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La Coralina: Traveler Reviews

La Coralina
Average price*: $92 (year-round)
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.0 based on 33 reviews 33 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
25
4.0 of 5 stars
1
3.0 of 5 stars
0
2.0 of 5 stars
0
1.0 of 5 stars
7
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 12 hotels in Bocas Town
Show Hotel DetailsHide Hotel Details
  • Rooms: 5
Property Type: Hotel
  • Lodging offering guest rooms, a 24-hour front desk and a variety of services and amenities.
Description: A beachfront historic hotel, seated high on a bluff with panoramic views and cool breezes. Three rooms and two suites. Newly remodeled and decorated... This description is based on information provided by the hotel.
Address:
Bluff Beach Road, Playa Paunch
Isla Colon
Bocas Town
Panama

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of La Coralina

( 23-27 of 33 )
“Love isolation and mediocre accommodations? Go there”

La Coralina

Feb 12, 2008
1/10 found this review helpful

If you want to be isolated, and away from the real flavor of the country, this place is ideal. There are no planned activities or a designated way of informing you about the resort. It happens haphazardly, or if you happen to ask a question about the resort. The owner simply has her hands full running this place and lacks any common courtesies to her guests.

The room was unimpressive and themed in a tropical setting. No tv or phone in the room. The beds sheets in our unit were worn heavily. There was a constant smell of mold. The toilet paper is third world paper that has a grayish color, a misrepresentation of the country. The other hotel where we stayed provided soft, white toilet paper. Next day I woke up with bed bug bites and felt disgusted. We fled this dump as soon as we could get a taxi, which takes forever to arrive.

We saw other resorts in Panama that surpasses this one in quality.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — nothing
    • Disliked — everything
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
UpperCrust's Summary
Date of Stay: January 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 50-64
Member since: February 12, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
    • 1 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“La Crappy!”

La Coralina

Feb 9, 2008
5/15 found this review helpful

As a corporate travel agent for over 25 years I have stayed at many resorts but this one is one of the worst run I have encountered in years. I read the other reviews which claim it to be the “best” in Bocas and great location, but that is furthest from the truth

If you looking for a hotel in the middle of a bunch of farm fields, this is your place. After driving 30 minutes through muddy bumpy unpaved roads I was expecting a glorious beach resort with plenty to do, we found a half finished, over priced hotel. If you are looking for a hotel with others around, or a hotel with a city in the remote area, avoid this tourist trap.

The owner, a former waitress, also serves as the cook, bartender, cashier, receptionist, and manager.

She accepts no credit cards, cash only. She insist you pay, in advance, all the nights upfront, which you have no choice. I paid for 2 but decided to checkout the next day. She decided to keep my 2nd night.

The room consisted of 2 queen size beds on the second floor (no elevator). The room was dusty and the windows did not close at all. The noise of the waves crashing at night, though soothing to some, were more a bother to a light sleeper for my wife.

I tripped and nearly fell because the floor boards were uneven.

My room had no TV, no A/C, no coffee maker, no telephone, and shower pressure was low at best

She offered us free use of the bicycles. After riding down the road the chains came off several times, the brakes were extremely weak and the handle bars were loose. I nearly killed myself trying to slow down a hill. Totally unsafe.

The beach was about 3 miles from the hotel. The owner said it’s a nice walk down the road. In reality, the road was, for the most part, muddy and impassable. And to get to the beach you have to pass through a dump where locals burn their garbage. The stench was so awful my wife nearly fainted.

Free wireless internet hardly worked at all.

The restaurant is an open air-style with reasonably priced food. If you like spicy and you’re a smoker, this is your place. Non-smoking sections are non-existent. Don't like the food? Too bad, nothing else around to eat. You need a taxi to get anywhere here, expect to pay $30 roundtrip.

I asked her about a private boat tour when we arrived in the morning for the next day, as we were anxious to explore the other islands. She said she would make a few phone calls to find out (but never did and suggested next morning to go into town and look on your own)

On the positive side, the breakfast was ok. The “fresh squeezed” juice consisted of pineapple or watermelon. The pineapple juice was very frothy so I asked the owner for a straw, (breakfast is at the bar) her response was “I don’t have a new one, but I can wash a used one for you if you like.”

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — breakfast
    • Disliked — Location, customer service, cleanliness, room basics
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
gyutrust's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Business
Age group: 35-49
Member since: February 09, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 1 of 5 stars Value
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
    • 1 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
no way!
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“W e Loved La Coralina”

La Coralina

Feb 9, 2008
3/4 found this review helpful

We were greeted by the staff at the airport to pick us up, as advertised. The accomodations at the hotel were excellent. Stacey and her staff were very accomodating and friendly.
The view from the hotel was amazing and the food was just like the view(amazing). We were on our first trip as a couple and we had an excellent time due to the amazing service and accomodations .
I have travelled around the world several times and have stayed at many hotels, some first class and some not. This hotel is in a class by itself,it has great accomodations,it's in a great remote location, the food and the staff are top notch.
I can't say enough good things about the place and I will definitely return.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The accomodating staff and the food
    • Disliked — Nothing bad to say
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
surfr1011's Summary
Date of Stay: January 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: January 26, 2008
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Another day in paradise.......”

La Coralina

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
San Diego, California
Jan 28, 2008
5/7 found this review helpful

Set above the Caribbean Sea, La Coralina is one of those magical places that dreams are made of. Gazing over the crystal blue waters while waves crash on the beach steps from you door, sets the tone for idyllic days in paradise. Whether you spend the day surfing in front of the hotel at Paunch beach or taking a short bike ride to Bluff Beach, you can always count on a warm welcome from Stacy and her staff at the hotel when you return.

Large rooms with elegant bathrooms make for comfortable nights as the sounds of the ocean and jungle lull you to sleep. With the picturesque surroundings and the gourmet food served everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner (try the pork in coconut curry-unbelievable), my wife and I found it difficult to come up with a reason to go to town. When we did venture out , Stacy came up with a nice list of things to see and try. From private boat tours to packing a lunch for you while you explore the jungles and beaches surrounding the hotel, she has you covered; you couldn't ask for a better host.

The only bad thing I discovered in staying at La Coralina s knowing that I would have to leave on day. La Coralina is one of those rare places where you feel both comfortable and connected to your surroundings. I cannot recommend it enough.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Claudio_SD's Summary
Date of Stay: January 2008
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Hobbies / interest / culture
Age group: 35-49
Member since: June 27, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Families with young children, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“The best place in Bocas del Toro!!!”

La Coralina

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Richmond VA
Oct 22, 2007
7/11 found this review helpful

I have been on many great trips in my life, but Hotel La Coralina in Bocas del Toro.....TOPS all of them. It sits up on the mountain side and you have breathtaking views of the carribean. Stacey, the host, is the best host you could ever ask for. The food, the accomodations, the staff, all were so friendly and nice. They even have horses you can take for a ride on the beach!!! Bikes for rent too. The rooms, including the bathrooms were amazing. This place is a gem that you must discover for yourself. You will not be dissappointed.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Stacey the host!!!
    • Disliked — Nothing!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KLoRichmondVA's Summary
Date of Stay: October 2007
Traveled with: Friends
Visit was for: Hobbies / interest / culture
Age group: 25-34
Member since: October 22, 2007
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Business service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Pet owners, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Reviews of La Coralina

( 23-27 of 33 )
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La Coralina Address

Bluff Beach Road, Playa Paunch | Isla Colon, Bocas Town, Panama