El Machico Hostel
Av. 5a B. Sur Casa #2, Panama City 0401 Panama
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About
#3 of 163 Specialty lodging in Panama City
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.7
Service
4.8
Value
4.8
***We are leaders in Panama City for tours to San Blas Islands*** You can book with us 2 Days/1 Night from $ 110 ($20 extra night) and much more. El Machico Hostel is a young and dynamic Hostel, situated in a big house in Marbella zone, among the more exclusive zones of Panama City, located near the pharmacy, restaurants, supermarkets, ATMs and shopping centers. El Machico Hostel boasts an ample swimming pool with open air cinema by night, pool table, and a small bar. Besides the dormitory, we also have available a marvelous private room with a private bathroom, all rooms with Air Conditioning. All beds are equipped with power outlets. El Machico Hostel offers free breakfast to all customers. Our well informed staff is always at your complete disposition for any information about the city and various excursions. *The Cleanliness Of The Guest Rooms And Other Areas Of The Hostel Is Extremely Important To Us. We Guarantee To Provide A Very Clean And Sanitary Environment.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Billiards
Airport transportation
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Snack bar
Taxi service
Currency exchange
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Safe
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Italian
Location
87Good for walkers
Grade: 87 out of 100
112Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
12Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
Contact
Av. 5a B. Sur Casa #2, Panama City 0401 Panama
Getting there
Rental CarsSee rental cars from $8/day
612Reviews6Q+A36Room tips
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We booked a stay here specifically because they offer bike rentals - but contrary to their website, their booking.com listing, and their photos - all of which advertise bikes - they actually no longer offer them. Bummer, but maybe it was just an honest mistake, right? Maybe they simply forgot to update their listings? No, that doesn't seem to be the case: they seem to be intentionally deceptive & dishonest. Immediately after booking our room, I sent them a message just to ask what *hours* the bike rentals are available. As we're planning our whole day around them, we wanted to know if we'd be able to rent them after an early-morning arrival, or if we'd need to wait some hours until the rental desk opens. They responded "we can discuss when you arrive." I pressed a second time, reiterating that we'd really like to know whether or not our intended schedule would work. It was only after this repeated inquiry that they admitted "we don't rent bikes anymore." So in other words, they deliberately tried to withhold that info despite my making it clear that it was an essential part of our plans. They wanted us to just show up, & discover only once we're there that they no longer have bikes. Why on earth would they not have just been forthcoming the first time I asked? Presumably, because when I followed up a 3rd time to ask where else we could rent, the option offered was halfway across the city, which would've completely changed the day we had planned. I should also mention that they do still, currently list bike rentals on their website (blue flyer posted on their "Other Tours" page), on their booking.com listing, and in the photos they've posted here on Tripadvisor. I pointed this out to them over a week ago, but they have still not corrected the misinformation, which makes it pretty clear that it wasn't just accidentally overlooked. Even if you don't care about bikes, I would advise avoiding this place. Sure, services change. But any reputable business would've been forthcoming the first time I asked, and would've rectified the issue upon being notified. Would you really feel comfortable staying somewhere that clearly wants to deceive its guests?…
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Helpful staff, breakfast included. Pool is great. Place feels safe and offers a quiet but interesting place to stay in the city. This was the first Hostel I stayed in panama, was a great place to start. Worth the money and positioned in a great location in the city.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip 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
The hostel is close to food eateries and the financial district, ATM and staff were friendly, pancake breakfast was good , rooms and hostel were clean, only one bathroom per room which could be a challenge if full
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
+1
The common areas were clean. The price is reasonable for what you get. A good location to access different parts of Panama City. Plenty of restaurants and stores closeby. I think the number of bathrooms is not enough for the number of beds they have, but I traveled during COVID, when they had low number of guests; therefore, I did not have any problems using the bathroom. Recommendation: hand wash/soap should be available in all toilet rooms. The staff was always friendly and available; they were always smiling and willing to answer any questions I had. Beds are comfortable. The rooms are air-conditioned. I would stay here again.
