of this magnificent resort. The views of Pacific Ocean from this resort are what make it a favorite with tourists arriving from around the world.

The Playa Blanca Resort with its own private beach is another one of the luxury resorts that is very popular here. The lush tropical vegetation that surrounds the resort is something that is to be seen to be believed. The exotic gardens and the impressive architecture, make it a perfect place to drive away all blues, relax and soak up the sun.

With Panama slowly becoming a popular tourist destination, it is always recommended that you book your accommodation well in advance. Most of the Panama luxury resorts offer online booking facilities which you can use to book. A simple online search can put you in touch with booking at most of the luxury resorts and hotels in Panama. Check out other articles on this site to read about all of the resorts and hotels in Panama.

Photos Courtesy of Instituto Panameno de Turismo

Luxury Hotels in Panama, the Hotel DeVille

Located in the financial district, the Hotel DeVille, one of the finest luxury hotels in Panama, is one of the most fabulous places to stay. This hotel in Panama is located exactly at Calle 50 y Beatriz M. de Cabal. Very posh, designed for a very discerning clientele, a night at the Hotel DeVille will cost about $160 - $450 a night, depending on whom you book through. The only drawback to staying at the Hotel Deville is that they don’t have a swimming pool. A trip to the beach is no problem, as the beach, specifically the Pacific Ocean, is very nearby. Also nearby, you have everything that the city of Panama can offer you, including restaurants, bars, great shopping, art galleries, bank head offices, law firms and casinos.

The Hotel DeVille, with tasteful, French inspired design, is reminiscent of the times when the French were the first to attempt to build a Canal at the Isthmus. The front lobby is elegantly decorated with gray sofas, lounge chairs, soft lighting, newspapers and a recessed ceiling.

This boutique hotel offers air conditioned, spacious rooms with high beamed ceilings. In total, there are 23 Junior Suites on four floors, 4 luxury suites, 4 grand suites, 2 luxury grand suites. Prices for these suites start at $160 per night. (As I mentioned earlier in this article, it depends on which company you book with. Each suite has high ceilings and exposed beams, two telephones, high speed internet, large deluxe marble bathrooms, hair dryer, alarm clock radios, mini bars, local or international newspapers delivered to your room, safes, coffeemakers butler and concierge services, laundry and drycleaning and cable TV. The rooms are furnished with 18th-century-style mahogany desks and armoires, beds with plump duvets and pillows, contemporary sofas, Oriental rugs and vases. Unfortunately, there is no bar, or health or recreational facilities available at the hotel. The hotel is very clean; the windows are soundproof which will keep out the very noisy nightlife of Panama city.

The service is helpful, professional and very friendly, offering you attentive, personalized service. Hotel DeVille offers you all the comforts, security and technology (for business meetings) you might need for your stay.

If you are travelling on business, the Hotel DeVille has three meeting rooms, large enough to seat 80 people and comes with the latest audio visual equipment to ensure your meeting goes smoothly which you can book at the Business Center. Also, at the Business Center, you will find computers, photocopiers, faxes, and translation services.

For dining, there is the Ten Bistro restaurant serving an excellent fusion type menu by the well known chef, Fabian Migny. Entrees will cost you about $10. It closes at 10:00 p.m. nightly, early for a restaurant in Panama City. A good breakfast comes with the cost of your room.

Guests, both business and leisure travellers have been extremely pleased with their stay at this boutique luxury hotel in Panama. It would certainly be worth your time and money to check out this, one of the nicest luxury hotels in Panama for business and leisure travellers.

Other Beach Hotels in Panama

San Blas Islands Resorts, Hostels, Hotels and Home Stays

I have already told you about one of the most beautiful places in Panama, a series of islands called the San Blas Islands and some of the beach hotels in this wonderful place that should be a holiday destination for you if you are trying to either escape the winter blahs or society in general. I was going to follow up here with more hotels and accommodations in the San Blas Islands because this group of 378 islands is really fantastic for a tropical island escape. Think of: desert island in the tropics.

If it’s your first time visiting Panama, you can include a visit to the San Blas Islands as well as staying in Panama City to really get an all round experience of the country. There are several companies online that offer such packages, such as a company known as Latin Destinations. This company offers six such packages ranging in price from $1,190 to $2,000 US. Their various packages include the following:

• Caribbean Flavour of Panama
• Native Cultures of Panama
• San Blas Islands – Panama Rainforest
• Jungle, Islands and Beaches of Panama
• Panama Culture and Beach
• The Best of Panama

These vacation packages include your round trip international flights, all airport transfers, daily breakfasts, hotels and hotel taxes. I’ve probably managed to pique your curiosity by now because if you read my last article on San Blas Islands hotels, you might be thinking they could possibly be your next holiday destination, your honeymoon destination or an actual escape from the stress that modern day living has been giving you lately.

