Best Budget Hostels in Bocas del Toro, Panama | Bocas Hostels

421 Guesthouse is by far the ideal low budget option for Habla Ya students, situated at only one block or 2 minute walking distance from the school in a quiet residential area.

421 has been set up in a traditional Caribbean mansion, entirely made of wood, giving it the unique homey feel. Its spacious rooms and common areas with balcony in the front and in the back, will make you feel like you’re in a huge vacation villa instead of a hostel. Guesthouse 421 is definitely more like an "upscale" budget option which offers all the amenities of your average Bocas hostel, including wifi, but with nicer facilities, AC, and hot water (which is rare in Bocas del Toro for budget options).

421 has dorm rooms, shared private rooms and private suites, as well as a completely independent apartment in the back. All rooms are comfy and clean.

The dorm or group rooms have 5 beds in each, two bunk beds and one single bed as well as one bathroom with hot water. You'll struggle to find budget lodging in Bocas with hot water.

The shared private rooms have 2 single beds in each of them and are connected with one other private room through the shared bathroom. This option is ideal for friends traveling together who don’t wish to share a bed, and want some privacy as opposed to sharing a room with other travelers.

The private rooms with shared bath have double beds in them, and share the bathroom with one other private room. This option is ideal for couples who want to have some privacy, yet don’t want to break the bank.

This is the cheapest option you’ll find for a private room because the bathroom doesn’t have hot water. However, that’s really no big deal here in Bocas, as “cold” is more like lukewarm, since temperatures are high all year round.

The suites are entirely private with their own private bathroom, hot water, and you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable king size bed.

If you are studying with us for several weeks, you also have the option to live in the independent apartment in the back. You’ll have your own kitchen and bathroom, which is ideal if you need to cook your own meals independently from other guests. The apartment has a little stove, a refrigerator and a double bed.

All the rooms are equipped with AC and wifi for you to stay connected. The large communal area with a sofa and cable TV as well as some books will allow you to just relax, enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a cold beer and chat with fellow students or travelers.

The owners, Luis Alberto and Juan Fe, are best buddies and experienced surfers, so they will be able to point you in the right direction if you are looking for some good surf breaks (or ask us!). They also live on-site so without any doubt, you'll always be looked after.

* Please note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates DO INCLUDE Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Reservations require a valid credit card payment of a 30% deposit. No shows and cancellations within 1 month lose 30% deposit. LS (low season): May 1st - Nov 30th. HS (high season): December 1st - Apri 30th.

An undeniable favorite amongst the backpacker crowd Hostel Heike will make you feel right at home thanks to its amazing staff and great customer service. Located right on Third Street in front of the park and right next to Tungara Hostel, Hostel Heike is the perfect place to socialize with fellow travelers and have a real feel about how's life in Bocas del Toro. With a total of 8 dorm rooms and 2 private rooms, Bocas del Toro's largest hostel has an established reputation as a place where you can easily find a great group of friends to explore the archipelago, party hard at night or just laze around in true Caribbean style.

Of its 8 dorm rooms Hostel Heike has two 10 person rooms (one of them with AC), two 8 person rooms, three 4 person rooms and one 6 person air conditioned room. Both of its private rooms have a double bed and a bunk bed. The rooms that don't have air conditioning are equipped with conveniently placed fans and every bed has a free personal locker besides it.

When you're not out and about taking Spanish lessons, surfing in Bocas del Toro or just enjoying uncrowded stretches of golden sand beach, Hostel Heike offers its guest an amazing roof terrace with sweeping views of town where you can grab a hammock to chill out and relax, read a nice book from the book exchange rack or take advantage of its two public computers to catch up with email or facebook.

Don't forget to enjoy a cold beer while hanging out on the balcony and taking it all in (after practicing your Spanish and doing your homework of course). And the sunlit communal kitchen opening to the street-side action is the perfect place to prepare a meal amongst friends before hitting the streets to party hard at Bocas del Toro's bars.

Staying at Hostel Heike comes with several perks: besides being able to use a couple of public computers, you'll have access to free wifi access, free-unlimited pancake breakfasts served late into the morning, a roof-top sunbathing deck, free towels, a high tech purified water treatment system within the hostel, international calls, cheap surfboard rentals, and great contacts and advice to do certain tours and activities on your own.

Note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates INCLUDE Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Hostal Heike does not accept reservations in advance. The only way to stay here is checking if they have availability upon arrival.