Similar to what I found in Cartagena, Panama City is divided into two major sections, the old and the new. The newer section is much like any modern city full of fancy hotels, casinos, and sky scrappers, while the old section trades some of the big city glitz for historic buildings, charming streets, and museums. Casco Viejo, the old city, is much more my speed.
Perfectly curved around a corner in the middle of Casco Viejo you’ll find the Magnolia Inn, a gorgeous French Colonial mansion turned hotel/hostel, painted in a great shade of periwinkle. Seriously, I think it may be the exact color of my bedroom growing up, they’ve got good taste.
Don’t let the world “hostel” scare you. The Magnolia Inn is unique in that it’s really part hotel, part hostel instead of just a hostel that offers private rooms. In this property you get the best of both worlds. There are dorm rooms that book for around $15 per bed. I booked a private room though, because I’m 30 and that starts happening, but I appreciated access to the common areas to connect with other travelers.
The inside of the property is just as lovely as the outside, full of art, intricate tile and iron work, and crystal chandeliers.
The private rooms were anything but the bare bones bones bed, table, and toilet rooms that sometimes accompany a “hostel” title. I stayed in a spacious and beautifully appointed room with a queen bed, private ensuite, TV, and even a safe.
It’s rare to find a private room this nice with access to a social area and that’s what makes the Magnolia Inn so unique. I feel like people my age often find themselves stuck in the middle on the hotel v. hostel debate. I know I do. I’m still social and I want to meet people, but I also get sleepy want my own space.
As nice as the room is, I found myself spending most of my time in the common area. The large upstairs common area is made available to all guests, whether staying in a dorm or private room. There is a sitting area, full kitchen, and several dining tables.
Those are all well and good, but there is one spot I called home during my stay at the Magnolia Inn, the balcony.
The circular balcony provides gorgeous views of the historic streets of Casco Viejo and the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of white wine in the tropical heat.
The perfect view… wine included.
Give me a balcony and a glass of wine and I’m a happy girl. I would gladly recommend a stay at the Magnolia Inn in Casco Viejo to anyone from a budget backpackers, families, couples, there’s literally something for everyone and at an affordable price. At time of publication the Magnolia Inn offers dorm accommodations from $15/bed and private rooms from $80/night. Once you’re there, don’t be shy, chat it up with the staff. Everyone was super nice and event pointed me to an amazing Peruvian restaurant just down the street. There’s no better place to stay in Panama City than Casco Viejo, and there’s no better spot in Casco Viejo than the balcony at the Magnolia Inn.
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The Magnolia Inn graciously offered me a discount on my stay, but as always, all opinions are my own.
The Magnolia Inn looks lovely, and I agree, that private room is nice for a hostel/inn. I’d prefer to stay in the older part of town too. Saving this in case I make it that way.
What a nice place that has literally something for everything. I, like you, am a bit on the edge of what I can handle in accommodations – I like the idea of common spaces but very much want my own room that is nice and quiet to relax and recharge alone. This sounds perfect!
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I have shied away from all things “hostel”, but you’ve made your case for considering combination hostel/hotels. What a beautiful room you stayed in! Since I travel on a budget, this is great to know!
There is no way I could convince Jo to stay in a hostel. The minute the word escaped my lips there would be an immediate “NO”! But, maybe this one as it looks little different than other hotels we have stayed in in places like Rouen, France.
Firt I’d love anything that is named Magnolia Inn. It’s good advice to let people know that it’s not your typical hostel,especially since Americans really equate hostels with backpackers. I love going into older parts of the city rather than the new as well to get a real feel for the city.
This is definitely not a typical hostel. I would totally stay here, and I’m further past my hostel years than you.
Lovely pictures. The balcony looks like a cool place to hang out. More wine, please!
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Oh wow, I love the look of this place! I’ve stayed in a few hostels that were more hotel than anything, but none of them looked like that. Great choice!
Looks like an amazing place to stay and the balcony an amazing place for a drink. Panama city seems to be becoming more popular as of late as i am seeing more and more articles on it. looks like an interesting city
What a great find! That’s actually a really cute ensuite bathroom, especially for a hotel that is part-hostel. After reading your description of the two parts of Panama City, I think I’d want to stay in and explore Casco Viejo, too.
Wow, it just doesn’t look like a hostel. Mind you, I stayed in one in Zadar (Croatia) recently that was stunning and had better views than any of the 5star hotels in town!
It’s a good way to travel I think!
This inn looks so charming and cozy! 🙂 And I LOVE the shower in your room- gorgeous!
That balcony area is just what I need. I’m used to open sights and the feeling of having the living room or dining area open up to a porch with other classic structures and roofs closing in is my weakness. I’m glad you were able to share the “old” side of this location, Magnolia Inn certainly looks worth it!
Looks like a great place to stay! I definitely like hanging out in the historic areas of town aswell! there is a time and place for the modern skyscrapers. Give me a glass of wine and a balcony and I’m a happy gal too!
I love staying in the older sections of cities. It always feels more relaxed and laid back. This looks like a great base to explore the city from.
Is this new? I was in Panama in 2013 and looking for nice hotels to go to. I didn’t stumble upon this!