Palmar Beach Lodge

Loved my stay here. Beautiful location right on the beach, the dorm was spacious and beds so comfy with double ensuite. Activities held every night and the staff/ volunteers were so friendly. Would definitely recommend!

Super chill vibes

It was probably the nicest hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Grounds were beautiful and everything is immaculately kept. There just wasn’t a lot to do. Ocean in this spot is too strong for swimming (at least when I was there), hiking in the jungle is not advisable without a guide and there are not guides available. Your only option for restaurant is to eat the the palmar lodge, so you definitely aren’t getting an authentic cultural experience. I didn’t feel safe walking around alone due to the numerous signs and warnings about muggings in the area. Two people got their wallet stolen from red frog beach when I was there. I also went on their guided trip to Cayo Zapatilla and it felt really touristy and it didn’t seem like respect for the wildlife was the priority. We saw dolphins, and there were about 5 boats on the same tour each crammed with about 25 people in them and all of the boats were surrounding and circling the dolphins and the dolphins seemed to be trying to leave the area but the boats continued to circle them. I couldn’t say anything because my Spanish isn’t very good. We also stopped at an overwater restaurant and Cayo Coral and it was incredibly expensive and very mediocre food. $16 for shrimp, plantains, rice, and some lettuce.

Absolutely avoid this place during the construction, the property is surrounded on all sides by noisy work all day long and the 30% discount rate is not worth it. I'm giving the hotel 2 stars because the location is unique and the food was good, although I agree with other reviews that didn't find the staff to be very profession. But what I found especially outrageous that I was charged an extra fee to pay for the hotel stay by credit card which is not at all explained on the website. Like I am supposed to go to an ATM somewhere in Panama and take out US$1,100 and carry it around or otherwise incur a 5% fee? That is ridiculous and outrageous. Every hotel in the world accepts credit cards and doesn't gauge a customer, particularly on a remote island with no other infrastructure for paying by credit card and that is absolutely not explained anywhere in the booking process. Revolting behavior that ruined my regard of this property.

Beautiful place with the most amazing staff!