We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 11 San Rafael hotels »

Panama Hotel

4 Bayview Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Hotel amenities
Panama Hotel
Ranked #4 of 11 hotels in San Rafael
4.0 of 5 stars 13 Reviews
Which San Rafael hotels are on sale?
See hotels
Write a Review

13 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveller rating
    6
    3
    2
    1
    1
Date Rating
San Diego
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 December 2011

I stayed one night at the Panama House in San Rafael in mid-December. Perhaps it was the time of the year that will contribute to this poor review, but others I talked to later had similar experiences at different times of the year. There is a large, busy and elegant restaurant right under a number of the rooms. Kitchen noise,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston, MA
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 November 2011

My wife and I stayed 5 nights in the Safari room during our trip in early July. We ate in the restaurant almost every night and Sunday brunch. There was live music on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It was packed the night Faith Winthrop performed, but we found seats at the bar. The staff was great, the food was varied... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Boston, MA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 October 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Wow. What an unexpected surprise. This is a unique hotel, with bags of character, fabulous food, and good service. The courtyard dining is incredibly charming with lush planning and citrus fruits above you as you eat. The rooms are very different from the bland and uniform product of a Holiday Inn – so if that what you are looking for... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Akron, Ohio
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 October 2011 via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

The best feature is the food and the very wonderful folks who work here. Rooms are very clean and each different from the others. No bugs, we left our balcony doors open the whole stay. Only downside is street parking. Sometimes a challenge.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Eugene, Oregon
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 September 2011
1
person found this review helpful

We stayed one night this summer and absolutely loved it. Quaint, charming, and a great restaurant also. The bed was comfortable and the room was charmingly decorated. We'll be back!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Los Angeles
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 April 2011
1
person found this review helpful

The "suite" we occupied apparently was a converted garage. Let's see what I can remember: dead bugs, hair in the bathroom, spotted carpet, old TV that requires two remotes, wi-fi died at 9:45 p.m., bad mattress, you name it. And then when I told the staff my displeasure it was easy to see that she was really annoyed and attempted... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Asheville, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 November 2010
2
people found this review helpful

Recommended by a local businessman, the Panama Hotel had live jazz in the restaurant, excellent food choices ( I had arugula and beet salad topped with calamari!) and wine by the glass, and the rooms are quaint ,comfortable and well equipped. What a change from usual business hotels: park , for free, on the narrow street out front, check in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 October 2010
2
people found this review helpful

We stayed in August for 1 night. The rooms are in several different buildings closely arranged around a courtyard full of blooming plants. We were in Maria's Pueblo, which was comfortable and newly tastefully remodeled. The bed was very comfortable. Only drawback to room was proximity to the restaurant, so we were woken from a nap by loud restaurant patrons,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Dallas, Texas
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 September 2010

Wonderful hotel with the best staff who will go above and beyond to insure a quality stay. Historical home converted into a bed and breakfast and superior restaurant. Rooms very nicely furnished with all the amenities. Excellent location for sightseeing. The restaurant has superior food with a staff well versed in food and beverage selections. If in the area one... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Barbara, CA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

I really enjoyed my stay at the Panama Hotel. It was just what I was looking for, beautiful and relaxing. I liked having dinner and brunch at the restaurant downstairs. The food was so great, very satisfying. The honeymoon room was nice, the bear claw bath tub was a treat with the patio off to the side. The Panama is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Panama Hotel also viewed

Gerstle Park Inn
4.5 of 5 stars 46 Reviews
San Rafael, Marin County
CHECK RATES! ABS:HotelCheckRates-d74087?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Embassy Suites Hotel San Rafael - Marin County / Conference Center
CHECK RATES! ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81770?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael
3.5 of 5 stars 169 Reviews
San Rafael, Marin County
CHECK RATES! ABS:HotelCheckRates-d81776?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 11 hotels in San Rafael, ranked by popularity »

Been to Panama Hotel? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Panama Hotel, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing