Chicas, hotels, and more in Panama City
Hi all.
Some time ago (28/8/2007), I posted a summary of my experience dating back 1 year. Not surprisingly, that info is not well up-to-date.
I was in Panama for 3 days last week, so I post now some new info.
(btw, I do not understand that long reports that detail everything the author did, from brushing teeths in the morning to all nasty things with the girl. I prefer reports that list "do's and dont's". I try to do that, based on my experience)
LA BODEGUITA
It is really the not-to-miss place in Panama! Every night, even on Monday, you'll find much more that your eyes, pocket and body can afford. A feast of Colombian hotties of all shapes and looks. It is hard to describe. Drinks from 5$ to 7$. Cover on weekends. I went there all nights.
Girls ask from 100$ to 150$ (at least those I talked to). I never paid more than 100 (+ voluntary extra tip in one case). Just discuss and change girl if they are firm.
OTHER PLACES
Veneto and other casinos are completely dry. It must be true what reported: no chicas policy strictly enforced.
SWs
The only place where a tourist can go walking at night is the street in front of Veneto, perpendicular to Veneto street. However, I saw only 2 girls this time.
Other places are the main roads around Curundu and El Chorrillo (for example). Warning: only by car at night. It is certainly dangerous to go there at night walking. Actually, nobody does it except locals of the same barrio.
Girls are NOT what you can find at La Bodeguita, though :-)
HOTELS
Why all you guys are so sorry that your Veneto or Continental Riande are not chica-friendly anymore? Are you happy of bringing somebody you dont know in your room, where you have everything that belongs to your life?
There are so cheap and good alternatives!
Avoid at any cost hotels suggested by taxi drivers.
I recommend the hotel "Los Arcos". Any taxi driver knows it. It is in Bellavista, 5 minutes from la Bodeguita, 2-3 blocks South of Via Espana,if I am not wrong on Arusemena. Price: 11$ for 2 hours (yes). The rooms are clean, well furnished and you can have a shower without feeling dirty *after* it. Los Arcos is a chain of budget hotels that is not bad.
WARNING: the regular price for the taxi IS TWO DOLLARS tip included (actually 1.25 or 1.75, depending from where and when). When they ask you 3$ it's because you are tourist (I accepted it and I paid). When they ask you 5$ it is an abuse. They are cheating you. I had strong discussions in this case.
POLICE
It happened me that one night I decided to walk out of La Bodeguita with my girl, instead of taking a taxi. We wanted to make a stroll before taking a taxi for Los Arcos. I also did not want to use the taxies in front of La Bodeguita which easily overcharge the customer (assumed rich due to the 100$-girl at his side).
Well, I forgot that our stroll was including also the street where there is the police station, 1-2 blocks from La Bodeguita. :-(
Policemen stop us, documents, chat with me about clandestine prostitution reported to happen in La Bodeguita and Veneto, inquiry about how much I was asked to pay by the girl, etc.
Final statement: "You can go to your hotel. She stays here in the station for further investigation because she is Colombian". (pls note: they do not speak English).
Since I liked her very much, I kept on stating that I liked to have a stroll with her since she is a beauty, that I was not asked money yet (we are all men and not stupid), that I was not aware of any illegal activity. After 10 minutes of quiet debate with the policemen, 15 meters away from the girl and the other policeman, finally the girl came to me and told me that she was asked by the other policeman a tip of 20$ for closing the case. I went to a dark corner, I gave her 30$, she gave them to that policeman, and we were all happy (handshakes and smiles from both sides).
In conclusion: take a taxi and avoid strolls out of La Bodeguita, but try to be not overcharged too much.
OTHER INFOs (not for the tourist that spends one week segregated in the Veneto hotel and uses a taxi for going to la Bodeguita).
- Some nights there is a nice fried fish done in the street in the market of Chorrillo! That nights, the place is safe. Many people go there to taste this speciality, well known among Panamenians. Ask before.
- From 11am to 7pm, try the fish restaurant of the fish market (first floor, you see it from the main road).
Where's the Daylife in Cd. Panama
I like to start my party festivities at 9 a.m., but am having a hard-time finding the "pro-scene" during the day. Maybe this is because the pros work until 6 a.m. at all of the nightclubs and casinos.
Does anyone have any suggestions or locations? If not, I guess I'll have to hit the street block-by-block.