Hostal Gaia

We arrived to find that Booking.com had made a mistake with our reservation, and there was no booking for us. It was festival season and everything was full, so we eventually found a room in David at the last minute. While we kept looking, the owner and staff at Hostal Gaia let us use the bathroom and internet. The manager even found us a private car willing to drive us to a hotel in David. She was sympathetic and eager to help. We’ll come back to her hostal on our next trip to Bouqete.

I forgot my Kindle here, and the owner even sent it to Panama City so I could pick it up at the post office. The hostel itself is charming, if not especially modern, with a well-equipped kitchen, a lovely terrace, and a garden. The owner is very nice and friendly, and it’s good value for money. I’d definitely come back.

The room was simple, clean, and felt safe, and the showers had good pressure and hot water. The garden beside a small stream is lovely, with colibri (hummingbirds) to spot, and the shared kitchen is well equipped. You’re right by the main street with all its cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. They don’t take cards, so payment has to be in cash at reception. The staff don’t speak English, but they do their best to help with whatever you need.

The room was pretty basic and the shower door wouldn’t close, though the place was fairly clean. The noise during the Flowers and Coffee Fair is staggering. It was well past 23:00 and you could clearly hear the disco on the other side of town. Buses park nearby, and drivers leave their engines running late into the night, adding to all the noise.