Panama Master Thread

[gubevo18]

Hotel situation in panama city seems amazing - lots of luxury hotels at pretty affordable prices

Right - assuming I'm willing to spend points/dollars what would be the best hotel combining luxury and location

[gubevo18]

Obviously depends on your budget and point options.
I’m currently at the residence inn and you can’t get a better location for kosher options. Room size and layout is great. It was only 13K bonvoy points per night.

That does seem like great value. I think I would want to go to a higher end hotel this time since it will be a vacation without the kids so I want to cash in

[DTM]

Is there an upscale shopping street or area like Fifth Avenue, Rodeo Drive etc in Panama City?
Or upscale outlets?

[yochai]

Is there an upscale shopping street or area like Fifth Avenue, Rodeo Drive etc in Panama City?
Or upscale outlets?

Multiplaza mall is very upscale, but prices are accordingly.

[yochai]

That does seem like great value. I think I would want to go to a higher end hotel this time since it will be a vacation without the kids so I want to cash in

Then you should probably go for the JW Marriott if you want that location. Waldorf is in another neighborhood, further from most kosher restaurants.

[Ploni3]

You might want to consider Hilton over WA as it is also nicely kept and directly faces the ocean with nice views while the WA is a couple of blocks away from the waterfront.

[DTM]

Is the Sortis Hotel nice?

[Yonah]

Panama has been underrated for a long time, seems like people are just starting to find out about it. Affordable and nice hotels, plenty of great kosher restaurants, nearby shuls, lots of activities, cheap uber, etc.

It's funny, I was having a conversation in shul this morning with two friends - one of whom just came back. The other one asked why is Panama so popular all of a sudden? Obviously the cost and availability of Kosher Food are two factors, but can anyone else pinpoint why it has taken off?

[ethana]

I went 12 years ago. Was amazing back then

[SSLPhD]

It's funny, I was having a conversation in shul this morning with two friends - one of whom just came back. The other one asked why is Panama so popular all of a sudden? Obviously the cost and availability of Kosher Food are two factors, but can anyone else pinpoint why it has taken off?

I was there a few years ago. Here are my thoughts:
0) Panama is easy to visit (1-5)
1) kosher food, shuls
2) short flight for most of us
3) no need to convert currency
4) Eastern time
5) warm
6) enough to keep busy with things that are unique to Panama

[gubevo18]

Then you should probably go for the JW Marriott if you want that location. Waldorf is in another neighborhood, further from most kosher restaurants.

Thanks, so between JW, WA and the W, the JW wins out? Is that the consensus?

[DTM]

What are the best kosher restaurants in Panama City, will be there 4 nights.

[SBC]

What are the best kosher restaurants in Panama City, will be there 4 nights.

Aria is number 1 meat by far IMO
Kava is excellent dairy
Yoss burger solid

[yochai]

Aria is number 1 meat by far IMO
Kava is excellent dairy
Yoss burger solid

Agree, + Aroma for dairy.

[gubevo18]

Thanks, so between JW, WA, hilton, and the W, the JW wins out? Is that the consensus?

BUMP? Curious to hear everyone's take.

Also what is the process to gain entry into the shuls? Do I need to do anything in advance if I am not going to be there for shabbos?

And what is the cheapest san blas private tour? Traveling souls quoted me at 650 for two adults. Is that reasonable? Can I beat that? TIA

[Yonah]

Aria is number 1 meat by far IMO
Kava is excellent dairy
Yoss burger solid

+1

I would also say for two slightly different experiences Try Lula - in Casco Vlejo - Israeli street food - very good; Or Blame Kiki - Dairy but an interesting ambiance

[Yonah]

BUMP? Curious to hear everyone's take.

Also what is the process to gain entry into the shuls? Do I need to do anything in advance if I am not going to be there for shabbos?

And what is the cheapest san blas private tour? Traveling souls quoted me at 650 for two adults. Is that reasonable? Can I beat that? TIA

I went to Chabad for Friday night/shabbos morning, just walked right in, and they were happy to have me.

[E R K]

I went to Chabad for Friday night/shabbos morning, just walked right in, and they were happy to have me.

I went there a few years ago making a reservation during yeshiva break and they were swamped. Panama is even more popular now.

[gubevo18]

Thanks. What about the other shuls? I'm interested in seeing the Jewish culture in Panama so I hope to daven at each of the sfardi shuls there. Do any of those shuls require advance forms? Go kosher panama suggests that they do, but on this thread it seems that you only need to do anything in advance if you plan to visit on shabbos. Otherwise, you can just bring your passport and get in. Is that correct?

[Aviw]

Please fill out the following, to get the permite to visit the sinagogues

http://www.dsipanama.org/visit