Hotel Sagitario

Although hot water was available and the staff were very attentive, the rooms felt neglected and extremely basic.

The location made things easy, with the park and shops nearby, and the owner was friendly and ready to help whenever we needed it. We paid $30 a night for a simple, comfortable, clean room with the basics: air conditioning, a fan, bathroom, towels, soap, toilet paper, and a TV. The shared space had a fridge, tables, chairs, and security cameras. The Wi-Fi was weak, though. I still have no complaints. This is a good option if you're trying to save money or just need somewhere basic. If you want luxury, look elsewhere.

After four days here, I was close to tears from feeling stuck. It was a holiday weekend, there were no other rooms available, and I had an important commitment on the island that I absolutely couldn't miss. A friend had recommended the place because he thought someone he knew might once have stayed there. My room, number 2, had a double bed and a single. The slats under the double mattress stuck out so far they poked my back when I lay down. The sheets looked like they hadn't been changed for weeks, the pillows smelled awful, and the towels seemed long overdue for replacement. I couldn't bring myself to use them, so after showering in cold water I dried off with a sweater. There was no toilet paper for my entire stay. Even though the sign outside advertised hot water and Wi-Fi, there was no hot water, and the Wi-Fi didn't reach my room. The place was unbelievably filthy. There was mold and staining all over the walls, cobwebs across the ceilings, and bathrooms that were even dirtier. My room wasn't cleaned once during those four days. I went around to almost every hotel on the island day after day, asking for a room. Once I finally found one, I gladly paid almost three times as much just to get out and promise myself I'd never come back to this place they call a "hotel." I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, not even a pig. I can't understand how the Panamanian government, while trying to attract tourists away from countries like Costa Rica, lets somewhere like this operate on Isla Colón.

We paid $30 for a shared room with air conditioning, a fan, and a TV. It was basic but clean, with no dust on the surfaces and a comfortable mattress. The shower had hot and cold water, though its handle was a little damaged but still worked. Guests can use the kitchen refrigerator, and Wi-Fi is available. The place is near the park and main street. Mrs. Gloria was friendly, and you can get a delicious ice cream at her place for $1. If you need luxury, look elsewhere. But for a clean, comfortable room with the basics where you can sleep well, this works really well. I recommend it and would stay here again if I return.