Panama Hotel

2.0 star property
San Rafael hotel with restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Located near San Francisco Bay, Panama Hotel offers a warm atmosphere with free in-room WiFi. Take a stroll through the garden or rest easy knowing there's 24-hour front desk assistance.

Reviews

7.4 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (6)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (6)

  • Microwave
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Cable TV service

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

Room (Bordello)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Garden Room)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Grant's Tome)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Jennifer's)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Ken's Safari)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

Room (Maria's Pueblo)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Roy Roger's)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Rosie's)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

Room (Venetian)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Room (Dale Evans)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-fridge
Smart TV
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
4 BAYVIEW STREET, San Rafael, CA, 94901

What's nearby

  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Dominican University of California - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Marin County Civic Center - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Muir Woods National Monument - 17 min drive - 17.8 km

Getting around

  • Concord, CA (CCR-Buchanan Field) - 42 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 46 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 51 min drive
  • Richmond Transit Center - 19 min drive
  • Berkeley Station - 21 min drive
  • Emeryville Station - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Garden Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Il Davide - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Flatiron - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Red Rooster Brick Oven - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Panama Hotel

When you stay at Panama Hotel, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of San Francisco Bay.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 13 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is noon
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed*
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 50+ Mbps)
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Restaurant
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)

Facilities

  • Built in 1910
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 32-inch Smart TV
  • Cable TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Window screens

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Shower/tub combination
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Soap and shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi (speed of 50+ Mbps)

Food and drink

  • Mini-fridge
  • Microwave

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Dining

Panama - Onsite restaurant.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 25.00 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 25.00 (subject to availability)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 15.00 per pet, per stay

Policies

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.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International

Also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Panama Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Panama Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at Panama Hotel?

Yes, pets are welcome. There's a charge of USD 15.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

Is parking offered on site at Panama Hotel?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Panama Hotel.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Panama Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge of USD 25.00 for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 25.00 (subject to availability).

Is there an onsite casino at Panama Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but San Pablo Lytton Casino (20-min drive) is nearby.

What is there to do at Panama Hotel and nearby?

Panama Hotel has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Panama Hotel?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant, Panama.

What's the area around Panama Hotel like?

Panama Hotel is a short 10-minute walk from Mission San Rafael Arcangel and 14 minutes' walk from Falkirk Cultural Center.

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Reviews

Panama Hotel Reviews

7.4

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

6.4

Amenities

7.8

Staff & service

6.8

Eco-friendliness

6.6

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Room
Bathroom
Shower
Bakery
Neighborhoods
Breakfast
Parking
Service staff
Location
Desk

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Charming small hotel. Enos was kind and helpful at check-in. Fun rooms display lots of creativity. Although it is older, it was comfortable and up-to-date in what we needed. There is also a fun bakery/coffee shop--Armida's-- next door. Easy walk to downtown restaurants.
Marlina, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

I like staying hwre. Quiet, nice, clean. Just need to what you’re getting into, I.e. shared bathrooms which is not evident from the listings Cute place. Bakery right next door. Parking is difficult if you get there late.
Kadidia, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Eclectic Style in San Rafael

Just needed an affordable room while visiting family. I loved all the eclectic charm and antiques at the hotel, such a quirky cool vibe!
Leonard, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay cozy cabins.
Angel, 4-night trip

6/10 Good

Our room was comfortable but the lobby and main areas were very cluttered and not in use which gave the place a strange vibe.
Abby, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

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.
Craig, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
John, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A night full of rest..😴thank you guys!
Leslie, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was cute. We plan to stay here again.
William, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Funky Boutique hotel, I have stayed at before and will again. Not a modern hotel by any stretch, but clean and not too far from downtown food, drink & shopping. Room was clean - the Fridge turned out to be a freezer, but other than that no problems. Restaurant was closed, staff was nice but it is not a 24 hour staffed reception. I liked it and will be back for sure
Scott, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Memory lane

We have fond memories of this wonderful place from 30 years ago. It is now being renovated by a charming, dedicated new owner. It is an easy walk to downtown shops, restaurants and the lovely Mission.
Greta, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It’s a classy old school bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown San Rafael. We stayed in the Bordello Room. Look it uo
Glenn, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

