Hostel Mamallena

For the cheapest hostel in Panama City this place is absolute top! It's a huge hostel with the total capacity of more than 60 people. A lot of shared, common areas, indoor and outdoor, vents everywhere, electric sockets too. A/C in the room from 9PM till 9AM (would be better from 8 to 8). Lockers in rooms. Bathrooms and showers everywhere. Kitchen looks small for that capacity but actually a lot of people eat in cheap bakeries and restaurants that are very close. Good connection with public buses. Internet ok, could be more stable. Rescued cats and dogs are there, very nice, loved them. TV, games, books, paintings outdoor plants (would be awesome to have some inside too). Staff is friendly and informative.

I didn't mind it, but for some people could be important to know that there're a lot of long term residents who live here (40 or even 50+ years old). Nothing wrong with them, they're just chilling around. The mix of people is fascinating. Very young European backpackers, older latino solo travelers, bicycle nomads, random old ladies etc .. I really liked that mix. It's definitely not a party hostel, but it's far away from the dead one.

Really nice guy on reception let me rest in upstairs lounge from early hours until check-in after arrival via overnight bus. Friendly cats. Spacious comfortable common areas with good vibe. Sturdy timber bunks with power but no curtain. Lockers provided. Useful kitchen. Luggage storage.

Dorm seemed a little cramped but mainly because long term resident had stuff everywhere

The price, good. Old but efficient. Staff was good, especially for the size. Big, Lots of room. Air conditioning at night was excellent.

Too many pets. No hot water. things breaking down (dryer, one of the showers) standing water.

The AC in the room was excellent.

Location is not great, sketchy part of Panama.