Page 232 - The Rough Guide to Panama (Travel Guide)

230 Bocas del Toro ArchipiélAgo de BocAs del Toro
The triples in particular are excellent value ($88). $77 spotless, hot-water bathrooms. The communal kitchen,
Residencial Dos Palmas Av Sur at C 5 T757 9906, balcony overlooking the main street, roof terrace, free Spanish
Eresidencialdospalmas@yahoo.com; map p.224. On lessons and purified water on tap make it a popular hangout.
the quieter southern tip of town in a residential area, this Pancake breakfast included. Dorms $11, doubles $28
local lodging offers the best budget over-the-water deal, ★ Hostel Mamallena Bocas Av “H” at C 6 T760 9934,
with a handful of faded but tidy rooms (a/c, cable TV and Wmamallenabocas.com; map p.224. The stunning open-
hot water) plus a terrace with hammocks and chairs from sided lounge-bar-chillout area that melts into an over-the-
6 which to watch the sun set. $35 water sundeck makes this place special. Relax in a deckchair,
Tropical Suites C 1 at Av “D” T757 9880, Wbocastropical
play pool or sprawl on a sofa amid the pot plants, and soak up
.com; map p.224. Aparthotel with helpful English-speaking the sea views. Fourteen rooms – ten dorms, two doubles and
staff and sixteen well-equipped suites; particularly good value two quads – all have a/c and private (cold-water) bathrooms.
for families, these comprise a kitchenette, large double beds Plus, you’ve the usual hostel essentials: lockers, kitchen, DIY
and pull-out double sofa beds, with patio or balcony; you’ll pay pancake breakfast and weekly BBQ. Dorms $18, doubles $45
more for a sea view. Cheaper weekly rates ($651). $103
PLAYA BLUFF
HosTels ★ The Hummingbird T6949 3694, Wthehumming
Bocas Surf School Hostel Av Norte, between C 5 & C 6 birdpanama.com; map p.222. Six-room boutique eco-B&B
T6852 5291, Wbocassurfschool.com; map p.224. Quiet – solar power and rainwater harvesting – in tropical gardens
hostel in a converted wooden Bocatoreño house. Small replete with butterflies and hummingbirds. Book a room in
dorms, sleeping eleven people (sharing two bathrooms), one of the raised wooden bungalows with screened louvred
have ample bunks with decent mattresses, and there’s a windows and folding doors that open onto a fabulous
kitchen and waterside deck at the back. The friendly balcony to maximize the breeze and keep out the bugs.
owners run the on-site surf school (see p.229). $20 There’s also a pool and gourmet bar-restaurant (open to non-
Hostal Camping Ygriega The Y, north end of Playa El residents; booking preferred). Breakfast included. $150
Istmito T6921 2125, Whostalcampinglaygriega.com; Playa Bluff Hotel T6871 6064, Wplayabluffhotel
map p.222. Basic campsite-cum-hostel a $1 taxi ride or .com; map p.222. Set back in forest midway along the
10min cycle from town. Pitch your own tent or use one of beach road, this place has nine spacious, cool fan-ventilated
theirs, erected on a wooden deck under a roof, with bedding rooms with private or shared bathroom, all with terraces, in
and a thin mattress provided. Also doubles with shared verdant surroundings brimming with wildlife just a stone’s
bathrooms and kitchen. Bikes for rent. Camping $6.50, throw from the beach. Breakfast included. $138
camping with tent provided $8, dorms $10, doubles $26 ★ Tesoro Escondido T6749 7435, Wtesoroescondido
★ Hostal de Hansi C 2 at Av “D” T757 9932, .info; map p.222. Delightful, genuine ecofriendly resort
Whostalhansi.bocas.com; map p.224. Immaculately offering rustic rooms, a couple of cottages and a small
clean and tidy, catering to couples and single travellers on a apartment (sleeping two to four) – all set amid lush
budget who want to avoid the dorm party scene. Fan- tropical forest up on the cliff or down near the beach with
ventilated singles ($15; $13 with shared bathroom) and plenty of terrace and porch space. Rooms and cabins are
en-suite doubles have use of a communal kitchen. $25 simply yet quirkily furnished with recycled artwork;
Hostel Heike C 3, between Av Central & Av “E” T757 mosquito nets are provided. Self-cater in the communal
9708, Whostelheike.com; map p.224. Large well-run kitchens or enjoy home cooking at reasonable rates. Good
hostel with packed dorms (fans or a/c and lockers) sharing weekly or monthly discounts in low season. $57
eaTING
Bocas has an excellent range of restaurants, with vegetarians enjoying a decent selection. Lobster, conch and other local
seasonal specialities taste particularly delicious in local coconut milk and Caribbean spice preparations. Opening hours can
be erratic, especially in low season, and service seriously soporific. Note that tap water is not safe to drink (see box, p.223).
BOCAS TOWN combos. There’s free wi-fi, too. Mon–Sat 8am–6pm.
★ Bocas Blended Av “H”, by Bocas Surf School T757 ★ Café del Mar C 1a, opposite the tourist office T6776
9135, Wfacebook.com/BocasBlended; map p.224. 8858, Wfacebook.com/Café-del-Mar; map p.224. Cosy
Unmistakeable converted sky-blue bus by Bocas Surf School, five-table café with arty decor. Breakfasts and light lunches
dishing up smoothies, tasty breakfasts and delectable salads are not cheap, but everything’s freshly prepared and a
and wraps filled with fresh ingredients at modest prices ($6– change from the norm: spinach and feta omelette with
9). Take away or eat at the bus and take advantage of the coconut bread, say, gallo pinto burrito, or tuna steak burger
two-for-one “wrappy hour” and excellent-value lunch ($7–9). Tues–Thurs 8am–4pm, Fri–Sun 8am–10pm.

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