Panama has so much to offer. In Panama City, the five star hotels are beautiful and very reasonable priced, and I could have spent hours wandering into boutiques and grazing at the restaurants in the trendy/elegant Casco Viejo neighborhood (not quite in the same area as those mega-hotels). The city is such a fascinating contrast of new luxury and hip development, right beside the numerous slumlike apartments and gray, industrial shipping ports. A fun fact is that Panamanian currency is tied 1:1 with the USD (I know...SO fun), which they accept virtually everywhere, so no need to exchange money or calculate the exchange rate. Driving in Panama City is a sh*tshow and taxis are definitely the best way to go (unless you are a deranged adrenaline junkie and lazy pushover like my husband and myself, respectively), but the roads all around the rest of the country are pristine. Not a pothole to be found. It was great experience to rent a car and explore the nearby beaches and beautiful countryside.
Where to Stay: Trump Ocean Club, the Waldorf Astoria Panama City, or a cute Airbnb in Casco Viejo. Since we visited, they have opened an Ace hotel in Casco Viejo as well, which friends have told me is spectacular. We also traveled further north, about an hour drive and a boat ride from the smaller David Airport, to the Resort at Isla Palenque---on it's own private island, you'll be in eco-chic heaven. We felt like we had the dark golden beaches and a jungle full of wildlife all to ourselves.
Where to Eat: Panama has the best ceviche I have ever had--whether purchased for a dollar in a paper cup right off the fishing boats, or in an elegant restaurant, you won't be disappointed.
