Casa Swell Coronado

We got a real sense of Panama during our stay at Casa Swell, and loved it. The owner, Jay, was outstanding with customer service. Our room and the pool were very clean, and the shared area was comfortable for relaxing. Fun places in town for dinner were just a short drive away.

We spent a weekend here to get a feel for the area. The owners were down to earth and made great hosts for their distinctive, rustic bungalows around the pool. It had a friendly international crowd, and the owner was helpful with ideas for exploring and doing your own thing. This may not suit every personality. You’ll probably enjoy it more if you’re flexible, outgoing, and open to surprises. The breakfast omelettes were great.

Our first reserved bed and breakfast didn’t work out, and the host here kindly fit us in at short notice. Everything was well organized, and the rooms were very clean. We used the outdoor kitchen, and it seemed like a place that caters to surfers. The beach is only a short walk away. They offered a paid ATV tour, which was well worth it.

Coronado Panama is lovely, but I’d avoid this proprietor. Before booking, look at the owner’s replies to guests who left honest reviews. He comes across as rude and condescending, and goes after people over how much they drink, their medical conditions, their weight, and anything else he feels like attacking. His contempt for guests shows in those comments. I also suspect he’s getting negative reviews removed from these sites. The property presents itself as a luxury hotel, but it has a shared outdoor kitchen and assigned fridge shelves. That feels more like a hostel with a new label and luxury pricing. You’re also not allowed to eat in your room because of bugs. The only door and source of light in the room is a glass sliding door, which is also the only ventilation besides the AC. You have to keep the curtains closed while inside, or you feel like an animal in an aquarium whenever someone walks by. Edit: Jay, your response was unhinged, and you tried to dox me while spelling my name wrong. This isn’t really a review of your “hostel.” I’m posting so other guests can see how you treat them. You judge them and lie about them online when they disagree with you. You’re a developer in the area, but I’m not sure you’re very bright. You spent the whole time trying to sell things to my travel companion, even though I was the one looking for property in Panama and had money to spend. That never occurred to you because you were too busy judging us by how we looked. Shame. Good luck with your shady business practices.