Hostal Casa Areka Panama

Great vibes, and great value with the make-it-yourself pancake breakfast and all day coffee included in the price. Staff are very kind and helpful with planning your day. Nice garden and pool (although I didn't use it). Location was central and convenient - with great restaurants and supermarket around- also close to everywhere by bus/metro. (Getting a bus card is very easy and cheap in Panama city). It is also a beautiful 1 hour walk by the Panaman coast to get to Casco Viejo. Do not forget to visit the free museums while in town (mola, Panamanian and (my favorite) the afro-antillan museum by the Cinco de mayo metro station. Also, the mercado de mariscos and the Coca-Cola restaurant are musts for dining. Overall casa areka is an excellent place to stay in Panama city, I kept extending my stay because I had a great time.

Booking was easy and simple. I arrived after reception closed and communication was very clear on how to enter and where my room was located. Extremely affordable, friendly, welcoming staff and atmosphere. My room was clean and my bed was comfortable. Will definitely be staying here anytime I come to Panama City.

We had a great time with wonderful people in this hostel! The service was great, everyone was so friendly who worked there. The rooms were okay, and okay clean. But would definitely go there again!

Absolutely love the location of this hostel. It’s right across from a mall with an awesome movie theatre. There is an excellent grocery store across the street as well. We didn’t get to actually stay in the hostel because they overbooked the private rooms, so they put us in their airbnb. The airbnb was nice, definitely could have been cleaner though. The noise outside on the Main Street is the worst part of the location. Panamanians in the area love to lay on the car horn and the windows and walls are made of paper so it sounds like you’re right next to the noise.

Pool is clean and the hostel has somewhat of a social atmosphere. Location is good, although this area is a bit pricey. The staff is nice.

If/when I return to Panama City, I will never stay anywhere else except Casa Areka. Fantastic hostel, nice kitchen, pool, patio area. They really foster a social and relaxed atmosphere. Stayed in a private room- comfortable bed, AC and hot water. What makes this hostel better than the rest is the staff. They make you feel welcome and are so helpful with questions, etc. Jesus, Jose, Mateas- you all rock. Even they are in the shadow of Queen Nala and Kiera, the hostel cats, who steal the spotlight and will always greet you warmly. Highly recommended. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Frank is an amazing and friendly host. The hostel is really aesthetic and has nice pool and breakout area. The common washrooms are super small though. It’s in a nice area but a bit far away from the night life. It is more for chill travelers who are not really looking to stay closer to the night life area. Overall it was an amazing stay. Stayed in both the dorms and the private room. The private room was quite spacious and clean. The hostal is adjacent to a huge supermarket so convenience wise, it’s amazing. Recommended for longer stays.

My favourite hostel in Central America! Fantastic free breakfast of pancakes, banana & coffee. Nice pool area. Will be back again!