Hostel Blue Zone
Though definitely a bit rough around the edges, Blue Zone is a tramper-friendly campground/hostel that sits high up on the bluff above the point. There is a small kitchen, wifi (though it can be quite slow sometimes), lockers, and family-style barbecues. Manager Marin can organize trips to Santa Catalina Island and San Pedro Island (for a different surf break).
If coming from town, there are two ways to get there — the easy way and the quick way. The quick way is excellent for surfers heading down to the point and consists of a pretty steep trail from the port up the bluff. The easy way is best for arrival days when you’re loaded down with stuff and requires you to take the road towards Playa Estero until you see the dirt turnoff towards the point. There will be signs for Blue Zone, Time Out, Casa Maya, etc.
RATES
Dorms/shared private rooms — $10USD per person
Private single — $15USD
Camping — $5USD per person
CONTACT
Take the road towards Playa Estero until you see the sign on your right, follow the signs.
Phone: (507) 6543-3155
Email: bluezonepanama@gmail.com (**preferred method of contact**)
Website: http://www.bluezonapanama.com
Hostal y Cabinas Rolo
Situated in town about 5 minutes from the port, Hostal y Cabinas Rolo offers basic, clean rooms at affordable prices. They also rent both surfboards and kayaks. There is a kitchen and eating area for guests, and the hotel offers free coffee in the morning.
RATES
2-4 bed shared room with shared bath — $11USD per person
CONTACT
Phone: (507) 6598-9926 // (507) 6494-3916
Email: cabinasrolo@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.rolocabins.net
Restaurante & Hostal Donde Viancka
Donde Viancka, located about 10 minutes (walking) from town on the road to Playa Estero has one distinct advantage over all other accomodation options profiled here: private kitchens in each room. The rooms themselves are nicely furnished, come with AC, a TV, and a private bathroom. There is no internet. For a group of three, they are also right on budget. Have we mentioned the private kitchen? And don’t forget to haggle, especially if you’re staying for a couple days — you’ll more than likely be able to knock a few bucks off the price of the room.
RATES
Private triple with AC, private bath, kitchenette — $40USD
CONTACT
Phone: (507) 6585-9787
Email: vianckabustos@hotmail.com
Hostal Oasis
Hostal Oasis, located about a five-minute walk from the port on the main street, is a small hostel affiliated with Oasis Surf Camp (on Playa Estero). The rooms are basic, but clean and the mattresses are firm. There is a guest kitchen but no WIFI. As a guest at the hostel, you are able to use the WIFI network at the Oasis Surf Camp Restaurant on Playa Estero. If the dorm is full, or you’d like to stay on the beach, the staff will be more than happy to contact the hotel. The hotel offers camping (in their tents) for $10USD per person, but there is no kitchen for general use at the hotel.
RATES
4-bed dorm — $10USD
Private double — $25USD
CONTACT
Main road, before the road to Playa Estero
Phone: (507) 6588-7077
Email: surfoasis@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.oasissurfcamp.com
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