On our first trip to Boquete we elected to drive from Panama City. Our goal was to make it to David in one day, due to road construction and rain we did, but barely. When we arrived in David it was late we sought out a hotel and discovered the Gran Hotel Nacional.
The hotel is nice, upscale for David and well maintained. I have since been told the hotel was built for the United Fruit Company as a place for visiting executives.
The manager, a Swiss Expat named Paul was very helpful in making our one night stay smooth.
My daughter loved the Hotel Casino, she was able to play nickel slots and savored the I am an adult experience.
Jennifer and I went back this week to have lunch and arrived too early. The luncheon buffet was not yet available.
so we asked for the breakfast menu
Breakfast is reasonably priced for a hotel and the food well done.
On our first trip we had dinner in the Barbacoa, a nice bar in the courtyard with your meal prepared on a barbecue as you enjoy a drink.
I didn’t take any pictures back then but here is the menu.
Not the least expensive food in David but well prepared in a relaxing environment.
It is unlikely I would stay in the Gran Nacional Hotel today, it is expensive at about $54.00 (less than a Motel Six but this is Panama) and I prefer the Alcala but for a first taste of David it is worth a night and the food is very good and again a comfortable transition for a new arrival.
Lee and Jennifer,
Hi,
Maria Ruiz and I have been talking a long time about her doing a sort of focus group presentation here…re Boquete growth and our different cultures.
We are going to have a small gathering of 10 other folks (Maria’s suggestion) that we thought would be interested in discussing the challenges here in our new home.
Maria is an extremely bright woman and is truly dedicated to her hometown ,Boquete.
If you feel you would like to join us at our house Wednesday, May 30th at 2.30 for coffee and good discussion please let me know ASAP.
We hope to have more gatherings like this….with just a few people at a time.
Abrazos,
Erin
Hi
There is a new international backpackers travelers hostel in David Panama, http://www.bambuhostel.com dorms at $10 a night and private with AC start at $25
Bambu Hostel has an In ground Pool and a mayan style rancho bar and restaurant. Located at Calle Virgencita San Mateo Abajo phone 507-730-2961
Great for Ex Pats looking for property in Boquete and surrounding areas. 45 minutes to Boquete by bus. or 30 minutes by car.