The Balboa Inn

We were given a double room when we asked for a triple during a full house, there were conspicuous gummy fluid stains on the top of the sheet, the replacement sheet didn’t fit, and the second replacement sheet smelled of BO. This was our second stay here. Our first stay was acceptable but the AC had no adjustments— either on or off— and the beds and pillows were not great. The hotel is poorly marked and difficult to find from the outside. The pool is not chlorinated. There are no bird feeders as mentioned in other reviews. The breakfast is poor and the staff will not call a taxi for guests.

The Balboa Inn is a hostel in a fancy and safe neighborhood. There is birthing surefire it, but it is good,cheap and no- nonsense. The personnel is very friendly and our room was spacious. Breakfast is not included,but Nikos is close by and opens at 6:00. Despite the fact that you are a little further away from city center, it is a good place to stay. Taxis are easy and quite affordable and will take you to all the good places in 10 - 20 minutes. We staid for 2 nights and for the most our of the city.

After reading multiple reviews we decided to book the Balboa Inn for a one night's stay before flying to Bocas Del Toro from Albrook Airport. There was nothing to suspect that the place we were booking was anything out of the ordinary small hotel. However, as our Uber drove through an obvious housing subdivision we wondered what we were in store for! We eventually realised that the "inn" was half of a duplex house! OK, no problem, it's only for one night after all. We were greeted by William at the front desk - very friendly and showed us to our room. Upstairs with two heavy suitcases wasn't fun, but okay. Our room (I had requested a Queen sized bed) was very plain but clean. We had a queen bed plus a single. The bed was comfortable but dressed only in a bottom and top sheet - the air conditioning sounded like a plane taking off, but it was too hot not to have it on overnight. There is a lovely small pool in the garden area which was refreshing. The room was not particularly sound proof but we slept reasonably well. We walked to a nearby restaurant (more of a bar and grill) for dinner which was delicious (Balboa Food Court). My rating of 3* was more about the facilities and the quality of the premises than anything - good value for the money and good location for ease of access to Albrook Mall and airport but you can do better in town.

My wife and stayed here for five nights prior to heading up the coast. The place is very clean and well kept with the rooms having everything you need for a comfortable stay. William was the best, and was available for anything we needed. The pool is spectacular and the sitting areas around it add to the ambiance. There are grocery stores, restaurants within walking distance. We used Uber to get around and is was super afforadable. The owners Oscar and Ariceli have done an amazing job making this little inn a great place to stay.

Good quiet health close to Canal area and the Albrook Bus terminal. Rooms are basic but good value for money. William was very friendly and helpful,even waking up in the middle of the night to receive us. Good water pressure in bathrooms and some rooms are bigger and better than others. Having a swimming pool and breakfast by the pool were nice pluses. Only gripe is no complimentary water was provided in the rooms.