Hotel Bocas del Toro

Hotel Bocas has been a staple on the island of Isla Colon since it opened around 11 years ago. With just 11 rooms, this mid-range hotel has a very friendly, intimate atmosphere and a boutique style. One of the most distinct features of the property itself is that it’s decked out top to bottom in natural woods -- about a dozen different varieties of exotic hard woods in fact, creating a very earthy feel. The cozy lobby features seating with pillows displaying designs created by the region’s indigenous people. The individually decorated rooms are warm and cozy, with a nautical theme that reflects the island setting. The hotel’s façade features bright colors of primary blue and yellow -- at once both cheerful and Caribbean, giving off the island vibes of happiness and relaxation. That distinctive bold yellow color can be seen from the water as well, as boats approach the town.

One the hotel’s best feature is its location, simultaneously in the center of town and perched out over the water with great views of the bay. (The rooms on the end of the building with ocean views are the best.) The hotel is one of several cute bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations that line the waterfront in Bocas Town that have decks sitting out over the water. As with many island destinations, the water is a big part of life here, and boat taxis are a very popular mode of transportation. And fittingly, the atmosphere at that hotel maintains that breezy, laid-back island cool -- right at home in the Caribbean.

Hotel Bocas del Toro enjoys a prime location in the very center of Bocas Town, the main hub of the beautiful archipelago that makes up Bocas del Toro in the Caribbean Sea. Bocas Town is located on the southeast tip of Isla Colon, the most populated island in the area, which is also where you can find the airport. (Hotel Bocas del Toro is about a 10-minute walk (or three-minute taxi ride) from the airport.) 

It’s situated on one of the main streets, right across the street from some little boutique shops and a short walk to many bars, cafes, and restaurants. The only thing lacking is a nearby beach; the closest beach is a 20-minute walk from town, though nicer beaches are a farther journey. A bicycle, bus, or taxi ride will do the trick, though.

This charming inn-style hotel has 11 rooms that -- in the fashion of a boutique property -- are individually-decorated. The rooms are very quaint and cozy, with a homey vibe accompanied by a nautical theme. Different varieties of exotic hard woods can be found in everything from the floors and bed frames to the mirrors and shelves, creating the feeling like you’re in the cabin of a really nice ship. In contrast to the woods, crisp whites are complemented by various shades of blue throughout the decor. Even the standard rooms have great details like vaulted ceilings, white-and-blue china vases, and nautical accessories like ship-wheel clocks and fish-patterned shams.

The contemporary bathrooms have wood-slat shower floors and natural-wood counter tops, and they come with locally-made coconut-scented natural soaps and shampoos. Each also comes with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a coffeemaker with local coffee. All the rooms are sunny with lovely, soft light and several rooms enjoy private balconies. The best rooms are at the end of the building, enjoying great ocean views. The rooms on the side of the building closer to the main road can sometimes get street noise at night from nearby bars.

The Town Balcony room has a nice, spacious balcony with a comfortable lounge chair that overlooks the town. It has vaulted ceilings and a queen bed, with an additional single bed tucked into the corner. The Oceanview rooms have lovely private decks with comfortable cushioned wicker chairs and great views that overlook the waterfront. The Bocas Luxury Room on the top floor is the largest room, boasting a spacious outdoor deck with comfortable seating and the best views. The room is big enough to contain a king bed and three single beds, as well as a small sofa and coffee table. It also includes the addition of a mini-fridge and a Bose iPod stereo.

The hotel features an on-site restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood dishes and locally-inspired cuisine; the colorful space has both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor area has bright, hand-painted murals of marine life. The outdoor seating extends onto a dock that sits out over the sea, and at the end a small gazebo enjoys great ocean breezes. The tables are shaded by umbrellas and have great views of the bay, creating the perfect place to relax and absorb the vibe of Bocas Town while enjoying a nice meal. Look down into the clear water below and you might spot a starfish or two chilling on the sandy ocean floor.

Inside next to the lobby and facing out onto the street is the hotel’s bar. The all-wood bar feels almost as though it’s built into the hull of a ship, and the natural woods are very warm and inviting. The staff makes an excellent passion fruit margarita, among other fresh-fruit filled drinks, and the Happy Hour specials are a good value. Half of the bar sits outside on the sidewalk, where guests can enjoy street-side cocktails and watch the daily thrum of town life go on around them. A large bookshelf under the staircase offers a small library with a selection of books, and fresh water is available for guests to fill up their bottles. Beach towels are available at the front desk, and locally-made organic soaps and coffee can be purchased. Kayaks area available to rent from the hotel and in-room massage treatments can be arranged.