el estero, Santa Catalina, Panama
#22 of 33 hotels in Santa Catalina
Guests' ChoiceBased on 112 hotel reviews
8.1Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Location
9.3
Facilities
7.8
Staff
8.5
Value for money
7.9
Free WiFi
7.4
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 4 May 2025
Majorie
NetherlandsThe service at the restaurant was very slow
Good location at the surf beach. Loved the different spots at the complex to sit and relax.
Stayed in May 2025
Reviewed: 20 April 2025
Virag
HungaryInterior is not very nice, all walls are very molded. No many place in the room for pack out your stuff. There is no facilities in walking distance, next shop is in 20min walking. Very loud, we couldn't sleep until midnight: noise from outside parts of the hotel, shouting people, tv in the neighbor room, etc... No daily cleaning (at least the trash bin should have been emptied).
Nice building, nice location next to the seaaaaa, many nice floors with nice view and terraces, right at the beach. Hot shower, aircondition in the room. For extra cost bottled water, food available.
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: 27 March 2025
Agnieszka
PolandGreat location right by the ocean in a secluded part of the village. Restaurant area and pool area with a beautiful view of the sea. Quiet, beautiful, clean. Tastefully decorated rooms, hammocks on balconies
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: 18 March 2025
Maxine
GermanyWe‘re not sure whether it was the language barrier, but at times we didn’t feel very welcomed by the staff and they seemed annoyed
Amazing location, priceworthy stay. As a guest you can rent surfboards for a lower price. The restaurant is okay. All in all, given the location and the price for the stay it‘s recommendable. Be aware that depending on the rip tide you might have to cross a small river in order to get to the beach which can happen very quickly in the evening.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: 3 March 2025
Darren-paul
United KingdomAmazing location , beautifully laid out .
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 16 February 2025
Chris
FranceThe hot water is intermittent which was not good considering the price of the room. The restaurant menu could benefit from more variety.
The hotel was lively with friendly staff. We had a terrace overlooking the beach which was a luxury. The hotel is directly on the beach which is a real plus.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 7 February 2025
Enzo
United StatesOriginal small room was on the street and barking dogs woke me up several times during the 1st night. Was able to upgrade to a larger, ocean view room for the next 2 nights for a bit more $$ - but MUCH MUCH better. Recommend garden or ocean view rooms. FYI - Feb 2025 the last 20k of the road to Santa Catalina is gravel, under heavy construction and not good to drive in the dark.
Great location on the beach. Pleasant and relaxing. Decent restaurant with good breakfast & easy parking. A lot of Panamanians staying there so it felt like real Panama.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: 12 January 2025
Bernard
CanadaCar parking are was a bit cramped, but it all worked out OK.
Excellent beach access, on-site swimming pool, restaurant, friendly & helpful staff. Great view from 2nd & 3rd floors.
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: 13 December 2024
Darren
CanadaThe staff seem very disinterested in helping. Wether it’s checking in or ordering a meal or a drink. Room was not clean when we checked in and no cleaning during our 3 night stay.
The beachfront location is stunningly beautiful. Great views. Nice pool.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: 15 October 2024
Jillayne
CanadaFood was ok, not great. Be aware of swimming in the river as it will leave your clothes and swimwear with an odor.
End of the road and on the beach. Such a cool Boho hotel on the beach. Multiple floors & areas to lounge, plants everywhere, a tree inside. Multiple views of the water. Was nice to have a pool area for the kids to enjoy. We loved the views and variety of areas to hang out at on the property.
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 14 October 2024
Guiovanny
ColombiaLimited menu options
Location
Stayed in October 2024
Reviewed: 8 August 2024
Debbie
United KingdomService a little slow
Beachfront location.
Stayed in August 2024
Reviewed: 30 July 2024
Peter
NetherlandsIt might be a bit noisy depending on the guest we had next door. But slept fine
Great location and nice places to sit all over. Friendly staff some speak English
Stayed in July 2024
Reviewed: 8 April 2024
Philip
United StatesIf you do not have a car, it is about a thirty to forty minute walk into Santa Catalina proper. It is a lovely walk, but be prepared.
The hotel is right on the ocean -- the surfers walk down the stairs to the beach and start surfing. My room had a lovely view of the water and there are plenty of terraces with comfortable chairs that also look out on the ocean. The staff is very laid back but very helpful. The restaurant/bar is open all of the time, and the food is good.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 9 March 2024
Dennis
United StatesWifi was mostly non existent in our room and not much better in the restaurant. Very little parking for the number of rooms and there was partying until late at night on the first night. Shampoo was empty.
It was close to what we were doing
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 4 March 2024
Mike
CanadaLack of parking.
Location was good, the view of the ocean was nice. The staff was very friendly.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 24 February 2024
Irene
SwitzerlandNothing to complain about.
Beautiful view from room and Terrace. Nice pool overlooking the ocean. Great place to hang out in the shade.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 23 February 2024
Germaine
SpainThe food is good but it can be better, like the ceviches or quantities served regarding seafood. Another thing was the consistency of the service. One night our food took an hour to be served, others it was incredibly fast. Regarding the waiters, not a big fan of them not being in the mood to serve, but this only happened 2 time and with the same waitress, the rest were pretty amicable.
Love the location, the beauty of the hotel, pur bed was so comfortable and the food was good.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 18 February 2024
James
CanadaFood wasn’t great and service was just ok. Thankful we were able to go to town for meals. Several cars parked in the driving access in and out of the designated parking stalls. Hotel didn’t prevent cars from blocking all the cars in the parking lot and we were unable to go anywhere for 3 days. Finally after being very patient we told he hotel to get them moved which told several hours.
Location was amazing being right on the beach. Main area had lots of sitting areas to relax and find shade. Atmosphere and decor was relaxing and inviting. Great having a pool when you didn’t feel like going in the ocean. Beach was beautiful and long enough for a good walk.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 17 February 2024
Trisha
CanadaNeeds a little updating and general maintenance to be performed.
Property was right on the water with excellent views. Food was amazing although it took a little time to prepare but was worth the wait. Staff was fabulous.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 13 February 2024
Janine
PanamaInconsistent servicing of the room. Restaurant food really was not great
One of the few restaurants with beach access
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 5 February 2024
Sean
Panamasmall details like a shock from the electric shower, which didn't heat the water. To be fair we didn't complain or ask anyone to look at it. A bit of a sewage smell in the bathroom, toilet didn't flush well
the location and views from the hotel are phenomenal. The staff was nice. Rooms are basic and a bit run down
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 4 February 2024
Gayle
CanadaThe rooms are tired and the linens need updating including new towels.
This is the best location in town. The common outdoor spaces were fantastic and cleaned daily. This hotel has spectacular views of the ocean and just a few steps down to an expansive beach. The small infinity pool was a great surprise. The food in the restaurant was good and good value.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 26 January 2024
Christian
United StatesWifi in the room can be a challenge at time so if you intend to work better go downstairs great reception there. As previously mentioned by other guest’s reviews: food can take a “little” time to arrive to your table so don’t be too in a hurry.
Excellent location, right on the beach front. Julio at the reception is very welcoming and speaks both Spanish and English but lets you practice your Spanish even if it isn’t as good as his English, so thank you. Great functioning A/C. The food (good)and drinks are properly priced. Will gladly return 😊 I had an opportunity to meet one of the owners very nice person. It is a local family owned business.
Stayed in January 2024
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