Most people who visit Colon, Panama come to take a Panama Canal tour, or to head to nearby Portobelo. The large Free Trade Zone is a fun place to spend some time if you are looking to do some shopping in Panama, and the new cruise port brings in its fair share of tourists. The bulk of visitors to Colon come on guided tours and then return to Panama accommodations found elsewhere, but there are some Colon Panama hotels that might interest you should you stay a night or more.

Meliá Panamá Canal

If you were choose the best Colon hotel Panama option, you would have to consider the city's two resorts, one of which is the Meliá Panamá Canal. The building in which the hotel is housed figures quite prominent in Panama history. It was once the Escuela de las Americas (School of the Americas). A military institution, it was notorious for having had as one of its students, general Manuel Noriega. The Meliá Panamá Canal is situated on Gatun Lake, and it's quite an attractive resort. Guests here are usually visitors traveling on Panama package deals, executives in town for business at the Free Trade Zone, and for families looking to get out of Panama City for a bit. Tropical vegetation surrounds this nice pick for Colon Panama hotels, and the moderate rates help to make it ideal for most. Nature lovers will appreciate the location, and you can always book tours to go scuba diving, or deep-sea fishing if you want. The nice outdoor pool and pool bar are top features, and if you are up for a little adventure, you can head out in one of the hotel kayaks. You will find a casino here, and the rooms are all spacious and well-decorated. Two hotel restaurants will provide an array of dining selections between the buffets and the a la carte choices. Guest room amenities include a mini-bar, A/C, cable TV, a safe, 24-hour room service, and a hair dryer. There is a tour desk here, as well as a business center, among other facilities. Quite a good deal for the price.

Gamboa Rainforest Resort

If you can afford to spend a bit more on your Colon hotel Panama accommodations, you might consider staying at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, which is popular with guests on Panama cruises. The hotel is found on the outskirts of the city, resting on the Chagres River. The rainforest setting is ideal for those looking to get out and explore a bit, and the Panama Canal is so close that arranging tours is a breeze. Other tours can be arranged at the hotel as well. The hotel's lobby overlooks a nice lounge, and once you arrive, you will sense a nice dedication to service. A la carte and buffet options are again the norm at this resort, and you will have a couple choices for bars. The impressive, multi-level pool area here is a favorite place to hang out, and hopefully you can secure a room with a nice balcony. Some of the views here can be great. There is a nice shop on-site where you can pick up souvenirs and other wares should you want to do some extra shopping. If you want added space, the junior suites here are quite large, and you can also rent one of a few villas. Comfortable queen-size beds, in-room safes, coffee makers, cable TV, bath products, ironing boards, irons and mini-bars are among the amenities you can expect, and the rooms feature a nice, Caribbean-themed decor. The bathrooms are splendid and guest robes are provided. Should you feel the need to be pampered, you can arrange a treatment at the resort Spa, and there are kids' programs available that help to make this a nice Colon hotel Panama family choice.

Harbor Inn Bed and Breakfast

Located in a residential area just minutes from downtown Colon, the Harbor Inn Bed and Breakfast is a good honest choice for Panama accommodations in Colon. The rooms here are fairly spacious, and while pretty basic, they do feature air-conditioning, sufficient beds, and televisions. There is a common room where guests can hang out, including a small business center with computers. Internet access and breakfast are included in the discount rates, and parking is available if you have a rental car. This Colon hotel Panama selection is a good fit for those on a budget, or those who plan to spend very little time in their room. There are small meeting facilities available should you have to get some work done, offering a fax machine and internet access. Meals are served throughout the day at the Harbor Inn's restaurant, which is really quite convenient.

New Washington Hotel

The historic New Washington Hotel is another good pick for discount Colon Panama hotels. Built in 1913, it has seen its fair share of Panama history, and back in the day, it was quite the address. Though it is no longer a 5-star affair, you will find that the recent renovations have done well to spruce the place up. Also, its location in the safest part of town is part of what makes it a good choice for Colon Panama accommodations The foyer, which is one of the hotel's best attributes, is quite ornate and is a nice welcoming touch. The rooms here aren't too exciting, but do feature private bathrooms, televisions and air-conditioning. The outdoor hotel pool is a nice place to cool off or hang out, and at night, you can always socialize at the hotel's casino or work on your salsa moves at the disco. There is some room service available here, and you can always grab a meal at the hotel's restaurant. A small business center rounds out the facilities, and for the price, it's really quite a good deal.