“Just What I Had Hoped For..”

Hostal Urraca gets 4's and 5's from me. In short, I was thrilled with my stay. Please understand that they are, in fact, running a hostel, and not a Ritz-Carlton. I rated them based on what I think is fair to expect of a hostel, not a 5-star hotel. First of all, everyone on staff was very friendly and made me feel most welcome there. The computer with free internet access available in the lobby goes above and beyond, in my opinion, and it was a huge help to me -- traveling with my laptop has proved a hassle in the past. The staff happily answered my repeated questions about travel ideas in the area. I also appreciate being able to visit places such as Panama; this is made possible largely because their English is better than my Spanish, which is almost non-existent. That said, they were very patient with my "Sesame Street Spanish" as I like to call my particular level of skill. Being able to buy a coke or a beer and lounge on the grounds is one of the little things I enjoy so much. They make this very easy to do. One woman in particular was so kind to help me exchange my American dollars for Panamanian coins, as my nieces love to have local money as souvenirs. If you are looking to go to Panama and stay in Panama City, and have no particular need to feel pampered like royalty, then please know that Hostal Urraca is a great place to meet wonderful people and stay where you feel both safe and welcome.

“Pleasant hotel with great staff”

I stayed here because it was the only reasonably priced hotel I could find in the area, but it turned out to be a real find. It had more of a family or hostel feel but with the comfort and privacy of a mid-range hotel room. I enjoyed meeting other people staying there and the staff treated you as family. Overall Panama is not set up for tourists to get around very easily, but the staff here was helpful in getting me set up with some activities including scuba diving and seeing the Panama Canal. The wifi worked great and there is an in-room safe for those who might be concerned about those things. It is a little off the beaten path, but still within 10-15 minutes walking distance to most place of interest and only 1 block to the Pan American HWY and coast.

“Fine hotel, a little pricey”

I booked my room based on the rate listed on Expedia, but I guess that rate was for the cheapest room at the hotel- the room I actually wanted when I arrived cost a bit more. It was a fine hotel, but I think I could get a cheaper rate if I had picked another decent hotel somewhere in Panama City. If I were there to hang out around the City and meet new people I think I would have enjoyed it more- the atmosphere was wonderful- but I just needed a place to stay for the night. So it was just fine, but I think I could fine someplace cheaper for just a place to sleep.

“Great experience in Panama City”

Well I have to say I had such a greate experience, they were very helpfull, the place is in a very quiet and exclsive area and I have to mention a very nice an exclusive coffe place around the corner, the name is "sabor amor"

“Nice experiance”

Do not let the name Hostal scare you. If your a traveler that requires cute little bars of soap in your room dayly this is not a place for you but we found the hostal clean, the staff friendly and helpfuland the other guests interesting. Hostal Urraca is under new management and trying very hard. Language was sometime a problem but it was the fault of our poor Spanish. One of the managers spoke exelent English but was not always around. We booked two more nights at the end of our trip.

“Hostel for young people”

A real hostel for young people who don't care about the paint on the walls. Shared kitchen, shared bathrooms, barbecue area, free -reasonable- wi-fi, good air conditioning, free coffee and toast in the morning. Lots of people everywhere at all times. Very relaxed atmosphere. We had two young ladies come into our room during the night (with their own key and without knocking first!) looking for something they thought they'd left in it. The ladies in the front desk were very nice and helpful. We asked for a taxi and it came in 5 minutes. There's a street with posh restaurants nearby. Didn't see much else, but we were told you can walk to the seafront.

“A Great Budget Hostal”

I found the Hostal Urraca to be conveniently located to restaurants and grocery stores with a friendly atmosphere. There was included access to a kitchen and free wifi.

“Best Location, great staff.”

Very well located in Bella vista, one block from parque la urraca and bus stops. Reasonable value, very kind staff. We felt like home during our stay.

“inexpensive, absolutely no-frills lodging”

pros: friendly staff, great location, and inexpensive rate. cons: Noisy, no-frills accommodations. A good deal for the budget conscious traveler.

“Going there was a mistake”

We left after just one night, and would hav edone it sooner if possible. The bed sheets were dirty and stained. We felt very unconfortable sleeping there and using teh towels. There are cleaner and more confortable places within walking distance for less money. The owner was rude and discourteous. He gave the impression that dealing with customers from Expedia was more of a nuisance for him than anything else