Junk stored everywhere. Property is in ownership transition
Jan, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing hotel. Just the bathroom we had to share the water never would get hot so had to share the other main bathroom & the tv was busted so I couldn’t really watch tv at all.
David, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Charming bedroom with a claw tub! Post could not have been more helpful when we arrived after the office had closed. Just note Expedia did not know that some of the rooms are under renovation, so double check when you book!
Kerry, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

It is under construction, there is no hot water in one of the bathrooms, they only book online, the person there is unfriendly and did not provide wifi password. Used to be a great place albeit a bit funky. Now it’s dismal
Kim, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

Under construction. No one was there when I showed up, but I was two hours early for my reservation. There was no clear signage about where to enter, just a big sign that they changed owners. I honestly thought the place was closed but the nice lady next store told me they must be at lunch. My room (captains room) was near where workers were most of the night. I asked for an extra hour passed check out and they said no.
Dominique St, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

Awful… don’t stay here.

Had a very disappointing stay. Had booked 2 rooms including one for my 80 y/o mother. Building is old and decrepit and the room originally intended for her was up a very steep stairwell and included shared bathroom not immediately apparent upon booking. My S/O and I eventually took this room as it was not manageable for her. We found dirty linens with mascara staining on pillow cases. To top it all off, the room was right above their restaurant, which thankfully was closed for renovations. This did not stop hotel staff from partying in the restaurant space until 4am, despite us asking them to be quiet. To cap everything off, the manager refused to offer any sort of refund / compensation for this terrible stay - telling me in person that I needed to go through Hotels.com and then refusing to respond to Hotels.com despite repeated attempts by them to resolve the matter.
4-night trip

6/10 Good

The “24 hour front desk” is an outright lie. Arrived at 8pm and found a note taped to the front door with my full name on it and a phone number to call. My friend called and was able to get the key without verifying any information from myself, just the information in the note. The room was upstairs with no elevator and the bed wasn’t comfortable. The “32 inch smart tv” was neither 32 inch or smart. The friend was actually in a public area shared with everyone else staying there, as was the bathroom. Also found a spider in the room.
Wendell, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

AVOID AVOID AVOID worst stay I’ve ever had

I got off work at the hospital and was told my key would be in a lock box(because there is no 24 hour front desk as advertised) and couldn’t find the lock box in the dark in the winter rain storm. When I rang the bell out of desperation and cold, the man who came to the front was rude and absolutely astounded that I couldn’t find the 4 lockboxes and accused me of being drunk and suggested I find a place elsewhere. When I said that was fine with me he changed his tune. I should have taken the opportunity to stay elsewhere because it was a nightmare. I got into a sparsely appointed room with no bathroom where the window was wide open and the room was freezing. I had to be up at 5 for my shift the next day so I laid down but the light from the hallway around the door was too bright. I left the next morning and got a different room and the hotel refuses to refund me for the other night. Horrible place, best to avoid. All the pictures on the site are from a previous owner: the rooms are not cute, the restaurant is not open, and there is no 24 hour front desk. To top it all off the staff is rude. Get a room elsewhere, you’ll thank me for it later
Window wide open when I got in the room
The one “comfort” in the room
Andrea, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Cute spot with character! Our room was clean and the location was great with lots of food spots within a short walk. Our bed was a little small and lumpy and a bit of the overall charm is lost with the entrance renovations underway, but otherwise no complaints. Easy to find street parking.
Alena, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay
Nicole, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Quaint Hotel in San Rafael

This is my favorite hotel in San Rafael. I often travel with my medium sized dog and they are very welcoming and gave us a great room with a private fenced patio. The rooms have names and individual characteristic decorations. I always get a room with a private bathroom and it is well equipped with coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator with a small sink for washing up. I am looking forward to the day they open their restaurant again. It is easy walking distance to the local park and downtown San Rafael. The staff is very friendly and the room always clean.
Kathleen, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This is a magical place with a really good price. I enjoyed walking into downtown. It is quite, safe and comfortable. Be sure you know that many of the rooms offer shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Also, the stairs are steep and shallow, so it may not be the best choice if you have mobility issues.
Jean, 3-night trip

4/10 Fair

Simple

$115 no private bathroom, very small room. Just thru my day
ferhat, 1-night trip