THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 335

some with stunning ocean-view balconies. The restaurant deck overlook s th e water at the
back. The hotel also organizes tours, rents out kayaks and offers massage. $142
Hotel del Parque C 2 757 9008; map . This warm, family-run place has a balcony over-
looking the main square and a quieter hammock-hung one at the back. The cool, homely
rooms (for 1-4 people) inc lude cable TV, wi-fi, good hot-water showers and a/c (or fan) and
use of a small kitchen. $50
Lula's B&B Av “H”, at C 6 757 9057, lulabb.com ; map . Professional B&B offering
half a dozen spotless rooms (2 doubles, 4 triples) with private bathroom, a/c or fan, hot water
and wi-fi, with a spacious c om munal balcony and a book exchange. The triples in particular
are excellent value at $88). $66
Residencial Dos Palmas Av Sur, at C 5 757 9906, [e-mail] ;
map . On the quieter southern tip of town in a residential area, this locally owned lodging of-
fers the best budget over-the-water deal, with a handful of faded but tidy rooms (a/c, cable
TV and hot water) plus a terrace with hammocks and chairs from which to watch the sun set.
$35
Tropical Suites C 1, at Av “D” 757 9081, bocastropical.com ; map . Aparthotel with
helpful staff and sixteen well-equipped suites; particularly good value for families, these
comprise a kitchen, one large double bed and pull-out double sofa bed, with a jacuzzi bath
and wi-fi. Amenities include a laundry room, a good terrace restaurant and a marina complete
with water slide from which to shoot into the sea. Reasonable weekly (one free night) and
excellent mon thly rates ($80/night), when it's worth paying the extra for the sea view. Break-
fast included. $195
HOSTELS
Bocas Surf School Hostel Av Norte & C 6 6852 5291, bocassurfschool.com ; map .
Lovely converted wooden Bocatoreño house accommodating eleven travellers sharing two
bathrooms, a kitchen and deck over the water at the back. Rooms are small but the bunks are
ample with decent mattresses. Great for budget solo travellers who don't want a party hostel.
Dorms $20
Hostal de Hansi C 2, at Av “D” 757 9932; map . Immaculately clean and tidy, catering
to couples and single travellers on a budget who want to avoid the dorm party scene. Fan-
ventilated single s (p rivate or sha red bathroom) and en-suite doubles have use of a communal
kitchen. Singles $13 , doubles $25
Hostel Heike C 3, between Av Central & Av “E” 757 9708, hostelheike.com ; map . The
town's largest hostel offers packed dorms with fans (or a/c) and lockers, sharing spotless,
hot-water bathrooms. The communal kitchen, balcony overlooking the main street, internet
and pur ifie d water o n ta p make it a popular hangout. Rates include a DIY pancake breakfast.
Dorms $10 , doubles $22