Panama House B&B is a cozy hostel located right across the street from our Spanish school. As an Habla Ya Spanish student, you couldn't wish for a more convenient location, and just as with our Spanish school, you'll benefit from being within a stone's throw of Panama City's heart, yet on a road that is quieter than the main avenues of the City.

Being on the border of El Cangrejo and El Carmen neighborhoods gives you access to loads of restaurants, shops and bars, only a 10 - 15 minute walk away. If you enjoy hanging out at pubs to meet people or prefer to experience a different restaurant every night of the week, this is exactly the area that you're looking for. Benito Juarez Park is just around the corner as well so if you want to stay fit or catch some fresh air, it's only a couple of blocks away.

The Via Argentina Metro (Subway) Station is only a 5 minute walk away (Estacion Fernandez de Cordoba Metro Station is about a 10 minute walk) and Via España, Panama City's main artery is only 1 block away, from where you can catch busses to almost every place in Panama City as well as to the National Transportation Terminal where you can travel to almost any part of the country.

Be it a dorm or a private room, this hostel has everything you need for a long term stay. Each dorm room has 6 beds. When selecting a private room, you can choose from having your own bathroom (double or triple rooms with queen beds) or sharing one if you're looking to save a bit (single or queen bed). Contrary to the hostels in Bocas del Toro, this one has bathrooms with hot water so being on a budget doesn't mean that you won't be able to enjoy a relaxing shower. The private rooms are arranged with either one twin bed or one double bed. All rooms include a rack for hanging clothes, a bedside table, television, air conditioner, and a safe box.

Daily breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (eggs, bread/toast, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, and juices). The kitchen has a large fridge and is completely equipped with everything you'll need to prepare the rest of your meals, or if you prefer to take a break from cooking, an onsite restaurant serves cheap meals for less than $5 (and serves drinks). Taking care of your laundry isn't a big hassle as there are several washing and drying machines that work with coins.

Wifi Internet is available throughout the entire hostel, as well as several computers. Places to socialize include the living room with Cable TV, as well as the backyard terrace and garden with barbecue.

The hostel itself has a very warm traditional latino family vibe, which besides its location is the other main reason we chose Panama House Bed and Breakfast as a budget accommodation option for our Spanish students. It somehow has the feeling of a home stay (but with more privacy) as the owners and the staff are all Panamanians which will help you to easily practice your Spanish everyday after class. With over 10 years of experience in the hostel industry (for Panama that's a lot since tourism didn't start that long ago), Panama House offers our guests a high standard of customer service.

* Please note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates DO NOT INCLUDE Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Each extra person pays $10 USD per night in private rooms. Kids 5 years and under stay for free with adults. Reservations require a valid credit card. No shows and cancellations incur in a 1 night penalty fee (at the normal rate), with the exception of weekly or monthly bookings that will have a 50% penalty of the entire stay.

* Cancellation policies and conditions further below.

Baru Lodge is also extremely convenient in terms of location as it's located on the street just behind Habla Ya Panama City. In just 5 minutes you can walk from your very own bedroom to your classroom at Habla Ya and be sat right in front of your Spanish teacher without having to deal with Panama City's traffic (so no excuses for being late!).

Of our budget lodging options, Baru Lodge is certainly the one with the most elegant feel as its architecture is very modern and with a natural feel. And did we say it's brand new and was recently renovated with plenty of attention to detail?

9 comfortable rooms with queen beds that have superb mattresses, modern private bathrooms with hot water, air conditioning, air purifier with individual controls, cable television, mini-fridge, wireless internet and continental breakfast are just some of the modern perks that you'll be able to enjoy.

The double rooms, which have two queen beds each, also include a very advantageous kitchenette area with a microwave and a sink for doing your dishes. This setup certainly is better suited for longer stays as you can stock up and store edibles that don't need to be cooked (or that can be microwaved) and you'll also be able to enjoy that take away or meal from one of the nearby restaurants that you weren't able to finish the other night. A twin bed can be added to the double rooms to accommodate an additional guest. Guests staying in other rooms can also use a microwave available in the common area as well as plates, dishes and cutlery.

What we really like about Baru Lodge are its rooms and bathrooms. They are more at the level of a mid-range lodging option and their rates represent unbeatable value for what you get.

The owner at Baru Lodge is very hands on and he has instilled great customer service skills to his staff. They take a lot of pride in making your stay a great one.

You also can't beat their backdoor garden area with abundant greenery and quietness which gives you the unique peace and tranquility that you need to study Spanish despite being in the middle of bustling Panama City.

* Please note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates DO NOT INCLUDE Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Price per night for extra person is $10 + 10% hotel tax (children under 12 years can stay with their parents for free). Months are considered 30 calendar days. A credit card is required to make the reservation and you'll be charged payment in full. Cancellations can be made with up to 30 days in advance with no penalty (entire amount will be refunded). Cancellations made 30 days or less prior to arrival will be charged the full basic room rate of the 1st night + 10% tax (the rest will be refunded), with the exception of monthly bookings that will have a 50% penalty of the entire stay (the rest will be refunded). Cancellations made within 3 days will be charged 50% of the entire stay.

* Cancellation policies and conditions further below.

For language learners who also make a priority out of meeting fellow travelers from around the world, letting their inner artist loose, or partaking in Panama City's most authentic nightlife scene, you can't go wrong with Luna's Castle.

Funky paintings from local artists and guests' artwork adorn every single wall of this century old mansion with lofted ceilings, original wood carvings, tile floors, french doors and a Spanish patio surrounded by dilapidated buildings.

As group Spanish classes take place in the afternoon, live in the moment and let your hair down every single day if you want to. Luna's Castle own Relic Bar has on offer the neighbourhood's cheapest beers and cocktails are always on the flow. Happy hour is certainly a popular meeting time, and Casco Viejo is home to the city's highest concentration of laid back and most authentic bars and nightlife venues.

"Luna's Castle is, bar-none, the best backpacker spot in Panama City. Housed in a creaky, colonial mansion near the water's edge, Luna's Castle blends historic Spanish architecture with funky, laid-back backpacker vibes. The owners' winning formula of professional service, international atmosphere and shoestring prices are sure to make this a legendary stop..." Lonely Planet, Panama.

With curtained bunks and ocean view private rooms, your morning routine will consist of heading to the balcony while enjoying a freshly made cup of Panamanian coffee as you swap stories from last night with your newly made friends from all over the world.

With room for over 60 guests, dorms vary in size, with some being solely reserved for female travelers while others are mixed. As long as they're up for grabs, we'll secure a bed in one of the air conditioned rooms for you.

Bathrooms are shared but plentiful, with clean bed linen provided (the mattresses are protected to avoid nasty critters), as well as security lockers (you'll need your own lock).

The hostel is in a very safe area and the door is always locked and opened by a member of the front desk which is staffed 24 hours a day (bilingual receptionist from 8 am to 11 pm).

The ample common areas have wifi and comfy sofas throughout and you'll find hammocks in every balcony.

Have a go at ping pong, grab a guitar and play some tunes or swap one at the book exchange if you'd like a quieter night.

Save yourself a buck by preparing your own meals in the well-stocked kitchen with refrigerators and cooking utensils. The make your own pancakes, bananas and coffee or tea for breakfast included in the rates that you'll nowadays find in many Central American hostels is a tradition initiated by Luna's.

The staff is extremely knowledgeable and can hook you up with sailboats to Colombia, trips to San Blas and anything related with Panama City. Upon arrival you'll receive a free map of the area as well as many insider tips. Free bikes are available for guests as well (limited availability).