Panama Beach Lodge

Really clean communal spaces, big comfortable dorm beds (only the bottom bunks have curtains) and a nice garden to chill in. Super close to the beach and the hostel has boards to rent. They were also very helpful with any questions we asked

We were there during a surf camp which we didn’t realise until we turned up. We were then informed that we couldn’t use the kitchen when they were preparing food for the people on the surf camp. Breakfast and dinner each took 2 hours to prepare and there was unclear communication of when we couldn’t use the kitchen. Better communication before our trip could have avoided this inconvenience. No lockers in the room and only 3 lockers on the property for guests to use

The hostel is only 200 meters from the sea, just far enough away for the high tide crashing waves not to disturb the peace. The kitchen is very well equipped.

This hostel is in El Palmar, which is across a paddleable river at low tide (and wadeable at high tide) from The village of San Carlos, which is where the ATM and supermarket are. However if arriving by bus from Panama City it is easier to reach the hostel by staying on the bus when it arrives in San Carlos, let it head back to the main highway where it will begin to travel towards Panama City in order to be able to cross the carriageway, once it has done that, ask for the next stop. You will need to walk across the highway and back the way you have come for about 50m, then turn right, half a mile down the track turn right again.

Panama Beach Lodge in El Palmar is a very nice and relaxing place to stay in a great location, just a short walk from the beach. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, perfect for resting and enjoying the ocean. The bed was wide and comfortable, and there is a well-equipped kitchen and a pleasant patio where you can relax. It’s also possible to rent surfboards, which is a great option if you want to enjoy the waves at El Palmar. Overall, a lovely and simple place to stay near the beach for a calm and relaxing visit.

Very cozy family run hostel that are putting hard work in making your stay confortable. The kitchen and garden area big bonus. It is always nice when you can cook your own meal in a clean kitchen with all tools available. The garden is a great place for hanging out, even in the middle of the day with some nice hamocks and a work -out area. The surfschool on site is also a great recommendation.

The small restaurant on their premise is open only in the weekends and opening times were a bit erratic.