Hostal Casa Areka
Calle Ramon H. Jurado Calle 56 Este, Panama City 0834 Panama
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About
#11 of 162 Specialty lodging in Panama City
Location
3.8
Cleanliness
3.5
Service
4.0
Value
3.6
We arrange trips to the San Blas Islands for only 130$ one night all inclusive! Hostel Casa Areka is located in the heart of Panama City close to the vibrant district “Calle Uruguay”. There is a 24hr supermarket opposite of the hostel and two big malls, many restaurants and bars as well as the bus stop (e.g. to the Panama Canal or Casco Viejo) in walking distance. The highlight of our hostel is the amazing pool area surrounded by palm trees with a BBQ area where you can hang out. Inside we have a common room with a pool table and a common kitchen that is equipped with everything you need to cook your own meals (remember there is a 24hr supermarket across the street). We offer private rooms as well as dorms – all with air-conditioning. Breakfast and Internet are included. We also offer laundry service.
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Property amenities
Parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Outdoor pool
Free breakfast
Game room
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Wifi
Vending machine
Shuttle bus service
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Shops
ATM on site
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Location
71Somewhat walkable
Grade: 71 out of 100
25Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
5Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
Calle Ramon H. Jurado Calle 56 Este, Panama City 0834 Panama
Getting there
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $8/day
148Reviews6Q+A10Room tips
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We had the double room which was very simple with old-ish furniture and AC that worked most of the time. Not much insulation so the noise was there - from other guests and from the street mostly. However, it was a great start of our trip in Panama, as it was in a safe rich neighbourhood and had a very welcoming vibe. The breakfast was tasty and a nice experience, given that you have to make it yourself :) It's a bit further from the old town but with Uber everything was a couple of dollars away. And it was very close to Cinta Costera beachwalk.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Safest option to start in Panama City
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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
I gave 5 stars to this very charming location but note this is not a five-stars resort, hostel or hotel. All in all we spent 5 lovely days in Panama City starting all of our activities in Casa Areka. It was our first trip to Panama and our stay here definitely helped us a lot. Jesús (the owner) and Matthias are exceptionally friendly and hospitably. They provided a lot of information, background info and advices what to do and not to do in the city and in Panama. Among other tours and activities they facilitate (note: they do not execute by themselves but help to organise) one could join a tour to the Guna Yala (~160€/day and person, ask Jesús and Matthias for latest info). Casa Areka provides free Wi-fi. The hostel also offers free breakfast from 8-10 a.m. with pancakes, bananas and free coffee. Typical for hostels, breakfast has to be prepared by yourself and also dishes must be cleaned by the guests after use. Kitchen is spacious, reasonably equipped and can be used by all guests. We had lunch and dinner outside but we saw many people preparing their lunch and dinner in the hostel. Cooking together offers anyway a great chance to exchange information and experiences with other guests. Rooms/dorms are functional, tidy and clean. Some (at least those which we used) equipped with Air Condition, TV (never used though 🙈) and fridge. The mattresses were a bit worn out but ok for four nights. Bathrooms (all) were clean and functional and regularly cleaned. Common rooms are also charming, offering place to linger, play pool-billiard/snooker or use the swimming pool.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: Do not use taxis to explore the city but Uber!
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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
Very comfortable and simple hostel which has just what you need for a few nights in Panama City. The kitchen is a perfect place to meet other travelers and everyone is very friendly and helpful - including the staff members! The breakfast pancakes are delicious. The kitchen was a little limited and didn’t feel the cleanest but you could still cook decent meals there. Overall we’re very happy with our stay!
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I reserved the private room with private bathroom and although the sink and the A/C were not working properly, it was completely fixed 3 days after. Great choice for an area that is known for expensive lodging. Facilities are comfortable and staff is very serviceable. Place only takes cash, just to keep it in mind.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled on business
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Stayed for much longer than anticipated, great atmosphere, great staff, thoroughly enjoyed my time there. All round, an excellent place when in Panama city, staff were really helpful and knowlegable. Facilities regularly cleaned. Well situated to be able to access everywhere easily
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Date of stay: July 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Can not fault this place, facilities great, it is a beautiful comfortable outdoor oasis with swimming pool, BBQ, seating area and hammock space, well equipped kitchen, SUPER clean, hot showers, the beds soooo comfortable and the bed linen changed regularly, room cleaned every other day if you want it. Very tranquil considering it's smack bang in the centre of bustling Panama City, there are quite rooms available if city noise bothers you, so request when booking, they are very accommodating here. All of the staff are so kind, fun... in a word... AMAZING!!! It's a wonderful vibe here, exceded our expectations. HIGHLY recommend. 5*
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
