Panama Hotel and Suites

Hotels
7.5 (290 reviews)
4 Bayview Street , San Rafael , us

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Free wired internet
Internet access
Japanese garden

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Convenient location
Affordability
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Limited amenities
Room discomfort

Categories

Cleanliness
5.71
Many reviews indicate issues with cleanliness and room conditions, particularly with shared facilities and dangerous areas.
Service
9.68
One review highlighted the staff as friendly and helpful, with a focus on service being a positive aspect.
Location
9.22
Several reviews mentioned the hotel's convenient location, making it easy to explore the area.
Room Quality
6.67
Multiple comments mentioned small and uncomfortable rooms, as well as missing basic amenities like air conditioning.
Amenities
5.7
Reviews stated a lack of amenities such as air conditioning, restaurants, and bars, which were expected.
Value for Money
8.16
Some relevant reviews discussed affordability, providing a good balance of cost vs. experience.
Food and Beverage
6.21
There were mentions of a lack of dining options, impacting overall satisfaction with food and beverage.
Overall Experience
8.68
Despite some negative aspects, several guests enjoyed their stay and would return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 08:54

Property Description

Luxurious Boutique Inn in San Rafael

Historic Charm and Modern Comforts
Panama Hotel and Suites, nestled between San Francisco and California's Wine Country, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern comforts. The rooms are elegantly furnished with a flat-screen TV, private balcony, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy the convenience of room service and relax in air-conditioned rooms with premium amenities.

Culinary Delights and Vibrant Atmosphere
Indulge in a culinary journey at the hotel's restaurant, serving a fusion of Latin American, Mediterranean, and Californian cuisine. The vibrant dining room and tropical patio offer a delightful setting to savor exquisite meals accompanied by live local music. With a bar, terrace, and continental breakfast, every dining experience is a memorable one.

Convenient Location and Nearby Attractions
Conveniently situated near downtown San Rafael, Panama Hotel and Suites provides easy access to a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Explore the vibrant neighborhood, visit nearby attractions like WildCare and Albert Field, and experience the best of San Rafael during your stay.

Book your stay at Panama Hotel and Suites for a luxurious retreat in San Rafael!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
This property is located in a residential area, and guests are asked to refrain from excessive noise.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.5
Based on 290 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.71
Service: 9.68
Location: 9.22
Room Quality: 6.67
Amenities: 5.7
Value for Money: 8.16
Food and Beverage: 6.21
Overall Experience: 8.68
J
Jason • couple • us
7
The bed was comfortable after a long day of traveling
Pros:

The location was charming

Cons:

We arrived at 10 pm to an empty office and lockboxes. It was confusing to find a way in.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
M
Maurice • extended_group • us
10
A sweet Neighbourhood boutique hotel, highly recommended
Pros:

The rooms were perfect and Eno took good care of my family once again. I live in Gerstle Park and when we have big family get-togethers and I can’t accommodate everyone the Panama hotel is my home away from home.

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
L
lisacR6357KF • Solo travel • Sacramento, California
2
Be Carfeul
Pros:

Tried to cancel a one night stay to visit granddaughter and grandson. Got a call about stomach flu and hotel refused to cancel it. Worse yet, didn’t respond to calls to speak to manager. Over $200 for a senior citizen is tough. Their policy is 72 hous (saw that later). We have family in San Rafael who i warned against booking at the Panama.
Language issues also were difficult.

2026-05-14 • via Tripadvisor
N
Natalie • solo_traveller • us
1
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
R
Randall • solo_traveller • us
5
Awesome.outside of the box stay but you are not allowed to bea night owl here
Pros:

Historical. Beautiful. Quaint. Ridiculous. Old school. Fun. Funny.

Cons:

Entrance and exit after 8 pm. No access to fresh water after 8 pm. Manager who I thought was super friendly is likely under the control of his partner who didn’t like my hours. When it was check out time he slammed on my door so loud I nearly had a heart attack. I won’t look a man like that in the eye without thinking less of him next time I see him. There’s no cause for that kind of behavior.

2026-04-26 • via Nuitee
R
Randall • solo_traveller • us
7
2026-04-26 • via Nuitee
L
Laura • solo_traveller • us
1
Pros:

Nada me gustó el lugar

Cons:

Todo en jeneral

2026-04-24 • via Nuitee
J
Jacob • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
J
Jayson • couple • us
10
2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
B
Bryan • extended_group • us
1
2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
D
Delia • solo_traveller • fr
9
2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
W
Wadih • couple • us
5
2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
J
Javier • couple • us
1
My night at this hotel went horribly and I will not stay here again.
Pros:

The only good thing I liked was the flexibility of the staff

Cons:

Everything else, the room was not clean at all and full of spider webs, the staff was rude and very “figure it out yourself” type of vibe, there was no parking whatsoever, the floors were so dirty, bathroom was not private and you had to share with another room with random strangers, there was mold in some corners of the room, it overall looked like one of those hookup places where you go in and out. Horrible stay would not recommend.

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
D
D • couple • nl
9
Pros:

Geweldig personeel. Heel vriendelijk en behulpzaam.
Heerlijk balkon. Goede plek.

Cons:

Lucht van de kamer. Waarschijnlijk gerookt. Moet een opknapbeurd.

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
J
James • couple • us
9
2026-01-29 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • us
10
Experience San Rafael like a local in a cute victorian home nestled in a residential area.
Pros:

Very casual hotel without staff at night. It is in a residential neighborhood with beautiful trees and big houses.

Cons:

The house is a bit run down and could use coat of paint.

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
A
Anne • couple • us
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
V
Vladimir • couple • us
3
Pros:

The only good think of this place is good location and we could book late evening.

Cons:

We came to hotel to check in and we were waiting outside about an hour, everything was close. We were calling customer service few times, then some customer share an owner phone number with us, we called him and he helped us.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • solo_traveller • us
8
2025-12-05 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • solo_traveller • us
1
Avoid.
Cons:

This place is a total scam, everything in their description is a lie, including having a bathroom en suite and having a restaurant/bar on the premises.

2025-11-28 • via Nuitee