We needed a room at the last minute for one night with our preference being in Casco Vieja. I had read the great reviews of the Los Cuatro Tulipanes apartments and was hoping to stay there but i there website stated there was a 3 day minimum. However, the reservation page on their website is very user friendly and accurate which showed a vacancy in their smaller economy rooms for a steal of $140. I used the contact tab instead of the reservation page and requested a one night stay. Within an hour, I received a response from one of the young co-owners (Evan) advising we were very welcome to come for just the one night.
We were met the next morning by the other co-owner (Matt) who showed us to our room. What a surprise when we entered the building of apartments. It felt like a building/rooms you would stay at in Spain or Greece. In through the lovely tiled floors our room was on the second floor or about a 4 story building. Apparently it was previously an office. The room was huge with 2 romeo & juliet balconies that looked into the middle of the building. The room was bright and you immediately noticed you could not hear the street noise. The website described it as a small room for short stays which is not really accurate. It is bigger than most hotel rooms with an queen size bed, sitting area, kitchen area with eating bar and stools, full size fridge, stove, pots, pans & dishes. There were even some welcome bevies in the fridge (chilled water, coke & Balboa Panamanian beer). Included in the apartment is a washing machine, safe and fast speed wi-fi. I understand most other rooms have dryers so I am not sure if this will be added later or not. Either way, clean clothes are a bonus, just hang to dry.
We did snope the next morning to look in the vacant rooms that were being cleaned. They were gorgeous with larger rooms and fancy decor.
Matt was also helpful recommending restaurants ans things to see (his favourites) - he didn't lead us astray. Check out Minolas, ask about Mama Chefa (in the home of a woman who serves lunch to locals including government workers), great ice- cream/sorbet store next to apartments, Super Gourmet deli (sells some good wines for a cheap price), Ciao Prescor (fabulous ceviche and mojitos), Egos, the list goes on. We also hired a cab to take us to top of hill (Cerro Ancon) for views of the canal, Panama City and Casco Viejo. Casco Viejo (Casco Aniguo) is very safe day or night and easy to get around. Stay south of 9th avenue!
Well we only stayed one night this time, but would highly recommend and would not hesitate to stay here again. One night, but a world of info.
