Panama Accommodation Guide for travelers

Understanding Your Accommodation Options in Panama

The type and standard of lodging in Panama can vary significantly from one region to another. From the sleek high-rises of the capital to rustic, sand-floored huts in the Guna Yala territory, your accommodation is an integral part of the local experience. This guide will help you set the right expectations for your stay.

City Hotels (Panama City, David)

• Accommodations range from large, international hotel chains featuring rooftop pools and multiple restaurants to smaller, stylish boutique hotels, particularly in the historic Casco Viejo district.
• Standard amenities almost always include air conditioning, reliable hot water, Wi-Fi, and television.
• You can expect modern conveniences and high standards of service, especially within the business and financial districts of Panama City.

Beach Resorts & Eco-Lodges (Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Pacific Coast)

• These can be sprawling all-inclusive resorts or intimate, rustic lodges designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.
• Overwater bungalows are a signature feature in parts of Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands, offering direct access to the turquoise waters.
• Amenities can be simpler than in the city. Always confirm if your booking includes A/C (as opposed to just a fan) and guaranteed hot water, as these are not always standard in more remote or eco-focused properties.
• Wi-Fi can be slow, intermittent, or completely unavailable. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect.

Jungle Lodges (Gamboa, Darién, Santa Fe)

• These lodges are designed for deep immersion in nature. Your stay is often part of a larger package that includes meals and guided tours into the rainforest.
• Be prepared for limited connectivity. Electricity may run on a generator and only be available during specific hours of the day.
• The focus is on the surrounding environment, not urban luxury. Expect well-ventilated, screened-in rooms where the sounds of the rainforest are your constant companion.

Guesthouses, B&Bs, and Hostels (Boquete, El Valle de Antón, Santa Catalina)

• Known locally as hospedajes or hostales, these are often family-run establishments that offer a more personal and authentic travel experience.
• While typically more basic in terms of amenities, they are clean, safe, and provide an excellent opportunity to experience local Panamanian culture firsthand.

Please note that in Panama, the term hostal often refers to a simple guesthouse or inn and does not necessarily imply a “hostel” with dormitory-style rooms in the international sense.

Checking In & Out: What to Expect

The Check-In Process

• Passport Required: You will be required to present your physical passport upon check-in. By law, hotels must keep a record of all foreign guests.
• Typical Times: Check-in is generally between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
• Credit Card Hold: Most hotels will place a temporary hold on a credit card for incidentals, such as minibar use or restaurant charges. This is a standard global practice.

The Check-Out Process

• Typical Times: Check-out is usually between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
• Review Your Bill: Always take a moment to review your final bill (folio) for accuracy before you complete the payment.
• Late Check-Out: If you have a late flight, it is worth inquiring about late check-out possibilities. Depending on the hotel’s occupancy, this may be available for a fee or sometimes as a complimentary service.

Tourism Tax

A 10% tourism tax (known as ITBMS) is applied to all hotel stays in Panama.

Please be reassured that this cost is typically included in the total price you paid at the time of booking. It will, however, be itemized on your final receipt from the hotel for transparency.

Room Amenities & Facilities

Electricity & Outlets

• Panama uses 110V electricity with Type A and B outlets, which are the same as those used in the USA and Canada.
• Travelers from North America will not need a voltage converter or a plug adapter for their devices.

As the number of outlets can be limited in some rooms, we suggest bringing a multi-port USB charger or a small power strip if you have multiple devices to charge simultaneously.

Water Safety & Availability

• Tap Water: In Panama City, Boquete, and most other major towns, the tap water is treated and is generally considered safe to drink.
• Bottled Water: In more rural areas, on the islands (Bocas del Toro, San Blas), and at jungle lodges, it is highly recommended to drink only bottled or filtered water, which is typically provided by your accommodation.
• Hot Water: While standard in city hotels and larger resorts, a consistent supply of hot water is not always a guarantee in budget guesthouses or remote eco-lodges.

Wi-Fi & Connectivity

• Urban Areas: Wi-Fi in Panama City and other large towns is generally fast and reliable, comparable to what you might expect at home.
• Remote Areas: In jungle lodges, on the San Blas Islands, and in parts of Bocas del Toro, expect significantly slower speeds, intermittent service, or no service at all. We strongly advise downloading offline maps and any critical travel documents to your device before heading to these regions.

Safety & Security at Your Accommodation

In-Room Safes

• Please use the in-room safe provided for your passport, spare cash, electronics, and other valuables.
• Before using it, check that the safe is securely bolted to a wall or piece of furniture. Always set your own unique code.

Doors and Windows

• Keep your room door locked at all times, making use of the deadbolt or security chain when you are inside.
• Ensure any balcony or patio doors are secured, especially if your room is on a lower floor.
• Do not open your door to unsolicited visitors. If someone claims to be hotel staff for an unexpected reason, please call the front desk to verify their identity before allowing them entry.

Tipping & Staff Etiquette

Housekeeping (Camareras)

• Tipping for good service is a welcome and appreciated gesture.
• A typical amount is $2-$5 USD per day. It is best to leave the tip daily on the pillow or in a clearly marked envelope, as the cleaning staff may change during your stay.

Bellhops & Porters (Botones)

It is customary to tip $1-$2 USD per bag for staff who assist you with your luggage to and from your room.

Concierge

• For simple requests such as providing directions or basic information, a tip is not necessary.
• For more involved services, such as arranging specific tours or securing a hard-to-get dinner reservation, a tip of $5-$20 USD, depending on the complexity of the task, is appropriate.

Region-Specific Accommodation Notes

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

• Extremely Basic: Accommodations here are rustic, often sand-floor huts (cabañas) that are owned and operated by the indigenous Guna people.
• Manage Expectations: Expect shared bathrooms, no hot water, and electricity for only a few hours each evening via a generator. This is a genuine cultural immersion, not a luxury resort experience.

Bocas del Toro Archipelago

• Water Taxis: Many hotels and lodges, especially those on outlying islands, are accessible only by boat. We recommend packing in easy-to-manage, waterproof or water-resistant bags.
• Island Life: Be prepared for a slower, more relaxed pace. Occasional power and internet outages are a normal part of the island experience and an invitation to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Boquete & the Highlands

• Cooler Climate: Due to the higher elevation, air conditioning is often unnecessary and therefore not always provided. Instead, rooms may feature fireplaces or be supplied with extra blankets for the cool mountain nights.
• Coffee Fincas: A popular and unique option in this region is to stay on a working coffee farm (finca). These stays offer a wonderful blend of warm hospitality and agricultural tourism.