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Stay in Panama San Francisco area

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Moskva
  3/24/2015 23:34 EST

We ( a couple) need recommendation where to stay for a week or two in Panama City San Francisco area in the ending of April. Plan to do a next dental work that started by emergency case in November. Then we stayed in Allbrook hotel, but it was a hard to catch taxis because of heavy traffic to that direction. Please advise who familiar with this area.

llseldon
  3/25/2015 08:09 EST

What dentist do you plan to use? Charles Garcia is very popular dentist with ExPat & old Zonians. Would you consider El Cangrejo area, here are hotels I recommend in that area. This map shows distance between El Cangrejo & S.F. area, about a 20 minute taxi ride in traffic https://goo.gl/maps/5U1cL I think you would like El Cangrejo better than S.F. for shopping, restaurants, etc.:

Hotel Las Vegas: El Cangrejo
[email protected] 507-300-2020
www.lasvegaspanama.com

Hotel Marbella: El Cangrejo, see http://www.hmarbella.com/welcome.php 263-2220

Hotel Milan: El Cangrejo, see http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panamacity/H56896.html [email protected] Fax 263-7723

Torres de Alba ApartmentHotel, El Cangrejo see: http://www.torresdealba.com.pa/english.htm email: [email protected]

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Moskva
  3/25/2015 12:08 EST

llseldon !!!
Thank you SO much for the prompt respond. It sounds very interesting and sure we 'll use your recommendation.
This "Centro Express" dental service was found on line at midnight with IPhone ,contacted and got instant welcome reply. At 9 a.m. I had appointment. Dr. Alex removed 1 tooth, put a temporary bridge and next day we have departed. All stuffs are very friendly and Eng-speaking. Alex studied in USA and very experienced. At least I am satisfied so far... and we did not have other choice due emergency.... In really we searched of place for retirement staying in Bouquet for 10 days.
Here clinic website :panamaclinicexpress.com So maybe this will help with location we are going to.

lapapuja
  3/25/2015 12:26 EST

I saw where the dental clinic is in San Francisco. El Cangrejo should work fine for you as well as parts of Obarrio. Any hotel on or near Via Espana in those areas.

marly7466
  3/25/2015 12:42 EST

where exactly is this "San Francisco area?

Moskva
  3/25/2015 13:07 EST

Here an address is: Panama city, San Francisco, 74th st, Plaza Guivil

http://www.panamaclinicexpress.com/index_english.htm

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llseldon
  3/25/2015 13:32 EST

Sheraton hotel, AtlaPa convention center, east end of Calle 50 & Via Porres area.

lapapuja
  3/25/2015 14:27 EST

The area of San Francisco is more or less between Via Porras, Via Israel, and Coco del Mar on the southeast side. South of Via Espana. It depends what map you are looking at but it is between Obarrio and Parque le Fevre neighborhoods.

Moskva
  3/25/2015 14:40 EST

Thanks
Sheraton hotel, AtlaPa convention center sounds very attractive but over a budget for the things we go to do. El Parador looks much better and hopefully has an easy access to dental office and any fancy places..We also want to get some tours and research possible community if make decision to move out.

llseldon
  3/25/2015 15:37 EST

More info on S.R.:
San Francisco is in P.C. See: https://goo.gl/maps/vcnph Calle 50 east run through the middle of it ending at Via Porras. The Sheraton hotel is at the southeast corner but I would also include the AtlaPa convention center which is shown outside of S.F. to the SE as being in S.R..

Rik61Penonome
  3/25/2015 18:54 EST

Personally I would stay in the El Cangrejo area. Lots more to do and easy to get taxis when needed.

The Sheraton at Atlapa is a great hotel and I use it when overnighting before going to the airport , but there is little to do in the surrounding area and it's not a budget hotel.

El Parador is a decent hotel and I lived there for a couple of months back in 2004 when I 1st arrived. Also the Milan, Coral Suites, Las Vegas and several others close by.

Manolo's on Via Venetto is a gringo hangout in the mornings and there are many restaurants around that area within easy walking distance.

Rik

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llseldon
  3/25/2015 21:04 EST

Only thing around the Sheraton is Jimmy's parrilla the AtlaPa Crab & lobster benedict one order split in the kitchen.  convention center & the Golden something restaurante in the bldg behind the AtlaPa.

Manolo's on Via Veneto has better prices but Manolo's, Del Prado, Trapeche & Sepia's 4 B b'fast on Via Argentia are good also. Del Prado is open 24/7 with parking in the back.