I have travelled and stayed in so many hostals around the world, and for me, Casa Areka has the biggest and warmest heart. The facilities themselves are very good, there are same sex and mixed dorms available, vulnerable travelers can feel safe and their needs support here. There are private rooms also. The beds are super comfortable, with cotton bed linen and good pillows. The rooms are cleaned and bedding changed regularly. There are plenty of bathroom facilities, shared and private, with hot water showers, and clean fluffy towels. We had a family room as we have a young son, with air con and a very comfortable bed. From a family perspective, our stay here was super special, and they treated our son like family, gave him attention and were genuinely interested in his jokes, his projects, it warmed my heart to watch them laughing, playing, chilling together, my son so happy after all the Covid related inaction and isolation. Joy is contagious, and many others were touched by the happy vibes, we all made many deep lasting relationships here with other travellers too, still thriving even after waving goodbye and going our seperate ways. Many happy moments and memories were made here, sharing food, having BBQ's, which is rare to find given these interesting but fear filled times we find ourselves travelling in. As a busy mum, I was able to fully rest, relax, release, restore knowing all was well in our happy Casa Areka bubble, lol. There is a lot to keep you entertained, the SWIMMING POOL obviously (yes, you can actually use it unlike many places), they have good WiFi, lots of games, a pool table in the spacious lounge, a TV for movies, books to share and a VERY nice patio by the pool, hammock area, tables and chairs, a BBQ, all fully functional and available which is a relief during this pandemia. Often, in my quiet moments in the hammock I was visited by many varieties of birds, even hummingbirds which always feels magical... even as i write this review there is a beautiful red headed woodpecker just feet away from me searching for food on the palm trunk next to my hammock. This patio really is a surprisingly delightful pretty palm fringed oasis in the middle of a bustling city. The kitchen, the bathrooms, the common areas... are SPOTLESSLY clean and cleaned with care and regularity. I have actually never experienced a hostel like it for its dedication to health and hygiene, whilst still remaining relaxed and comfortable. The kitchen for me is super important as I cook, and like to cook, a LOT! The kitchen is well stocked and easy to navigate, with cold potable water and secure spaces for your food items and a large communal fridge. Breakfast is also included with american style pancakes, fruit and syrup, tea and coffee... its a hearty start to the day and is available from 8am - 10am. There is a same day laundry service also available - washed, dried, folded and returned, a very affordable and excellent service. Every city convenience is super close by, which was awesome and Ubers are plentiful and cheap to visit the many points of interest Panama City has to offer. Regardless of all the plus points so far... and there are many... what makes Casa Areka SUPER special is the STAFF. The staff are truly, big capital letters AMAZING!!... so warm, friendly, fun, kind and thoughtful, they really make you feel like you have arrived home, because for them, Casa Areka is their home.... and it doesn't take long at all to feel like family. I remember, when I first arrived, and discovered the hammock, I fell into it so exhausted after our long and epic journey. A few minutes later, JESUS the manager, with his big beautiful smile, offered me a soft pillow for my head... so sweet, so thoughtful.... Jesus really is the cherry on the cake of this place, his authenticy, love, enthusiasm and energy is VERY special indeed. JESUS, JUAN, MERCEDES and SARA, we LOVE you, you made our stays here the best we've ever experienced. Thank you, so much. You have a very special place in our hearts ❤ we will see you again. Thank you Casa Areka 🌈 La Familiar Speer 💕…
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip 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
I enjoyed my stay at casa Areka. The staff (Jesús) was really fun and the hostel has everything it needs to have: an outside area, shared bathrooms but also bathrooms in your room, a pool billard, etc. Absolutely recommendable!
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Date of stay: June 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
And there was Jesus - quite literally. After travelling in a freezer van for 8+ hours (aka an overnight bus), we stumbled into this urban Panamanian oasis. Greeted by the one and only, Jesus. Who was surprisingly chirpy for 4.30am. Jesus showed us through to the welcoming communal area, equipped with a pool table, lounge seating and a fully stocked beer fridge. With an ice cold Balboa firmly in our paws, we were able to dump our bags, freshen up and lay back around the pool until our room was ready. Jesus and his trusty sidekick Nala (a cat not a lion) hospitality was outstanding!! They even made us banana pancakes and coffee every morning!! We highly recommend this hostel to anyone staying in Panama City!!! And heres more free advice - ohhh boy, does Jesus love tripple ripple chocolate donuts. Crickey!! We bought a 6 pack as a thank you. As we were leaving, we found Nala and him wrestling for the last donut, chocolate all over their fur and whiskers. …
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Jesus and the gang are really cool. The outside space is nice and the people there are generally friendly. I love the location with walking distance to the Mall and Grocery. They organize tours, have breakfast and great coffee. It's clean and the AC works fine. I highly recommend this hostel.
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Date of stay: April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$15 - $41 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaPanama ProvincePanama City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Claim Your ListingHOSTAL CASA AREKA $41 ($̶5̶4̶) - Updated 2023 Prices & Hostel Reviews - Panama/Panama City
Frequently Asked Questions about Hostal Casa Areka
Which popular attractions are close to Hostal Casa Areka?
Nearby attractions include Wahaka Party (0.2 miles), Ocean Sun Casino (0.3 miles), and El Sotano Escape Room Game (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hostal Casa Areka?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at Hostal Casa Areka?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at Hostal Casa Areka?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Hostal Casa Areka?
Conveniently located restaurants include Wahaka, Masi, and Darna's Bread Co..
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hostal Casa Areka?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool during their stay.
Does Hostal Casa Areka have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Hostal Casa Areka offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Hostal Casa Areka have airport transportation?
Yes, Hostal Casa Areka offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to Hostal Casa Areka?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Capilla San Jose (3.3 miles), Plaza de Francia (4.5 miles), and Panamá Viejo (2.7 miles).
Is Hostal Casa Areka accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.