Panama House Bed & Breakfast

Panama House was exactly what I was looking for during my 24hr layover in Panama City. I rented a single private room, though dorm rooms and larger private rooms were available. The very kind woman (I’m terrible with names, or else I would name her) who operates the B&B with her family was extremely helpful to me as I was not well prepared in planning or preparation for my layover. My flight arrived late in the evening and customs took forever, but I called and the woman confirmed I could arrive anytime and assured my check-in would not be troublesome. Luggage lockers were not available in Terminal 2 of PTY, but Panama House very kindly allowed me to leave my bags safely in the B&B while I went out and traveled. I also needed help decided what to do in my short time, and i was on a budget, so the woman at Panama House made recommendations on affordable sightseeing and the best means to get there. Check-out is at noon which was great because I went and hiked in the Metropolitan Natural Park and ate lunch before I had to Uber back to check out. The location of the B&B is great because it is not in the super highfalutin part of town where traffic is a mess, and it centrally located where an uber could get to all the major sights in the same amount of time (Metropolitan Park, Old Panama, Casco Viejo, etc).I wish my layover and time in Panama was longer so I could explore more of the city and experience the great amenities of Panama House including the game room, exercise equipment, outdoor lounge area (cover and uncovered), BIRDS, etc.

The owner, Alva, and her staff efficiently run a very comfortable hostel. They did their very best to accommodate me as I came and went several times during my vacation in Panama. The rooms are clean, the beds comfortable, the water hot. Many best things about the hostel include a ping pong table, an open air court yard (right in the middle of the city), great morning coffee. Best of all friendly, helpful staff. My Spanish is weak. They appreciated my companion, Senor Google, who helped me communicate. The location is very convenient to Estacion Via Argentina on the Metro (easy to navigate and cheap). In general, I think cabs are not as familiar with hostel locations so having the driving route available on my phone was helpful.

When it was time to leave, I felt as if I was saying goodbye to family. That's how I'd like to start my review. The owners and the staff are wonderful - warm, caring people. They go above and beyond to assist you and guarantee that you have a great time in Panama. Location is very good - a 10 min walk from the Via Argentina subway station (I took public transit everywhere, including from and to the airport - and it costs 25 cents). Also, it's close to the Obarrio and El Cangrejo zones, both filled with restaurants and stores. The hostel itself is simple (you can tell it's an old house), but comfortable; I stayed in a dorm and also in a tent, no complaints. Breakfast includes toast, coffee, and a fruit, which was enough for me. Shared bathrooms were ok - shower with strong water pressure and cold/hot water. I also enjoyed the common area; they have a bird that starts "talking" early, so I never slept past 7 am (bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper). WiFi worked well during my stay as well. In summary, I'd recommend Panama House B&B.

This family-run bed and breakfast is just a short walk from the bar street in the bohemian part of Panama City, called El Congrejo, but it feels like a home ... safe, comfortable and welcoming. We visit Panama City often and always stay here, having tried dozens of other places over the years, this is just our favorite. It is not fancy, and it is well-worn in parts, but the owners are constantly making small improvements and it is always clean. The glorious garden out back, the well-equipped kitchen, the central location, the incredible hot water pressure in the showers and the caring service of the owners cannot be beat!!!

Loved Panama House and would definitely stay there again. I had a small private room with shared bath. It was spartan (good AC, no TV) and a bit worn but VERY clean. The breakfast was very basic - really just coffee and toast. However, they do have a full kitchen if you want to buy your own food. What I liked best about it though was its location. The Congrejo/Bella Vista area is actually quite nice with stores and restaraunts in easy walking distance. It is also a VERY safe area so you can come and go at all hours. Most importantly it had excellent access to the Metro which was about 4 blocks away. For exploring Panama City you really want to be by the Metro as it gives you easy access to everything. If you stay in the Casco Viejo, for example, you will be far from the Metro and either have to do lots of walking (through less safe areas) or take taxis all the time. The door to the front of Panama is always locked but I never had any problem being buzzed in promptly. Apparently if you arrive late at night you may have to call someone on WhatsApp for the door to be opened. The WiFi was quite good. Good price, very clean and excellent location. I'll be back.