Moskva
  3/26/2015 00:37 EST

Rik61Penonome and Ilsedon!
Thanks a lot for the detailed information. We appreciate it a lot. Plan to move visit already to first part of April and your advises are so much welcome.

lapapuja
  3/26/2015 08:16 EST

I would agree that you will be more centrally located in El Cangerjo where you have access to things to do and public transportation. The taxi can easily take you to the dentist off Via Espana by taking Arango/3ra A sur street to cut over to Via Brasil, then via Porras to get the 2 way part of Via Espana. Coming back is even easier to go to Via Espana which goes directly to the El Cangrejo south border. You may want to get a Metro card for the buses and subway system since stops and stations are close. The subway makes it fast and easy to get to Albrook Mall/terminal.

llseldon
  3/26/2015 08:28 EST

Don't know what happened to this post (I'll blame it on my iPhone, should NEVER send from it, here is the corrected text, sorry):

Only thing around the Sheraton is Jimmy's parrilla the AtlaPa convention center & the Golden something restaurante in the bldg behind the AtlaPa.

Manolo's on Via Veneto has better prices but the Manolo's (on Via Argentia), Del Prado, Trapiche & Sepia's (not shown on the attached map) $4 B b'fast on Via Argentia are good also. Del Prado is open 24/7 with parking in the back. Map showing Via Argentia https://goo.gl/maps/lpqGL Bon Profit shown on this map has the contract restaurant in the Balboa Elks (front of bldg, Elks bar is in the back, don't miss visiting the Elks bar if you are in Panama, all visitors to Panama are welcome whether you are an Elks, have horns -- ha ha, etc. Lot's of good visitor info in the Elks bar or the Amador yacht club *** dont miss either when you are in Panama). PL

Rik61Penonome
  3/26/2015 08:29 EST

Moskva,

STOP!!!

Don't change to early April.

Easter a lot of places are closed and then from the 9th to 12th there is the ' Summit of the Americas'

35 heads of state with all their entourage and taggers on will mean lots of road closures, spooks all over the place and the city under lock down.

Typical of Panama to put political interests ahead of the population but most of the locals who can will be getting out to the interior.

Your original plan of end April will be a much happier time.

Rik

Rik61Penonome
  3/26/2015 08:33 EST

Here's a link to the above problem:

hope it works and ok to post in here.

http://www.newsroompanama.com/index.php/news/panama/off-the-cuff-near-lockdown-as-panama-readies-for-summit

Rik

Moskva
  3/26/2015 13:52 EST

OMG!!!
We are almost done, wanted to leave after Apr 5.Thanks for a very timely warning!!! What could we do without this forum and so nice people in PC.
Many thanks!
And Happy Easter to everybody!!! See you soon!

jonoyakker
  3/28/2015 20:37 EST

Here is where I recommend in San Francisco: http://www.hostalcasamargarita.com/
Click on their review tab. Super nice folks, clean, great breakfast, reasonably priced and quiet. They will take good care of you. Keep in mind that the city is full of noise and hustle/bustle. Maybe you want that after being out in the chaos all day.

Moskva
  4/12/2015 23:16 EST

Thanks guys! Eventually we've reserved Veveto Grand Hotel& Casino Apr 15-24..After dental work done would love to see some locations for possible future move. Interesting gated expats communities..Need advise for any realtor's contact who could be available. welcome any inputs .

lapapuja
  4/13/2015 06:59 EST

Via Veneto is a known place for pickpockets. No wallets in back pockets, Zipped up bags over the shoulder and held in front of you. Ignore the guys who offer to show you around. They have ulterior motives. No real danger, they just grab, run and hand off to their partner in crime in case someone runs after them.

llseldon
  4/13/2015 08:21 EST

Pick pockets are everywhere, be warned, Casco Viejo, etc. There is extra activities in the Wyndam Veneto Casiono if you have a wife with you she might be object to. Visit Via Argentina, artsie area with many good cafes & restaurantes. Manolo's cafí across the street from the Wyndam is a good place for a meal.

Other eating place in P.C. are:

