THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 276

Hostal Boquete Av “B” Este 720 2573, hostal-boquete.com . Great central riverside loc-
ation (noisy during the festival). Nine compact rooms (mainly dou bles) with a shared balcony
overlooking the river at the back, and a great communal deck. $30
Hostal Refugio del Río Av “B” Oeste 720 2088, refugiodelrio.com . Lovely, spa-
cious private house converted into a veritable Rolls-Royce of a hostel, containing several
private rooms (some with shared amenities), including the more private riverside cabañas ,
and one large dorm. Set in a tropical garden beside a babbling brook, there's also a flash kit-
chen, T V in the lounge, free wi-fi, a gazebo with a barbecue pit and a jacuzzi. Dorms $13 ,
doubles $36
Hostel Mamallena Boquete South side of Parque Central 720 1260, mamallen-
aboquete.com . Set right on the square in a lovely renovated wooden property, this friendly,
efficient place offers small four-bunk dorms and private rooms with shared or private bath-
rooms, plus use of a large kit chen, TV lounge and garden and an abundance of hostel amen-
ities. Dorms $12 , doubles $33
Hotel Los Fundadores Av Central 720 1298. You can't miss the wacky Walt Disney castle
facade as you arrive in town. This family-run enterprise makes up in friendliness what it lacks
in sophistication, though rooms are clean and functional with new flat-screen TVs the only
nod to modernization. The hotel's star feature is a stream that runs through its midst. $62
Hotel Rebequet Corner of Av “A” Este and C 6 Sur 720 1365, hotelerebequet.com .
This long-established hotel has nine splendid rooms - spa cious and generous with solid
wooden furniture, including handsome beds. Good value. $70
La Montaña y el Valle Coffee Estate Jaramillo Arriba 720 221, cof-
feeestateinn.com . A deluxe retreat in lush gardens consisting only of three bungalows, each
with kitchenette, lounge, dining room and terrace affording spectacular vistas across to Vol-
cán Barú, this intimate B&B enjoys an unparalleled reputation - advance booking is a must.
Light suppers and gourmet candlelit dinners are also on offer and you get a coffee tour thrown
in with your stay. The rack rates are stratospheric so look out for the promotions. $456
The Panamonte Inn & Spa Av 11 de Abril, off the top end of Av Central 720 1324,
panamonte.com . This historic hotel, founded in 1914, has hosted the likes of Roosevelt and
Ingrid Bergman, and offers refined elegance in flower-filled surroundings; when the chill
nights close i n, hu ddle next to the cosy log fires while you sip your wine. Continental break-
fast included. $325
Pensión Marilós Av “A” Este, at C 6 Sur 720 1380, [e-mail] . Homely
place, with bags of character, knick-knacks and a talking parrot whizzing round the dining
area. The good-value clean room s (t he ones at the rear are particularly light) have comfy beds
and shared hot-water bathroom. $20