Marina Hotel at Shelter Bay

The marina itself is one of the best I've visited in five years of sailing since leaving Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. The crew were helpful and professional, and the facilities have everything you need and more. My trouble was with the room I rented for two nights, not the marina. At around 9:30 one night, I felt itchy in bed, found a bug, took a picture, and brought it to the front desk. That room also had a leaky air conditioner and coffee stains on the wall. They moved me, but I checked the mattress as soon as I lifted the sheets and went back to say I didn't want to sleep in a dirty bed. They felt bad and found me another room. At $115 a night, I thought it was expensive for a room without a phone, WiFi, or fridge. After some back and forth the next day, the front desk offered $90 a night. I left it there while considering what to do next. Before I went to Panama City, I spoke with the manager. He first offered to buy me lunch, which I declined, and after we talked further, they waived the room charge. They also had the laundromat wash my clothes for free. Management responded quickly and investigated the problem. I recommend both the marina and the hotel, and feel confident they'll address the issue.

Michael looked after me most nights and the service was great every time. I spent two weeks at the marina, eating at the restaurant daily, and both the food and all the hotel and restaurant staff were fantastic. Thanks for making me feel so welcome. Highly recommend!

The views and the cruiser and jungle setting are what bring you here, but the staff and fellow guests and cruisers make you want to stay. I was there for eight days and had a great time. The food is tasty and fairly priced, the drinks are mixed well, and the beers are worth getting by the bucket, lol. Definitely worth a stay or visit!

The kitchen has a good range, from BBQ and pizza to pasta, seafood, and dessert. Breakfast has plenty to choose from too, including eggs, hashbrowns, bacon, ham, and yoghurt. The marina is in a strategically perfect spot, with nice berthing at the swimming docks. The hotel and restaurant pool give seafarers a good place to get out of the heat and enjoy a meal. I'd stay here again if I make the canal another time.