Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mar y Iguana
Feria del Mar 6047 2413,
mareiguanahostel.com
;
map
.
Just across from
a rather tatty beach, this mellow hostel north of Bocas Town comprises a handful of small
private en-suite rooms and one dorm, all with a/c, set around a small garden - where there's
room for a few tents - with a tw
o-t
ier
rancho
for r
ead
ing and r
elax
ing and a good, moderately
priced bar-restaurant. Camping
$7
/person, dorms
$12
, doubles
$35
Mondo Taitu
Av “G”, between C 4 & C 5 757 9425,
mondotaitu.com
;
map
.
Legendary,
hip hostel whose daily happy hour and several themed party nights ensure the tiny cocktail
bar is piled high with bodies. Not the place to stay if you want some sleep, but it is great for
hooking up with other travellers. All rooms and dormitory accommodation (fan or a/c for $2
more) share hot-water bathrooms,
plus
there's a
co
mmunal kitchen, unlimited filtered water
and free pancake breakfast. Dorms
$11
, doubles
$28
REST OF THE ISLAND
Bahía del Sol
Saigon Bay
bocasbahiadelsol.com
;
map
.
Situated in a local community, a
15min walk from town, overlooking the water towards the mainland, this cosy guesthouse
offers a range of rooms and prices from affordable rustic comfort (in the adjoining
Casa
Rosada
) to rustic luxury. The most sought-after suite boasts an ocean veranda with open-air
jacuzzi and shower. Wonderful sun
sets
, scrumptious breakfasts (included in the rate) and gra-
cious hosts make this place a treat.
$80
Cabañas Estefany
Boca del Drago 6155 0104,
cabanasestefany.com
;
map
.
On the plus
side the location is lovely: by the sea amid coconut palms, a 15min walk from Playa Estrella,
and has appealing, brightly painted simple
cabañas
. For the moment it's the only place to
stay in Boca del Drago but since the bus stops there, you get people trekking to and from the
beach at weekends. Food may be an issue too: being Italian run there's plenty of pasta on the
menu (main $8-10); otherwise there's only
Yarisnori
ne
arby and
a s
mall outdoor kitchen for
use. Overall, rates are high for what you get. Dorms
$20
, doubles
$55
Caribbean Cabañas
Saigoncito Saigon 6446 0787,
panamasparadise.com
;
map
.
A col-
lection of nicely renovated traditional wooden houses on stilts and balconies in lush gardens;
it's in a residential area 5min from Bocas Town centre, so bike rental is included to help
you get about. Some rooms can be rented separately or together as a whole cabin; others are
cabañas
with fully equi
ppe
d kitchens. All are fan-ventilated, with hot water, wi-fi and cable
TV. Good weekly rates.
$55
Playa Bluff Lodge
B&B Playa Bluff 6798 8507,
playablufflodge.com
;
map
.
Set back in
forest midway along the beach road, this highly recommended lodge has five spacious, cool
fan-ventilated rooms with private or shared bathroom, all with terrace
s, in
verdant surround-
ings brimming with wildlife, and only a stone's throw from the beach.
$109
Tesoro Escondido
Playa Bluff 6749 7435,
bocastesoroescondido.com
;
map
.
De-
lightful eco-friendly resort that generates its own wind and solar power as well as harvesting
