Hostal Cigarra

I had a great time at hostal la cigarra. It is located in the neighborhood of Santa Ana, just steps away from Casco Viejo. I was unsure of the location at first because I saw some sketchy areas around but in the end I felt really safe even as a female solo traveler. I even came back for another night after a trip to San Blas islands. It’s located on a pedestrian street across from a supermarket, next to a bakery and around the corner from a “feria” where there are all kinds of stalls of people selling beautiful stuff at a great price. I recommend this place.

Good location, just outside cascoa Viejo. Good aircon.

Very bad internet.

great location; just a little walk to the old city

They stole three of my credit 💳 card

The nnniy did not have beautiful females

Hidden Gem in Casco Viejo - Hostal La Cigarra Despite hearing misleading information from some taxi drivers about safety concerns in the area, I decided to give Hostal La Cigarra a chance during my recent trip to Panama City. And I'm so glad I did! Nestled right next to the historic Old Town, Casco Viejo, this hostel is a tranquil oasis amidst the vibrant city. Don't be swayed by the false narratives; the area is safe and welcoming, contrary to what some taxi drivers might suggest to scare people off. My stay at Hostal La Cigarra was delightful. The location is ideal, offering easy access to the charm and history of Casco Viejo without compromising on safety or comfort. The affordable rates make it a top choice for budget travelers without sacrificing quality. The rooms were clean, cozy, and equipped with everything I needed for a comfortable stay. The staff was friendly and accommodating, ensuring that my experience was enjoyable from start to finish. I highly recommend Hostal La Cigarra to anyone looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly accommodation option in Panama City. Don't let unfounded rumors deter you; this hostel is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

- Some people seem to complain about the location, but it's a decent spot. On a busy "walking street" with lots of shops and fast food options, close to Old town, close to the sea food market, and a short walk from the metro (which goes to the airport for $0.88 USD. - At the time it was around the same price as two rooms in a hostel, but you get a private room and bathroom. Otherwise I would have rated it a 4 out of 10.

- No wifi in the room. There is only one small sitting area (only 3 chairs) with wifi, and even in that area the internet was too slow to be useful. There was also no cell service in the building, so we couldn't even use our phone data. - The entire place, especially the room and bathroom, is pretty run down. The pictures were definitely taken a LONG time ago. It looks as though there was no work done on it in 20 years. - The door was obviously kicked in before, and was so poorly repaired that even when you closed and locked it, it could still sometimes be opened from the outside. - There were roaches in our room, so we had to carefully unpack and clean everything out before we left to ensure we didn't bring any of them with us... - The floors and bathroom were dirty and falling apart, and the shower door had to be lifted up and moved when opening/closing. - The AC worked, but was incredibly loud, even with earplugs in. - Uncomfortable and sagging bed. - No window in our room. - Shower issues (broken shower head, low pressure, etc). I wouldn't return due to the lack of wifi, door/lock issues, and generally how run down it is, but if you don't mind the issues I mentioned AND it's the absolute cheapest option there is (and all you really care about is saving money, then it would probably be fine for one night (two maximum). However, if there is something available for a few dollars more per night, I'd suggest staying there instead of here.

Nothing

Wished I knew before that hostal is in Pedestrian street. Meaning a taxi cannot bring you there. You need to walk 5 minutes in a rather sketchy street worrying for your belongings. Room given was towards hallway and a seating and eating area. So super noisy! Plus the window faces towards the hallway. So annoying light getting into the room, but no fresh air! Shower only cold water. Stayed in hostal 1 previous night and they charged me twice, once in cash and once some days later on my card. So when I came back had to talk to them and they were giving excuses. Lots of stairs going up and down. So if there is no one to help, you'll suffer. If you're lucky, when you leave and someone is at the reception they might help you carry your suitcase. But not at 5am in the morning. Very unresponsive. They indicate a WhatsApp number, phone number and mail on booking. However on WhatsApp you just get an automated reply that 'they are not available right now'. And on the messages and oy phoning they don't answer at all. Also needed to ring a long time before they opened. No liquid soap, on hard soap. No drinking water dispenser.

Nothing

Wished I knew before that hostal is in Pedestrian street. Meaning a taxi cannot bring you there. You need to walk 5 minutes in a rather sketchy street worrying for your belongings. Also, difficult to locate. Luckily I had a InDrive driver who went above and beyond and helped me trying to contact the property (unresponsive) and then search for it on the pedestrian street.. Hostal totally unresponsive. They indicate a WhatsApp number, phone number and mail on booking. However on WhatsApp you just get an automated reply that 'they are not available right now'. And on the messages and oy phoning they don't answer at all. Also needed to ring a long time before they opened. Lots of stairs going up and down. So if there is no one to help, you'll suffer. If you're lucky, when you leave and someone is at the reception they might help you carry your suitcase. Shower only cold water. They charged me twice, once in cash on arrival and some days later on my card. So I came back to talk to them and they were giving excuses. No liquid soap, only hard soap. No drinking water dispenser.

I really like the attention And price

Rhe location and principal Door

Private room with ensuite for the same price as many hostels 5 minutes away in the old town. Great A/C for those who need it. Large supermarket is just opposite. Coca-Cola Cafe a couple of minutes walk & 10 minutes walk to the metro.

I stayed twice & the first time was quite noisy due to the noise transfer between rooms. Door lock didn’t seem that secure - although property entry is very secure. WiFi doesn’t work in every room. My first room (No.20) was perfect but my second stay (No.10) had zero WiFi.