El Otro Lado
Bahia de Portobelo, Portobelo Panama
Full view
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Room & Suite (84)
Pool & Beach (60)
About
Location
4.7
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.7
Value
4.3
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
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Location
Full view
Contact
Bahia de Portobelo, Portobelo Panama
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129Reviews3Q+A35Room tips
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I would have to rate it 10pts! Above and beyond expectations! We arrived at night but staff was waiting to guide us through parking and hotel boat. The scenery at arrival was truly magical and unexpected as we sailed effortlessly through lightened Corotu trees and monkeys howling announcing our arrival! Greetings, drinks, new and old friends, and the best dinner starting with wine and mozzarella búfalo and fresh 🍅! The cabins are so cozy and confortable! Every piece neatly placed and smelling good!! Two wonderful days! Private beach, coral reefs, mangrove ecology tour, boat drive with captain and skipper ensuring safety and confort! The Caribbean side is worthwhile! The whole experience has been fantastic from every standpoint. The staff is perfectly synchronized to cater to all unimaginable wants and needs. The property and the project is carefully interwoven with the local community! Reminds me of the superb detailed oriented and community connexion of And Beyond luxury experiences in Africa. Thank You @Jorge Zarak the artist and soul of the experience and the marvelous first class staff! Lake, river, beach, infinity perfectly maintained pool Just exquisite and lovely!…
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Get together with family and old friends and they will plan the rest! Un paralled. We have to...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
5 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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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
Location
Service
Room Tip: Any of the cottages they all face the sea
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
+1
Super clean with superior staff that look to take care of your every need! Great food too! Would highly recommend this resort if you are looking to hike, snorke, swim, eat and drink deliciously. Would enjoy a return trip!
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
We spent 2 weeks in Panama staring with 6 nights in Casco Viejo, 4 nights in Boquete and then the final 3 nights at El Otro Lado . Our travel planner recommended EOL as a place to unwind and relax as the third stop on our trip. I am glad we listed to his advice. Once you take the boat across the inlet to the hotel its like you are in your own private world. Our first full day we took a morning cultural tour across the inlet in portobelo and then a sunset boat ride thru mangroves. The second day we just enjoyed the hotel grounds, ( saw the lake and workshops) and relaxed by the pool. It was a great way to wind down our vacation. If you are outside you can hear congo drums from across the inlet. Our room the sea view was wonderful spacious cheerfully decorated and extreemly comfortable. The young staff always pleasant and accommodating and the kitchen was able to modify meals due to my wifes allergies. Note ask ahead perhaps at breakfast to give them time dinner is basically a fixed 3 course menu. Because we stayed midweek it seemed as we almost had the place to ourselves. However one evening we joined another couple at a dinner table and drinks after and it turned our to be a Michelin 3 star chef . I've noted similar comments in other reviews, this place attracts people who just want to unwind with peace and quiet and just enough to do. The perfect end to a great two weeks in panama…
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: loved sea view and forest cottage is similar
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
The decor and art of this resort is stunning! It is unique and so detailed - created as a passion project no doubt by the owner. The staff are charming, wonderful and take good care of your every need including planning and execution of your excursions to make the stay a very memorable one! We would certainly recommend it!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: All rooms are good - the beach is a boat ride though the resort is ocean front.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Spent a weekend in the property, and they really have a great service, I believe one of the best in Panama. The food at their restaurant is really good but quite expensive. Beware of mosquitos, cause you are in a tropical area, so you are bound to be bitten. We went to the beach also, and there was total only 10 people and the water was incredible. We also had one night dinner in the casa congo, but they service is quite uneven, and I do not recommend.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
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 Casa Vela, Panamarina, and Bakery and Restaurant Rico&Rico.
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), Fuente Santiago (1.3 miles), and Fuerte San Jeronimo (0.9 miles).
Is El Otro Lado accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.