Now that you have decided to visit Panama for vacation or to make wholesale purchases, it is time to find accommodations for your business trip to the free trade zone. If you do not have family or friends to host you, there are several key factors to consider when choosing a hotel, boutique inn, or apartment rental.
When Should You Travel?
Learn about national and regional public holidays in Panama so you are not caught off guard. This is crucial because time is money, and arriving on an official holiday means finding suppliers and warehouses in the Colon Free Zone closed.
Should I Stay in Panama City or in Colón?
Hotel location is essential, especially on a business trip where you want to minimize transit expenses and maximize operational efficiency. You should outline the areas you plan to visit before confirming your accommodations.
If you choose to stay in Panama City, the capital features over 20,000 hotel rooms across diverse price points, from boutique business hotels to the world’s leading luxury chains. They offer close proximity to Tocumen International Airport (PTY) where your flight lands. However, keep in mind that Colón is located about a 1-hour drive from Panama City each way. Multiple transit options are available to commute back and forth to the Free Zone.
Conversely, staying in Colón places you right next to the Colon Free Zone. While there is a more focused selection of properties, several provide up to five-star amenities, assist with commercial entrance passes, and operate private shuttles into the commercial area for a modest fee. Alternatively, a 5-minute taxi ride brings you directly to the entrance. We advise taking vehicular transport rather than walking, as tropical midday heat or sudden rains can be physically demanding.
How to Book Your Stay?
Save on your hotel reservations! We have partnered with booking.com to offer our business visitors exclusive pricing on accommodations near the Free Zone and in Panama City. Browse a wide spectrum of lodging options across all budgets, complete with practical search filters by price, neighborhood, guest rating, and amenities like complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to keep your operations connected.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel?
Surveys indicate that corporate travelers prioritize several key criteria when booking: room cleanliness, proximity to target business centers, price-to-quality ratio, quality bedding, inclusive breakfast options, and business work facilities.
In an interconnected business landscape, always confirm that your room includes reliable in-room Wi-Fi for uninterrupted communication and daily operational needs.