The brand new Playa Tortuga Resort, part of the Country-Inn and Suites Chain, is really the only remotely upscale lodging option in Bocas del Toro. However, travelers seeking true luxury accommodations will be happier at a lodge such as Tranquilo Bay on Isla Bastimentos. Easygoing travelers enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibe in Bocas Town, and its proximity to restaurants, bars, and shopping, not to mention people-watching and cultural encounters. But loud music and other street noise is a factor, and travelers seeking peaceful isolation will do better lodging elsewhere. Neighboring Isla Carenero is close enough that you can occasionally hear music on particularly loud party nights in Bocas, but it still gives travelers an option for being near Bocas without actually staying in it.
Nearly every hotel sits over the water, so try to get a view if you can. The north shore of town is usually breezier, which is a definite plus in the Bocas heat. If a price range is shown, it indicates that a hotel applies high- and low-season rates. Low season is generally mid-April to December. Lodging in Bocas tends to be more expensive for what you get compared to other destinations in Panama, and hotels are unlikely to drop their prices during high season. Be sure to make reservations at least a few weeks in advance outside of April through December, as hotels here fill up quickly.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
