Spanish by the Sea - Bocas - Hostel

Clean, safe-feeling and relaxed, with quiet nights, lovely staff, good Wi-Fi and delicious pancakes for breakfast. The room did get quite warm because there was no AC, only fans, though that's pretty common around here. Good value for what you get, and I'd recommend staying.

I tried five hostels in Bocas, and this was easily the best. The staff were the best I've met, and the kitchen was the best I've come across during several months of traveling. Everything was comfortable. The rooms run a bit hot, but the fans help and the beds are comfy. I'll come back.

It's an easy, safe 10-minute walk here whether you arrive by boat or plane. The welcoming staff are happy you're in Bocas and ready with recommendations or tours. Bring US cash for the hostel and water taxis, and plan to buy drinking water. Rooms and bathrooms are extremely clean, and guests can use the fridge and kitchen. Breakfast and coffee are included, and there's a grocery store next door. Water taxis for day trips and restaurants with live music and evening entertainment are all within walking distance.

We stayed in two rooms. The volunteers working there were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was big, tasty pancakes with fruit. The shared area was a nice place to relax and meet other travelers. It had a good vibe, and the location was quiet but just a few minutes' walk from shops, restaurants and bars. There's a big supermarket right beside the hostel. The price is very reasonable for a basic place. There were three cockroaches in our room and one in the kitchen. The kitchen has the basics but wasn't very clean, and there was a random open pack of rat poison on a shelf. The walls are thin, so some rooms can get noisy. Some room windows still don't have mosquito nets, and during our first stay the room wasn't cleaned or even had its trash emptied.