The Caribbean Flavour of Panama offers you two nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort (explore the rainforest at this resort), 2 nights in Bocas del Toro Archipelago, 2 nights in the San Blas Islands with full board and tour and three nights in Panama City for a total of 9 days vacation. There are differe nt choices of hotels for you to stay in and you can vary the number of nights in each place.

The Native Cultures of Panama package is a great introduction to the native cultures of Panama including the Kuna Indians, the indigenous people of Panama. Your 10 day vacation includes four nights where you can choose from 14 different hotels in Panama City, two nights in Chiriqui - Boqueta, two nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, a two night trip to San Blas Islands including tours, and breakfasts at all the hotels.

Another interesting package you might consider would be their Jungle, Islands and Beaches of Panama for nine or more nights including: four nights in Panama City, two nights at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, three nights in Playa Blanca, and two nights in the San Blas Islands with your accommodation, food and tours included.

Another package offered by the Latin Destinations Company is their Panama Culture and Beach package. This vacation package to Panama will cost you $1,189 US for an eight night stay and includes two nights in the San Blas Islands, food, lodging and tours, three nights in Panama City and three nights in Playa Bonita.

The other package they offer to Panama is called The Best of Panama. This is a 13 night package with three nights in Playa Blanca, three nights in Bocas del Toro, two nights in Panama City, two nights in the San Blas Islands and three nights in Playa Bonita. The price for this package which includes breakfast at all the hotels is $1,969 US. This is a great deal!

The benefits of these packages include the possibility of experiencing much more than you could if you just booked an all inclusive package at one of the beach hotels in Panama. You’ve got the combination of great price and value here. Better still, is the fact you can choose from a selection of hotels in Panama City, Chiriqui – Boquete and Bocas del Toro and you can choose how many nights you want to stay in each place. In other words, these packages are totally customizable.

Like I have said in my previous posting, if you want to go and visit the San Blas Islands, book through a travel agent that specializes in tourism to the San Blas islands and Panama. They can arrange your vacations and show you tour packages you might be interested in.

I also promised that I would give your some more hotel information about other beach hotels in San Blas Islands Panama. You must remember that you will not find the same standards as some luxury hotel in North America or Europe. If you want a “Best Western”, you are headed to the wrong place. You won’t find a McDonalds here either. Try one of the other beach hotels in Panama such as Playa Bonita Resort, Playa Blanca or the Decameron Resort if you are not ready for a tropical island escape.

These islands are gove rned by the Kuna Indians. They own these accommodations which are completely eco tourism at its best. Some of the hotels, lodgings and accommodations do not have 24 hour electricity and hot running water available. However, they are a beautiful escape to a tropical island and you will experience nature, beautiful unspoiled beaches, eat delicious fresh sea food and live “close to nature”. You will have your own bathroom and some of these beach hotels in San Blas Panama are lovely, rustic, primitive and you’ll get the best sunsets of your life. There is snorkelling, sw imming, fishing, sun sets over the Caribbean like you’ve never experienced, your own hammock, meeting the Kuna people and discovering their culture and way of life. This is eco tourism at its best. Completely, literally, unspoiled.

Dad Ibe Lodge

The Dad Ibe Lodge has three cabins for its guests, no air conditioning, marvellous views from your verandah which sits over the sea, a private bathroom, and hammocks. Stress? What stress can you possibly remember as you lie in your own hammock facing the sea, one eye barely open during siesta time ? Y o u don’t need air conditioning because you have the soft, cool wind blowing in from the sea. At this lodge in San Blas, you can go fishing with the Kuna, snorkelling and visit the Mangroves. The menu includes fresh sea food such as king crab, lobster, fresh fish, local food and drinks. Prices for th e cabins range in price from $128 for one person to a high of $341 US for a triple, not including ta xe s and include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also included in the price are transportation to and from the island from the Achutupo Airstrip, tours to a Kuna village, tours to the Kuna Yala Rainforest and river, and trips to Ogobwili Island for swimming and snorkelling.

Yandup Island Lodge

For about $80 to $90 US for a double (low season – high season), you can stay at Yandup Island Lodge. They have eight Kuna style cabins, five of them over the water and two on the beach. The cabins over the water have private bathrooms. The beach front cabins have outside bathrooms. Your fresh seafood meals will depend on the catch of the day. The owners of the hotel provide you with tours to a Kuna village, snorkelling or whatever you would like. There is great snorkelling on the island or the owners will take you to other islands. There is no hot water and the electricity from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Other places to stay in San Blas Islands

Accommodations in the San Blas Islands can cost anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars a night. For this price you will get your meals, transportation to the islands and excursion tours. You can find backpacking hostels and home stays, such as Robinson’s, Eulogio’s Place, Franklin ’s or Nixia’s on the islands as well, depending on your budget needs.

The deserted white sand beaches, the great snorkelling and swimming, the tropical flora and fauna, the mangroves and the culture of the Kuna people await you in the San Blas Islands. What are you waiting for? Start planning your tropical paradise escape now. These are just some of the wonderful things that await you when you search for beach hotels in Panama and find yourself headed to one of the San Blas Islands instead.