The Colon center point is approximately 5 miles east of Colon Free Zone and 8 miles northeast of Gatun Locks.
With its colonial grandeur crumbling and its neighborhoods marginalized, Colón is the city that Panama forgot, in spite of vigorous development meant to court Caribbean cruise ships. On the city's edge, the Zona Libre (Free Zone) was created in 1948. Today, this sprawling 482-hectare complex is the largest free-trade zone in the Americas. With more than 1600 companies and dozens of banks, it links overseas producers with the Latin American market.
If you are traveling to Colon and do not want to spend much, there are various cheap hotels and lodges which can accommodate your basic needs. The below are the top two Colon hotels offering great stays for a bargain. Hotel Royal offers spacious rooms in Colon. The free perks include WI-FI and lovely open views. All rooms feature a classic style and carpeted floors equipped with air conditioning, TVs and complete bathrooms. The front desk is open 24-hour a day and offers luggage storage if required. Hotel Melia Panama Canal is a great cheap hotel set on the shores of Lake Gatun. It offers an outdoor pool, a gym and an over-water golf driving range. Free perks include WIFI, a shuttle service to the free trade zone in Colon. Melia Panama Canal's rooms are decorated in warm tones and have cable TV, a minibar.
Radisson Colon 2000 is situated in the shores of the Manzanillo Bay. The contemporary-decor rooms offer flat-screen TV, telephone. The bathrooms are private and come with shower. Ironing facilities are provided. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Drake's restaurant serving regional and international gastronomy. La Granja Campo is a stylish farm stay and offers a tour around wildlife and nature, Free Wi-Fi access and free private parking. The accommodation will provide you with air conditioning and an en suite shower and free toiletries. Some rooms have a garden and mountain.
If you prefer peace and quiet than the standard chain hotels, the independent hotel is the right choice for you. The below are the top two independent but homelike hotels. Marina Hotel Colon overlooks the unique Shelter Bay at the edge of the Fort San Lorenzo National Park. It has a large swimming pool, a sun deck and a hot tub. All rooms are stylish and spacious. The rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TV. They have views of the jungle or the marina. Bala Beach Resort Colon is located in RÃo Piedra in the region of Colon, 19 miles from Isla Grande. Bala Beach Resort features a fitness center and a private beach area. Colón is 11 miles from the property. Free private parking is available on site.