Don´t trust our picture in this post... Hotel Grand doesn´t exist, the crew of James Bond 007 Quantum of Solace took the Ministry of Culture and did an "extreme makeover" on it for a few weeks. However, it is Casco´s future on other 4 great sites.

However, right now Casco Viejo doesn´t have a formal hotel yet. So where and how might be tricky, you have to plan ahead... but its well worth it.

So here is the short list!

1. Stay at a private apartment:

You can rent private apartments in different locations in Casco Viejo. All of them are great, nicely furnished, well located. Most include breakfast service. For high season, most of them are over $150 + tax per night.

How to book:

Email Arco Properties at info@arcoproperties.com Or visit the page at www.arcoproperties.com The apartment called "Café de Asis" faces one of the cutest plazas: Plaza Bolivar. Is a 2 bedroom, with 2 queen size bed. Phone: (507) 211-2548.

You can also visit http://www.loscuatrotulipanes.com for more options on apartments.

2. The Backpackers option:

Hostal Casco Antiguo: Backpackers places in general don´t tend to take reservations. However, talk to Richo or the manager at Hostal Casco Antiguo ( http://www.centrodereservas.net/Default.asp?Page=204 ) . Rooms go from $11 to 14. Write at: cascoviejo@centrodereservas.net or call (507) 269-6166

Luna´s Castle Hostel Casco Viejo: the most recent adquisition on the guys who own Mondo Taitu and Heike hostal in Bocas del Toro. They are expanding to Casco and the place is beautiful. Give them a call at: 262-1540. http://wakansadhana.blogspot.com/2007/07/blog-post.html


3. The higher end option: Canal House Panama

A beautifully restored colonial mansion at the heart of San Felipe. Ideal to rent the entire house, it has 3 suites, most of them with inner offices, all of them with internet. Fully staffed 24/7. Check it out at: www.canalhousepanama.com