Best Value Budget Hostels for Travelers in Boquete, Panama

Known in town as the "luxurious" hostel for backpackers, our students are always surprised to discover that such a beautiful house has been transformed into a hostel. This place will make you feel instantly at home. It's only 2 blocks away from the town center yet feels like it's miles away nestled in a quiet street along a peaceful stream.

This "refuge by the river" has been carefully furnished and decorated and has 1 private cabin and 11 bedrooms (1 dorm room, 2 private rooms that share a bathroom, and 8 private rooms with their own bathroom). Each room is bright and welcoming.

The communal areas are the best amongst the low budget hostels in Boquete. The kitchen is very large indeed and is fully equipped. We even have had students who do not like to cook who feel tempted to prepare their own meal when they find themselves in such a magnificent kitchen within the hostel. The laundry facilities are also very spacious with brand new appliances and the wooden furniture found in the dining room give it an intimate touch that will make you feel just at home. A TV and DVD are also available in a cozy living room to watch some good movies. And last but not least, this hostel has gorgeous terraza with chimney, a stereo system and bar, which if you stay here you'll certainly spend many hours resting, chilling out and relaxing while you overlook the peaceful creek and green yard full of trees.

The largest bedroom is a dorm room that can accommodate up to 10 guests (mixture of bunk beds and single beds). Two of the private rooms (Quetzal 1 and 2), which share a bathroom, have a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom and a single bed on the top. One of these rooms has a single bed and the other has 2 single beds. Refugio del Rio also has two private rooms with their own bathroom and private garden terrace (Abril and Nicole). Both of these rooms have 1 double bed. And the remaining 4 private rooms also have their own bathroom. Of these last 4 rooms, one has a double bed and 2 single beds (Colibrí), another one has a double sized bed (Golondrina), and the remaining two rooms known as "Las Casitas" share a semi-private kitchen amongst them and have bunk beds with double beds on the bottom and single beds on the top.

Along the river and overlooking our garden terrace Refugio del Rio features one complete tree-house style elevated cabana, in addition to two rooms with beautiful balconies, free Wi-Fi, cable TV and grounds views. The bathrooms are private and come equipped with a hot shower. These cozy structures are separate from the main hostel and are elevated above the ground and made of wood to create cozy treehouse-like lodging. Each cabin has a double sized bed, with its own bathroom and a small private balcony.

To get to Hostal Refugio del Río, on Central Avenue, turn right on the road between the Delta Gas Station and Los Establos Plaza (where Habla Ya Spanish School is located) walk pass Los Establos Plaza, cross the bridge over the creek, take a right and a little bit further ahead you'll see Hostal Refugio del Río on you right. Within our list of recommended places to stay in Boquete, this is the one that is closest to our school. From your bedroom to your classroom it should only take you about around 3 minutes.

* Note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates do not include Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Rates are based on single or double occupancy (each additional person per room is $11 per night). Laundry service is available at $5 for wash and dry. At check-in, a $5 deposit is requested for use of towels and a $2 deposit for your room key. Your deposit will be returned to you when you return these items at checkout.

Pension Topas is a family owned budget hostel conveniently located just out of the center of town, allowing you to enjoy a quiet and relaxed environment but still be within a 5 minute walk to downtown Boquete and Habla Ya Spanish School.

Once you walk through the main entrance of this hostel, you start feeling the peace and serenity that comes from a well kept garden in Boquete. The hosts at Pension Topas are the Schoeb family from Germany. Having been in Boquete for so many years they have a handful of tips about what to do, and their natural efficiency doesn't hurt anybody's stay in terms of having everything well maintained, clean and in working order.

This hostel has a total of 7 private bedrooms. The rooms are basic but clean, ample enough and nicely decorated with a retro european feel. 5 of the rooms have their own private bathrooms with hot water and can accommodate up to 4 guests each. The other 2 bedrooms share a bathroom between the both of them. A shared kitchen is available for all guests.

In the outdoor area, there is also a small swimming pool for you to enjoy the sunny days of Boquete, and a nice terrace for guests to have a cup of coffee, eat breakfast (at an extra cost), or simply check your emails thanks to their wifi internet connection. Each morning by the river side garden you can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee to help start your day off.

To reach Pension Topas: from main street, walk across the Central Park in direction of "El Municipio", then turn right, and keep walking straight past the police station, cross the block, then walk pass the "Machu Pichu" restaurant, pass another block and walk until you see the colorful sign of Pension Topas. The entrance will be on the left side of the street.

We recommend Pension Topas to those who like a nice, basic and quiet setting but close to our school at a low cost, and a cozy atmosphere.

* Please note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates DO INCLUDE Panama's 10% Hotel Tax.

Hostal Gaia is situated in the heart of Boquete, at only 5 minutes walking distance from our Spanish School at Los Establos Plaza and near all the bars, restaurants and shops/supermarkets of Boquete. Gaia is a small cozy hostel with a calming stream at the back of the property, which unites the perfect conditions if you're traveling on a budget, while living in new, comfortable and relaxing facilities. The small size of this hostel makes it easy to socialize with other travelers and Spanish students, and gives you the feel of living in a shared apartment or house. Moreover, it has the same amenities larger hostels offer, only that you do not have to share them with as many people! The pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff make it even more enjoyable to stay there, and will answer any question you may have about Boquete and its surroundings.

Gaia has 2 dorm rooms that can accommodate 4 and 6 persons, and 4 private rooms for 2, 3 or 4 persons. The private rooms are arranged accordingly: one with a double bed, one with a double bed and a single bed, one with a king bed and a single bed, and one with two double beds. Each room has its own bathroom inside and all the bathrooms have hot water. The beds are new with semi-orthopedic mattresses, bed linen, pillow and blankets.

The fact that Gaia is on a side street will guarantee a good quality night sleep as you'll not have to hear traffic or party noise coming from the town center. This is another advantage if you're studying Spanish during your stay - you'll be able to enjoy the calm and do your homework (if that is what you wish to do), or simply sip on some of the free coffee they offer, hang out in the social area, surf the net thanks to the free wifi connection, play board games with fellow students/travelers, or cook a nice meal in the fully equipped kitchen and enjoy it in the spacious dining room. Gaia also offers a free parking space, as well as laundry facilities and a camping area if you would like to make your Boquete experience a bit more adventurous.

Note: prices are in US Dollars. Rates do not include Panama's 10% Hotel Tax. Reservations for one night are not refundable. Cancellations made with 60 days or more will have no penalty. Cancellations made with 7 days or more will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refund for days paid upon early departure. There will be no refunds for cancellations in high seasons (Christmas, New Year, Holy Week, Vacations and national holidays).