Balboa Yacht Club, Amador beside Country Inn & Suites & FGI Fridays on the Panama Canal (typical Panama food +), great for sunsetdrink, week end live live music with local groups.
Calle Uruguay has many good restaurants, clubs and bars, it is likethe “South Beach“ of the city. Located one block east of Frederico Boyd & south of Calle 50.
Costa Azul Restaurant (typical Panama food +), on side street from Via España between the Continental Hotel & the Marriott Hotel, Banking District
Jimmy’s Parrillada Restaurant (typical Panama food +), two locations Banking District & San Francisco, see: http://www.parrilladajimmy.com/
Lung Fung (Chinese) Restaurant, Betania area, Vía Simón Bolívar (Transístmica) and Calle 62 C. Oeste
Manolo’s Cafes, several in the city, Via Veneto (this one has thebest prices), Via Argentina, etc.
Martin Fierro (Argentine cruise), El Cangrejo, Calle EusebioMorales, down the street from the Las Vegas Hotel
see: http://panama.mydestinationinfo.com/en/parrillada-martin-fierro
Me gusta Comida Vegetariana is off via España on the side street between the Continental Hotel & Marriott Hotel (across thestreet from Restaurant Costa Azul on the “rounded“ corner).
Mi Ranchito (typical Panama food +), on the first island on theAmador Causeway, see: http://www.restaurantemiranchito.com/en/home.html
Napoli Italian Restaurant,original off Avenida de Martes near the old Canal Zone & the new one southof Via España on a side street in Obarrio
Niko’s Cafes (buffet-cafeteria style), all over Panama City & Balboa, see:
http://www.nikoscafe.com/
Pomodora Restaurant Italian cuisine in a bohemian cafe atmosphere, located on the left side of the entrance to the Las Vegas Hotellobby on Via Veneto see:
http://lasvegaspanama.com/en/restaurant
The Wine Bar on the other side of the entrance to the Las Vegas hotel from the Pomodora Restaurant
Rincon Aleman, Germany Restaurant, one block off Frederico Boyd& one block north of Calle 50 beside Tinajas Restaurant, see: http://www.1985.com/restaurant_rincon_aleman.html
Rincon Suizo, Swiss Restaurant, El Cangrejo, Calle EusebioMorales, down the street from the Las Vegas Hotel, see:
http://www.1985.com/restaurant_rincon_suizo.html
Rino’s Italian & International cuisine, BankingDistrict, Ave Federico Boyd & Calle 49.
Tinajas Restaurant, (typical Panama food with typical Panama dance shows most nights), one block off Frederico Boyd & oneblock north of Calle 50 beside Rincon Aleman Restaurant, see:
http://www.tinajaspanama.com/en/about-us
Wine Bar, on the right side of the entrance to Las Vegas Hotellobby offers pizzas, great wines and other Italian menu items along with livemusic of local groups. See:
http://lasvegaspanama.com/en/restaurant

cheryl4209
  4/13/2015 08:29 EST

Kathy Canton Realty for the city. Bi-lingual and very helpful, trustworthy staff. Highly recommend.

Moskva
  4/13/2015 12:51 EST

Good warning about back pocket and purse keep in front. We feel a bit relaxy after permanent reading positive and sweet articles in "Interntl living" magazines for years.

Does Kathy have website or phone?

cheryl4209
  4/13/2015 13:09 EST

www.kathycanton.com I just Googled her name, and it came right up. Happy travels!

Moskva
  4/13/2015 13:53 EST

thanks. I got it!

Moskva
  4/14/2015 10:38 EST

By way How much to pay for taxi to go to Balboa Yacht Club from Veneto? We read everywhere $3-4, but paid $15 (rate service)from Hotel Allbrook to San-Francisco and +$15 back.

cheryl4209
  4/14/2015 10:56 EST

Too funny! My experience with taxis has been that there are two prices: one for locals and one for expats. We are viewed as having the disposable income and the expectation, at least among cab drivers, is that we share the joy. Now, I've tried having a local negotiate with the cabby before I get in.... inevitably, about half way there, the driver will come up with an excuse to at least double my rate! Fun times. . . .

llseldon
  4/14/2015 11:05 EST

Never get a taxi in front of a hotel. It use to be $1.25 per zone but how do you know where the zones are. I'd say 7.50 from El Cangrejo to the BYC & $50.00 back unless you walk to the Balboa YMCA.

tharin4prez
  4/14/2015 11:09 EST

Though $3-4 bucks sounds is what some profess, it's not normally realistic for a North American. And $15 is high. Is $15 what you negotiated BEFORE getting into the taxi? Albrook to San Fran should be in the ballpark of about $6 bucks in traffic.

Always negotiate a price before entering the cab. If not, you're at their mercy when reaching your destination. Don't be afraid to tell them to move along, then wave down another taxi ... then start the process all over again.

lapapuja
  4/14/2015 11:15 EST

If you are staying on Via Veneto just walk down to the Metro on Via Espania. Take the Metro to Albrook and catch a taxi from there. Just a suggestion because it is so much quicker and cheaper.

lapapuja
  4/14/2015 11:20 EST

If you left from Albrook Inn you most likely got a radio Taxi which costs more. Not to mention taxis don't go up that hill often. Plus you are tourists which they sometimes just see how much they can get you for.

