This hotel appears to intentionally overbook and then move people to inferior hotels owned by them. First we were told the rooms were not ready, then we were told that a tour group had not checked out yet. An hour after we arrived, we were told that there were no rooms and they would transport us to another hotel owned by them. The Hotel Discovery was decidedly inferior. First they said the rate would be lower, then they said it was the same. I would never deal with these people again.

We recently spent a week in Panama and found that our guidebook was completely in error regarding the ease of finding reasonably-priced lodging in Panama City. The place is booked solid and I spent a few hours finding us a place to stay. But after changing hotels 3 times, we found the Hotel Costa Inn. This hotel, while not perfect and more expensive than we would have liked, was a great place to spend a few days in Panama City. The room was well proportioned, nicely decorated and clean. The hotel has friendly and competent staff, and a surprisingly good restaurant. The location is a bit troublesome, due to noisy and busy street out front but also good since it is only a short walk to Av. Balboa and many of the attractions of Panama City. The hotel has an in-house travel agency, wired internet downstairs ($1/30 min) and a rooftop pool. The shuttle service to and from both airports and the Albrook Mall is great. We plan to stay here again.

Hardly the best hotel in the world but a great value for money. One great advantage: they have their own parking place, very hard to find in Panama city. Old, but friendly staff and very clean.

I got conned by the slick emails that seemed very professional. They did arrange a driver to pick me up at the airport as agreed to in emails but that was where all the fun ended. I arrived at the Costa Inn at 10pm and immediately after paying for my first night found out that the entire building was without water, so no shower or teeth brushing for me. Water was finally restored the next morning so I took my cold shower (no hot water) and dried my self with 2 tiny towels that had been washed literally a thousand times and about as thick as toilet paper, then wanted to brush my teeth and guess what no water glass! Did I mention the grungy room was so small that every time I wanted to use the bathroom I smashed my head on the low hanging TV set trying to get by the bed? The bed sheets had been washed literally a thousand times too and had visible stains. The staff all seemed over worked and grumpy! They had 3 coin operated internet machines and all were broke! Only good thing was the restaurant food and the view from the roof top filthy pool! I was one of the lucky guests because my room was on the quiet side of the building or I would of had to listen to those damn buses (rojos diablos) too boot! I was stuck in this rat hole for 3 nights, luckily I was able to find a room 10 times better...$10 cheaper per night and a short walk down the street. I heard the same person owns the Hotel La Cresta too! I would probably avoid that one as well. My advice don't be fooled by the very courteous and very professionally sounding emails from the Hotel Costa Inn and the extra cheap airport pick up is definitely NOT worth it!