The capital of Panama is the creatively-named Panama City, and while many people may skip over this country in favor of the more popular Central American countries of Costa Rica or Belize, this capital city is well worth a visit. The old and the new live side by side here in a striking and interesting way, and as the city is near one end of the Panama Canal it is also a major gateway to the region. Because this is such a major city, both for the country and for the entire region, you will be able to find several cheap hotels in Panama City from which to choose.
This is a big enough city that are a few neighborhoods in which you can find cheap hotels in Panama City. The most central area of El Cangrejo is great in terms of location, but you may be more hard-pressed to find really budget choices there. The areas of Bella Vista and La Exposicion are more apt to have a greater selection of cheap hotels, although the historic (and rundown) area of Casco Viejo is potentially more interesting.
Most people who have heard nothing else about Panama know of the famous canal, and visitors to Panama City are lucky to be at the Pacific entrance of the canal – so it is an easy and fascinating attraction to take in during your stay. But besides the canal, the aforementioned Casco Viejo historic district is a great place for wandering and taking in the old colonial buildings. The city is also home to several interesting museums, and those of you who need to stay active will enjoy the Amador Causeway for its biking and walking opportunities.
Some of the cheap hotels in Panama City which you should check out are Roma Plaza Hotel (located in the business center, 133 rooms, swimming pool, laundry service available, garage parking available, on-site restaurant, free WiFi & internet access), Torres de Alba Hotel & Suites (located in the financial district, swimming pool, fitness room, private parking available, laundry service available, BBQ grills for guest use), Hotel Costa Inn (in Bella Vista neighborhood, 100 rooms, on-site restaurant, most rooms with view of Panama Bay, swimming pool, covered parking available, airport transfer available), and Las Vegas Hotel Suites (in the El Cangrejo district, on-site cafe, studios or one-bedroom suites available, WiFi access available, weekly and monthly rates available).