Reviews of Rancho Estero
Road to Playa Estero, Santa Catalina, Panama
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Reviewed: 17 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewEllie is a great host, very helpful to book activities and explain about the area. The lodge has a wonderful view, the terrace is very peaceful to relax after surf sessions. This is very convenient to be able to rent boards at this place and have surf lessons. The new bungalows are very nice, confortable and well équiped. Very clean on arrival too. The common area is very confortable.
All perfect for relaxing holidays
Reviewed: 4 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe hosta are very nice and helpful. Everything worked really good, the place is great and the view is unforgettable.
Reviewed: 28 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe place is so beautiful and the location is perfect- close to the beach and to the surfing point. Zigor and elli and their kids (the hostess) were so nice and take care of everything. The kitchen is well maintained, and the facilities are good!
Reviewed: 15 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewWe really enjoyed our stay here. Thank you Ellie and Zigor.
Reviewed: 10 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewWe had a night that we want to cook in the common facilities and there was no electricity. The kitchen cooking device was on gas, so that was not a problem. But we had no lights at all, not even a candle. The made it more hard to cook and eat. The next day we notified the staff about this situation and the organised light.
Reviewed: 22 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewThe family running the place was super nice, super accomodating and really friendly. They went out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
Reviewed: 14 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewEverything! Beautiful accommodations and location. Kitchen is well stocked and laid out to accommodate multiple guests. Deck and dining area are spacious with a breathtaking view. Best of all was the genuine welcome by the hosts.
Everything exceeded our expectations
Reviewed: 4 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewOn the beach. Great location to surf and go to the beach.
The Wi-Fi is not working from the room (we tried the two networks available). Fees when you pay by card (while booking said on the reservation that the taxes, fees and charges were covered already). It was very loud during the night (but it's because of the carnival, people went to party right at the entrance of the hotel).
Thank you for your review and we are very sorry that it was a bit louder because of the carnival holidays. About the credit card payment: unfortunately the booking site doesn't give us the option to show the additional fees for credit card payments (in the settings we can only choose if it is possible to pay by card or not, but we can't display that there are fees occurring), that's why we send everyone an email before arrival with all the information about payment etc. (including the fees for credit card payments) And the Wifi usually works good, it just sometimes has short outages (infrastructure in Santa Catalina is not 100% stable unfortunately). I am also always happy to help if there is a problem with the Wifi and restart the router or even open a hotspot through my phone, but I didn't know that there was an issue. We are very sorry for the inconveniences and hope you enjoyed your stay in Santa Catalina anyways! All the best!
Thank you for your review and we are very sorry that it was a bit louder because of the carnival holidays. About the credit card payment: unfortunately the booking site doesn't give us the option to show the additional fees for credit card … Show more
Reviewed: 3 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThe view is amazing !
It’s not only the problem of the property but a lot of mosquitos in the commun area. And maybe more equipment for cooking and have salt and pepper available
Reviewed: 25 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewPerfect location...fantastic set up...super friendly and helpful owners! Super accommodating when we wanted to extend our stay!
Reviewed: 7 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewHammocks, kitchen & steps from the beach
Reviewed: 5 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewGreat location right at the beach, ideal for surfing (you can rent reasonable priced bords there). Helpful host and the place has a great vibe.
If you want a quite day, then don't come here on a Sunday. It's the day when all the locals are on the beach with subwoofers and it can be extremly loud. Rest of the week is nice and quite.
Reviewed: 4 February 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewThe location is amazing, ocean view, on top of the hill, nice breeze, and close to a beginner surf break at El Estero.
Nothing.
Reviewed: 24 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewGreat location right at the beach. Bit further to center in case you have to walk and dont have a car. Staff super friendly. The bungalow had all I needed and was nice and clean with a good bed. Would certainly recommend.
Cant think of anything
Reviewed: 9 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewAmazing stay. Great view and access to the ocean. Their new cabins where incredible. Staf was friendly and helpful. Best stay we have had on our trip.
Reviewed: 1 December 2024 · Stayed in November 2024
Verified reviewLocation was excellent and everything was within a 15 minute walk
Reviewed: 30 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewVery friendly place with superb view on the Estero from the common area. Very relaxing atmosphere. The hosts have an extensive knowledge and experience of the area with all possible contacts to organize what ever activities you want: surf, fishing, snorkeling, diving in Coiba, etc They will organize everything you need in few phone calls. They have been living in Santa Catalina for decades. They know the DO and the DON’T. Even open to share their private tips to surf la Punta. We had one of the best surf sessions ever with my four kids. Thanks to Zigor’s advise!
Reviewed: 13 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewElli, the manager, was amazing. She did everything she could to make us feel home. The view was fantastic, the scenery was just wow! The location was a 15 min walk from the center, which was fine. Nearby was a nice bar/restaurant for a drink.
Comparing to other accomodations close by, the price was too high. It is very basic, no generator so when there is no electricity (which happens often) you can’t do anything. It would be really nice if you could have a drink with some snacks.
Reviewed: 8 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 March 2024 · Stayed in March 2024
Verified reviewLovely little resort with a stunning view and simple yet comfortable cottages. You can rent surfboards and take lessons. The common area is spacious and welcoming. The whole infrastructure is quite run down but they plan to renovate it totally. I just hope they manage to keep the character and the charme.