Moskva
  4/14/2015 12:58 EST

Is it rain in PC? Is Umbrella needed?

llseldon
  4/14/2015 14:05 EST

Metro, a good idea, I had forgotten about it since I usually rent a car.

ranadelnorte
  4/14/2015 16:13 EST

Yes, the rainy season has just begun in Panama City. It rains every day, usually in the afternoon. You'll need an umbrella, and don't bring your best shoes as they could get ruined in heavy rain.

Moskva
  4/14/2015 16:21 EST

Ha! In November there was no even one day without rain also...

lapapuja
  4/14/2015 16:45 EST

http://www.transito.gob.pa/tablas-tarifa-de-taxis

This link will take you to the taxi rates chart.

llseldon
  4/14/2015 19:51 EST

lapapuja if you think the P.C. taxi drivers have a copy of this map/table or know how to read it, I'll buy you a bridge in NYC LOL.

lapapuja
  4/15/2015 05:21 EST

They don't have to know or have it. I have it and I do.

Moskva
  4/15/2015 10:49 EST

Sit in airport , Keep asking and reading your nice agrivating talk ... What taxi rate would be from pty to veneto hotel? We paid $35 from pty to albrook hotel + gave tips $4 to boy loaded our bag into the car. Is it reasonable?

llseldon
  4/15/2015 11:20 EST

Moskva "We paid $35 from pty to albrook hotel + gave tips $4 to boy loaded our bag into the car. Is it reasonable?" yes

lapapuja
  4/15/2015 11:50 EST

The airport Tocumen price is $30, for taxi and $35. for van to anywhere in the city. Not familiar with tipping costs.

lapapuja
  4/15/2015 12:01 EST

lseldon, the taxi drivers have a tendency to double the regular price when they think you are not from here. If you have the chart, especially if they see you have it, they are less inclined to do it. If they are a legal taxi and not just a person who rented one for the day they will have this chart and know how to read it.

panamajames
  4/15/2015 12:58 EST

It normally rains every day in rainy season, except for some places at the beach where it stays dry. Usually raining not all day but for an hour or two in the afternoons. The plants love it, and don't forget that Panama is Jungle, not a desert. Mornings and evenings are normally wonderfully warm and dry tropical weather. The winds of dry season, die down and disappear in rainy season. We are just nicely easing into rainy season now.

As for taxi cabs from Tocumen International Airport to downtown, it should be $30 maximum and if you can negotiate for $25, good for you. $35 or higher is the Gringo price. Since I got my transit card, from Tocumen, I walk a few blocks to the regular bus stop, and take the Albrook bus for around $2. Luggage not a problem if you have wheels on them. It's the Tocumen Corridor Sur bus.

llseldon
  4/15/2015 15:17 EST

Here's some PTY orgs for you, suggest you visit the Balboa Elks bar on La Boca Rd in the Elks bldg & the Balboa Yacht Club in Amador during Happy hour for local "intel" on what's happening. Here's some orgs in PTY for you:

Some Panama organizations:
U.S. Navy League: PTY Navy League: http://navyleaguepanama.org/
American Society of Panama: http://www.amsoc.org/
Balboa Elks Lodge, La Boca Road: http://www.elks.org/lodges/contactus.cfm?LodgeNumber=1414
Canadian ExPats in Panama: http://www.internations.org/expats/members/panama/canadians
InterNations: See https://www.internations.org/
ExPats in Panama: http://www.expatsocials.com/
Panama Historical Society (Nowebsite), email: [email protected]

Moskva
  4/15/2015 23:54 EST

Thanks guys. Just ve arrived, settled in hotel. Tomorrow dental work morn and evening too. Hope everything is going will be all right

lapapuja
  4/16/2015 08:28 EST

Sent you a PM.

llseldon
  4/16/2015 11:16 EST

lapapuja received, look for a PM in the mail.

lapapuja
  4/16/2015 15:57 EST

Sorry Moskva, I sent the PM not realizing you would be in the chair today. Offer still stands though.

Moskva
  4/16/2015 22:05 EST

Lapapuja it's very kind of you. I replyed you pmsg . 9 hours in the dental office. A little cherry ice cream in Panama homemade meal restaurant and pills for dinner.... Hope 2mor will be better..

Thanks to everyone for your advises.

lapapuja
  4/17/2015 04:58 EST

New one sent via PM

llseldon
  4/17/2015 07:16 EST

lapapuja will look for it later today, off to a men's b'fast. Lou

Moskva
  4/20/2015 15:12 EST

Buenos dies !
Walked yesterday and of course have been attracted by few buildings apartments in area yacht club. Can't find on line about these. Is it plya pacific? How would it call? Looking for rent.
Gracias

lapapuja
  4/20/2015 15:58 EST

Look in encuentra24 for apartments to rent on Avenida Balboa.

Moskva
  4/20/2015 16:11 EST

Thank you Lapapuja .

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