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Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
The best hostel I've have ever been at in central america. Everything is clean, the beds comfortable and good breakfast.Alex helped me a lot planning my trip to Guatemala which was very nice, he knows alot by the way. Thank you so much Machico! I will be back one day.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I had an amazing time at this hostile.. The staff is very friendly especially the front desk clerk Roger such an amazing person!! and friend!! showed us where to go we’re all the good spots are as well with Many awesome options to choose to eat from and even Took us salsa dancing! As well taking us to totally Rad concert! Dude what more can you ask for! SO #1The pool is always clean The staff is very cleanly and clean and friendly and is all ways willing to help #2Made beds every day Kitchen is very clean. #3Plenty of bathrooms that are in very good condition pool showers work with hot water as well as bath room showers. #4 fun and exciting bike Tour rides of Panama City. And the tour guide is Such an amazing beautiful person as well! such a fun time! #5 They also offer an island tour that you can book with them While you are at the hostel!! And will bring you back to Panama or take you to Cartagena Columbia. #6However 🙌🏼🚩🚨 DO NOT BOOK WITH BLUE SAILING! OR GIT ON A BOAT CALLED THE SOVEREIGN GRACE THAT IS A VERY VERY BAD BOAT TO BE ON!🚩🚨But how ever this is a Amazing hostel to be at. It’s in great condition and It has air conditioning all so in a great location in the city it has Marble tile floors and Great restaurants right nearby which is only 40 seconds away ! so if you’re passing by or looking on line it’s got a awesome chill vibe or if you are simply looking for a good Place to call home sweet home for a little while this is definitely the place!!!…
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My stay at El Machico was a very Enjoyable one! A very good included Breakfast, Pool and a very helpful reception desk for booking day trips/tours to San Blas etc. Could not recommend them more highly!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This hostel provides very nice rooms which are clean and spacious. Also the bathrooms were clean. When we arrived the guy at the reception was very unfriendly, we never experienced something like this. He did not explain everything and when we had questions he was not very motivated to help us out. The staff is one of the most important things in a hostel, that‘s why we were disappointed.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I had high hopes for Machico. The staff was indifferent/not the most helpful - you’d have to ask three times to get a taxi or shuttle. They do offer San Blas trips and a bike tour daily - did both and enjoyed them. Several of the tours advertised on their website are not offered regularly. You could ask about a trip and they say ask the guy tomorrow, then that guy says ask the guy tomorrow. They’ll say you need to find a minimum of 2 and then it goes up to minimum of 4 people. Cost of $80 then it goes up to $140. Don’t use this hostel as a home base to explore the country - because they won’t help you other than their own San Blas and bike tours. They do provide pancakes and banana for breakfast and have a large kitchen. There’s a large common area downstairs with pool, couches, table, books, drinks and snacks for purchase. The dorm rooms are not locked - and if you stay in a dorm with an en-suite bathroom the. people will come in through out the day and night to use the bathroom if someone was in the hallway bathrooms. There are lockers that’ll fit a small backpack/carryon. The location is in a downtown area with lots of restaurants and shops - far from Casco Viejo and other attractions. It felt safe - but just an odd spot. Based on the unhelpful staff, limited tour options and location - I would not recommend staying here.…
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Date of stay: December 2019
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
With a great location and nice staff you can’t get much better hostel for $12. Including breakfast (pancakes and coffee/tea). And a pool 😎 Nothing to complain about. But if you are over 185 cm you might find the beds too short.
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$15 - $55 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
PanamaPanama ProvincePanama City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about El Machico Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to El Machico Hostel?
Nearby attractions include Chillin Multicentro (0.3 miles), Brew Stop Marbella (0.08 miles), and El Karaoke 50 (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at El Machico Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at El Machico Hostel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and a snack bar during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to El Machico Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Azahar Panama, La Vespa, and Restaurante Hikaru.
Are there opportunities to exercise at El Machico Hostel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does El Machico Hostel have airport transportation?
Yes, El Machico Hostel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at El Machico Hostel?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to El Machico Hostel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Capilla San Jose (3.2 miles), Plaza de Francia (4.9 miles), and Panamá Viejo (3.1 miles).