The latest GQ magazine under features Panama and Casco Viejo under the article “The Up and Coming Travel Spots for Down and Out Times”. Since they don´t have an online version, I´ll post some of the comments here. It mentions Canal House as one of the best places to stay, along with Los Cuatro Tulipanes.
About the Casco Viejo, it says: ” Imagine if New Orleans had ignored the French Quarter for a century” …. “Now the neighborhood vibrates with the rough energy of transition. Local blasts reaggeton beats into the street while nearby chauffered SUV´s drop off an international set at Manolo Caracol which has an ever changing menu of whatever´s fresh and the Morrocan themed Indigo Lounge & Bazar ” “In a couple of years, Casco Viejo will be filled with hotels. But right now, your options are apartment rentals (nice apartments as little as $1000 per week), a dorm style youth hostel and three elegantly appointed rooms at Canal House.