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El Otro Lado is a private retreat situated in an exceptional enclave of Portobelo Bay, mixing design, culture, nature and luxury in a unique manner in order to offer its guests authentic, exclusive and custom-made experiences.Situated just over an hour from Panama City, and surrounded by the National Park of Portobelo, El Otro Lado is the perfect place to relax and disconnect while contemplating the exuberant vegetation. With views of the sea, its four exclusive houses of eclectic tropical design integrate simple details with traditional handicraft of the Atlantic Coast.A streak of truly unforgettable experiences, El Otro Lado will take you to a harmonious and dreamlike place which is equipped with all the comforts of modern life.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Beach
Concierge
Laundry service
Wifi
Infinity pool
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
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Room features
Air conditioning
Room service
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
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HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
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Bahia de Portobelo, Portobelo Panama
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Rental CarsSee all Portobelo rental cars
128Reviews3Q+A34Room tips
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We had heard so many glowing reports from friends about El Otro Lado that we arrived with high expectations, and have still been blown away! We have already booked our next visit. Besides the lush Caribbean beauty of the spectacular setting with views across the historic Bahai Porto Bello, what sets this boutique hotel apart from anything else we have experienced in Panama is the service quality and overall flair. The decor is an eclectic homage to local creativity and culture, drawing together unique pieces created by local artists, including resident carpenter and sculptor, Señor Moro. The hotel offers an impressive range of activities to commune with nature (the mangrove cruise is a wonderfully lazy way to immerse in the natural beauty), and also connect with local culture. Two special experiences we had that I would highly recommend are crafting with esteemed local artist, Señor Ariel, and drumming with Victor J. Scuba diving with Panamá Scuba is well organized and well-equipped, with pickup directly from the hotel. All activities are brilliantly managed by Riccardo aka Batman. With everything on offer, one can while away many days, which is why we feel the need to return very soon to experience more of what is offer here - authentic and pretty unique experiences that celebrate the richness of this vibrant part of Panamá, the people and the place. Special mention of the charming Victor M and Eduardo, who are attentive hosts.…
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
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I made a reservation for what I thought was El Otro Lado. I packed up my family and family guests from California and drive 2 hours from the city. Once in Portobelo, we called to request the boat. Someone at El Otro Lado said to go to Casa Congo. We get the Casa Congo and then we are told it was a reservation for Casa Congo because El Otro Lado was full. I was told this after we drove from the city and were ready for a luxurious lunch. After speaking to several different people at Casa Congo and El Otro Lado, we were told that there were no options for lunch but could come back 5 hours later for dinner at El Otro Lado. Everything about this day was unacceptable for such a prestigious hotel and restaurant. I don’t know how this could have happened and I am not going to stay quiet about it. This ruined a well planned day with visiting family and my children. I always recommend El Otro Lado to friends and colleagues if they’re looking for some luxury in Panama. This is your typical bait and switch. I thought places like El Otra Lado would be better than that but clearly they are not. …
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
We loved our stay in the Spirit House, so beautiful, Private and peaceful. The decor is amazing featuring art everywhere by local artists and spacious rooms. As promised the house is right on the water, with comfortable chairs and lounges. The staff are so helpful and cater to your every need. We opted for the all-inclusive which included all our meals, many activities, water and soft drinks. Our fridge was stocked with sodas, still/sparkling waters, beer, some wines. (Charge for all alcoholic beverages). The infinity pool is beautiful, we enjoyed many lunches poolside. Breakfast was always delicious, as were most meals. If there’s something you particularly like they are very accommodating to prepare it for you. The crevice was our favorite and we ordered it just about every day-Super fresh! They made a special lobster dinner for all guests for Thanksgiving, a nice treat. One evening they brought the “Congo” Children to the island to entertain with drumming, singing and dancing. We took the historical tour of Portobello which was very interesting and informative- Spanish forts from the 1600’s and tales of plundering pirates. We also went on the Mangrove sunset little boat trip with champagne, very beautiful. Our “kids” did the deep board diving, which they loved! Richardo is a wonderful photographer and filmed them with his drone. (These excursions have a charge). The rustic beach club is Very rustic...only went one afternoon. It’s not a private beach (alto the signs say it’s supposed to be)...no chairs or amenities except for a couple of shade structures (occupied by locals) and 1 tree swing with many children on it. We loved the low/key vibe, there were a few other guests but most of the time we had the pool to ourselves (which we preferred to the beach). We had some problems with hot water and water pressure, a few meals weren’t the best, some extras a bit “pricy” considering what we paid but otherwise it was an amazing experience in paradise. We thank ALL the staff for being so warm, welcoming and catering to our every request and need - especially Jorge, Edwardo, Ricardo!! The general manager gave us a lovely carved hummingbird made by the artists on the island as a departing gift. …
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
Helpful
This is an intermit hotel which is ideal for a long weekend .The rooms are spacious very quirky and colourful and comfortable. When booking you should agree an all inclusive rate as there is no where to go for dinner although you might find a place to eat lunch on the mainland as you are on an island on beautiful grounds with nature.Beware the insects!! The breakfast is fine and lunch and dinner are a semi set 3 course meal, which you should check on as they will happily change things you do not eat.This was also pleasant but not outstanding. We were there during the Holy Week break and several families were there but I felt it was more of a couples place--romantic.Our last day ws just us with all the attention you could wish for but not if you are very social The real disappointment was the beach which was really dirty partly due to the holidays as it is a public beach. The sand was not white and pristine more dark and grainy, the best part was the boat ride over.…
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Rooms
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Room Tip: Any of the cottages they all face the sea
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2 Helpful votes
Helpful
First we reached the hotel private parking in Portobelo, hotel staff were there waiting for us and guided us to the boat, we took no more than 5 minutes to get into the island. El otro lado is a beautiful boutique hotel, with a friendly and very attentive staff that took care of every need that we had. Food was delicious and they even prepare something special for our kids. 100% recommended. Just remember to use repellent, always.
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$485 - $562 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
el otro lado hotel portobelo
LOCATION
PanamaColon ProvincePortobelo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about El Otro Lado
Which popular attractions are close to El Otro Lado?
Nearby attractions include Black Christ (1.0 miles), Portobelo National Park (0.7 miles), and Playa Blanca (2.0 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at El Otro Lado?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at El Otro Lado?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at El Otro Lado?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to El Otro Lado?
Conveniently located restaurants include Panamarina, Restaurante Pizzeria Don Quijote, and El Castillo.
Are there opportunities to exercise at El Otro Lado?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to El Otro Lado?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Portobelo National Park (0.7 miles).
Is El Otro Lado accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.