Bocas del Mar

Having visited this great location two years ago I was so excited to be returning for a relaxing great value stay at one of my favorite places. Sadly it didn’t turn out that way. Service was awful the entire week and the food was pretty mediocre compared to my last visit. Value for money was none existent as prices had skyrocketed and they seemed to want to charge for absolutely everything top dollar. Our final night we provided the restaurant with a significant amount of freshly caught Tuna. Some of the belly (around 2 kilos) we specifically asked to be prepared for sashimi and the rest (around 3-4 kilos) we asked for the chef to prepare a couple of dishes of his choosing. Well we had some sashimi (no wasabi to be seen) that was around 0.25 kilos and asking for more we were told initially that the remaining belly was not suitable for sashimi. I called BS as I regularly prepare my own fresh tuna belly sashimi but they were adamant. Then we were Presented with a mock poke - dry And with odd ingredients and nothing like the sesame oil and freshness that is normal in the dish - so that was disappointing and finally the piece de resistance a main prepared and cooked so badly that 50% was inedible being so ridiculously overcooked. I spoke to the manager to gently express our disappointment and there was every excuse put forward but no responsibility taken. Then the bill was presented and yes there was a charge for the inedible food. Manager (Ignatius) and I had words. He was frankly awful refusing to take any accountability for the dreadful state of the food and actually telling us that others were served the same ( presumably ours) with no complaints. That was my final straw. I explained in no uncertain terms that despite what other diners were prepared to put up with I could not and would not accept that any part of the dish or our treatment was acceptable. I explained that my son is a chef and he would rather commit harakiri than ever allow that sort of awfully prepared food leave his pass. As if the food wasn’t enough, the pool is in sad need of a major overhaul and the rooms, whilst pleasant are looking a little tired. I feel both sad and ripped off and unless something changes we won’t be back. Such a shame.

My family and I had a wonderful stay at Hotel Bocas Del Mar. The location is absolutely stunning, the resort was beautiful and the guest house we stayed in was clean and comfortable. The service was excellent and the food at the restaurant was delicious. The highlight of our stay was probably the island hopping tour. My children absolutely loved snorkeling, going to the beach and seeing the dolphins. They were also big fans of the pool. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is looking for a relaxing getaway. Thank you to all the staff for all your hard work and making our stay so amazing! We will definitely be back!

What a wonderful place! It's beautifully situated with views of the charming little islands that surround the coast of Boca Chica. We had a wonderful room with a king bed. It had its own private little garden with a couple of loungers overlooking the bay and a luxurious large hot tub that we enjoyed in the evenings. Everything was delightful. The bed was very comfortable and there was a very well equipped bathroom with large shower and a tub. I was particularly impressed with all the hanging space and drawers for clothes. We also had a mini fridge and a coffee station in the room. We could not have asked for more ... and the staff were all so kind, polite and helpful. Will most definitely be back.

We came here with a group of 15 colleagues and their guests as part of a sales advisory/sales incentive trip in early/mid December. All I can say is WOW! The place was amazing and the staff at Hotel Bocas del Mar was absolutely first class! This place cannot be described. The area cannot be described. AMAZING! QUIET. RELAXING. I will definitely be back regardless of any pandemic that may be in effect! Thank you Marcus, Elena, Diego and the entire team at Hotel Bocas Del Mar!

To Marcus, his wife and staff...THANK YOU!! We traveled to Bocas Del Mar with a large group of work friends. They treated us like royals, the food, rooms, service, activities, pools, messages, and grounds were all exceptional. They went above and beyond for our large group and we are grateful for the memories they left on us. This was truly a trip of a lifetime and I can't recommend this place enough. I wish they had a higher rating than 5 stars because this place deserves it!! Thank you all again

We enjoyed our time at Bocas Del Mar very much. We recommend the boat trips they offer; both the beach day trip and the bird watching sunset trip. The food was delicious. We enjoyed the personalized service, as well as the limited number of guests on the property even during a very busy time of year in Panama.

Everything about this place is "Top Notch" We had a great day fishing with Captain Johnny and First Mate Owen. We caught all sorts of fish. I would go back in a heartbeat! We brought on board Mahi, grouper, tuna, something called a Rainbow Runner ??? There were 5 of us and there was plenty of room on the boat.

The grounds are beautiful, the rooms spacious and comfortable, the food excellent and the staff friendly and accommodating. Plenty of activities are available to fill the day: kayaking, sunset cruises and snorkeling adventures. Or you can just stay on the grounds lazing around the pool, swinging in a hammock by the dock or hiking up to see the parrot sanctuary. We had a great stay and were very sorry to leave. We are already making plans to return.

It is a beautiful and well maintained resort overlooking the bay. The staff is some of the best I have ever encountered in traveling to many countries. I didn't have to give my room number - they made a point of recognizing each guest. The unit was large and very comfortable with a full kitchen, excellent AC and a great deal of privacy. Howler monkeys could be heard when walking outside sometimes during the early morning or briefly in the evening, lending to the sensation of being close to Nature. The resort has also rescued some parrots and toucans which are kept a short walk from the main facilities and overlooking a fantastic view of the bay. Overall, it was the most relaxing experience of my visit to Panama for two weeks. I would gratefully return to Bocas del Mar for another visit.