Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Boarder's Haven
HOSTEL $
( 6572-0664; dm US$25; )
For shoestringers, this tiny guesthouse is ideal: just seven
single beds in three rooms with real mattresses, shared bathrooms and a petite kitchen
that's fully equipped. It sits on the main road with a worn table and stack of magazines
outside. Monthly rates are available.
Hostal Oasis
HOSTEL $
( 6671-7049;
www.santacatalinapanamahostals.com
; dm/d US$12/22; )
A cute new hostel
on the main road into town. The two-story wood house has a wrap-around porch and
murals. Oasis features boy and girl dorms and budget rooms. Cement stall showers have
hot water. Guests get small lockers and free coffee. It offers a free beach shuttle at
9:30am daily, and is affiliated with the Oasis surf camp.
La Buena Vida
CABIN $$$
( 6572-0664;
www.labuenavida.biz
; cabins from US$66; )
These cool roadside cab-
ins with restaurant will whisk you away from it all. Rainforest cabins charm with their
sea-themed mosaics and colorful tiles crafted by the American couple that has welded,
tiled and painted the place into eclectic perfection. 'Gecko' is the most deluxe, while the
'butterfly' cabin offers the delicious option of showering outdoors.
Cabins include a fridge, screened windows and air-conditioning, with one larger group
cabin with kitchen that's a steal. Yoga and professional massages are available onsite.
The owners have ironed out every little detail here, from local tips and recommendations
to quality lunchboxes for tours. La Buena Vida composts, recycles and sells local artisan
goods. It's on the main street in Santa Catalina.
Santa Catalina Inn
HOTEL $$$
( 6872-3117;
www.santacatalinainn.com
; d US$55; )
While the roadside location won't
grab you, these good, clean doubles are nonetheless a decent value and the air-con
provides needed respite from the heat. A thatched restaurant serves meals. Hot water and
private room balconies are a perk. It's across from Surf and Shake, about 200m from the
bus stop.
Blue Zone
HOSTEL $
( 6458-5305;
www.bluezonepanama.com
; campsite per tent US$5, dm/s/d US$10/18/20;
)
This attractive adobe hostel has a cluster of dark cement rooms arranged around circular
spaces. There's also a campsite and long-term rates are offered. There are hot showers ,
free coffee and homemade goodies too.
