Panama Hotel

2.0 star property
Hotel in San Rafael with a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Panama Hotel

Exterior
Room (Roy Roger's) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk
Room (Lady Bracknell's) | Terrace/patio
Cabin (Captain's Cabin) | Living area | 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels
Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow) | Living area | 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
4 BAYVIEW STREET, San Rafael, CA, 94901
  • Place, Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Dominican University of California
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Marin County Civic Center
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

Room (Bordello)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Garden Room)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Grant's Tome)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Jennifer's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Ken's Safari)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

Room (Maria's Pueblo)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Roy Roger's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Rosie's)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

Room (Venetian)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Dale Evans)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

San Rafael

Located in Gerstle Park, Panama Hotel is adjacent to San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and a short stroll from Marin History Museum. This 13-room hotel has in-room conveniences like microwaves, coffee makers, and Smart TVs.

What's nearby

  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Falkirk Cultural Center - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Dominican University of California - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Marin County Civic Center - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Richmond Transit Center - 19 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Depot Garden Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Il Davide - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪California Gold - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Red Rooster Brick Oven - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Panama Hotel

Hotel in San Rafael with a restaurant
Guests of Panama Hotel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, coffee in a common area, and a garden. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide front-desk service during limited hours.
32-inch Smart TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers and hair dryers. Microwaves, coffee makers, and desks are also available. Change of towels is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 50+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Panama

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • Built in 1910

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25.00
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25.00

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 15.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 15.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 25.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25.00 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Panama Hotel Hotel
Panama Hotel SAN RAFAEL
Panama Hotel Hotel SAN RAFAEL

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Panama Hotel?

Panama Hotel provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do around Panama Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Gerstle Park, just steps from San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park. You'll also find Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Panama Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does Panama Hotel have a casino?

No, Panama Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Panama Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Panama Hotel good for couples?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a rainfall showerhead and a smart TV as well as a restaurant.

Does Panama Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Panama Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Panama Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Panama Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Panama Hotel for a fee of USD 15.00 per pet, per stay.

Are there connecting rooms at Panama Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Panama Hotel?

The closest major airport to Panama Hotel is Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is about 24.7 mi away. Another top airport is San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), which is around 25.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Panama Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a balcony or a deck.

Reviews

Panama Hotel Reviews

7.4

Good

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 112 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 112 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 112 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 112 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 112 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Relaxed, safe, great location. Boutique charm, and a bookcase for exchange reading.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great spot, unique property. Lovely location
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A unique boutique in Marin!

If you're looking for a unique boutique hotel in Marin, this is a wonderful place to stay! The rooms are very comfortable and the inn keeper, Enos, is a great and accommodating host! Be aware that some rooms have a shared bathroom, so check to make sure it says "private bathroom" if that's a requirement. Other than that, I highly recommend and will return again! Thanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and friendly people. Would recommend 👌
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thanh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Craig

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The whole property is under renovation and only shared bathroom rooms are available. It is old, tight steep stairs, small rooms. Its more like a child vacation home than a hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Panama Hotel has a certain old-time charm and is a really great place to stay. The staff is friendly, helpful, and responsive. The room was comfortable and the Internet connection was good. The shared bathroom was fine except for when someone took a bath and left the tub dirty (it was cleaned up by staff the next morning). I will stay here again if needed and would recommend to friends and family as a charming and, at times, reasonably priced place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Joyce

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Panama Hotel should not be operating. Much construction work to be done, bathrooms need to be operable and also let guest know they are shared! One set of stairs did not have a railing. I immediately left, had to book somewhere else and Panama has refused to refund. Hotels.com didn't back me either.
no railings, stains
shower didn't work.  Shared bath, other option was clawfoot tub other end of the hall.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay cozy cabins.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Riley

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved my stay here. It’s giving hostel, very true to what would would find in Panama and we were so here for it!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hannah

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Ken’s Safari room was much more remodeled than shown in the picture! It was a very pleasant surprise. No complaints, perfect for two days with my husband and dog. Very easy self check in at 1am.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jennifer's Room Misrepresented - No Bathroom

The listing of this hotel significantly misrepresents the actual accommodations. Jennifer's Room is listed with the following amenities: shower/tub combo, toilet, air conditioning, and photos of the room show a large space with a dining area. In reality, the dining area is completely detached from the room, located across the hallway, and is a common space for all guests; the room itself is juuust large enough to fit a double bed and nothing more. The room had absolutely no air conditioning or vents; the only air conditioning was in the hallway, and the room itself only had a ceiling fan and a baseboard heater. The stated bathroom amenities were actually two shared bathrooms in the hallway, one of which was out of order when I arrived. The listing did not show any photos of the bathroom which should have raised alarm bells but because it was listed in the amenities I did not think anything of it. The listing should EXPLICITLY state that it is a shared bathroom, but it does not, which is intentionally misleading. I contacted hotels.com immediately upon arriving at the hotel to cancel my stay at 10pm when I checked in, and I did not stay at the property at all. Despite hotels.com escalating my cancellation request, the hotel has refused to provide a refund, even though their listing is demonstrably inaccurate and misleading. I will be reporting fraud to my credit card company.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Traveled with pets
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel should have its license revoked. The room I booked apparently had a broken toilet, which I did not find out until I checked in, gave my cc and id, and was taken to a completely different room. The room I was taken to had a 6 inch at least dip in the mattress visible from the door. I asked to see an alternative room and that room had bleach stains all over the bedding. Not only this, but the hotel was under construction and I saw no other guests or staff except the person who checked me in. When I said that I did not feel comfortable staying there and requested a refund, they refused.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Avram

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A nice neighborhood place in San Rafael

I like this family-style hotel, but the mattress was not great ... the bed kind of felt like my bed BEFORE I replaced the 20-year-old mattress. I still slept okay, though.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ava

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Genevieve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a unique place. I stayed for 6 days after having a minor medical procedure so i wanted a homey feel and an economical price. This gave me both. It is clean but it is unique. My room had a little patio with a fence and was private which was great given i was in my room a lot. Tv is small but adequate, 2 blocks from grocery and convenience store, in a clean quiet residential neighborhood. Highly recommend if you are OK with a bit out of the ordinary- to me very pleasant. Would stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great value and understated elegance

This is a lovely hotel with many economic room choices and a fantastic aesthetic. Comfortable and elegant.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

FIRMANTE

Business traveler
Disliked: Amenities
I was thrilled when I first saw the hotel's name, but my excitement quickly faded upon arrival. The hotel was in a deplorable state, dirty and unkempt. To make matters worse, I discovered bed bugs on my bed. When I reported this issue to the staff, they inquired if I had found the windows open. I stayed for two nights because I was aware that a refund would not be possible.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Nellie

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was unique, very aesthetically, pleasing, Victorian style hotel, and like an island type resort setting feeling. Different but very comfortable and easy and lowkey.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quaint! Felt right at home! Will always come “home” for a visit.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024