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Panama Hotel

2.0 star property
Hotel in San Rafael with a restaurant

Photo gallery for Panama Hotel

Exterior
Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow) | Living area
Room (Lady Bracknell's) | Terrace/patio
Room (Roy Roger's)
Cabin (Captain's Cabin) | Living area

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

Room options

Room (Grant's Tome)

Highlights

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

Room (Garden Room)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Jennifer's)

Room (Jennifer's)

Room (Jennifer's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Ken's Safari)

Room (Ken's Safari)

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
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Maria's Pueblo)

Room (Maria's Pueblo)

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
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

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
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room (Bordello)

Room (Bordello)

Room (Bordello)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Rosie's)

Room (Rosie's)

Room (Rosie's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Roy Roger's)

Room (Roy Roger's)

Room (Roy Roger's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Venetian)

Room (Venetian)

Room (Venetian)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Dale Evans)

Room (Dale Evans)

Room (Dale Evans)

Highlights

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

About the area

San Rafael

Panama Hotel places you steps from San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and within a 15-minute stroll of Marin History Museum. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .This pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and a garden. Plus you'll find coffee/tea in a common area. .Attractions within a 20-minute drive of this Gerstle Park hotel include San Francisco Bay and Presidio of San Francisco.

What's nearby

  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Falkirk Cultural Center - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Dominican University of California - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Marin County Civic Center - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market - 5 min drive - 4.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪California Gold - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Depot Garden Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Tam Commons - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Red Rooster Brick Oven - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Panama Hotel

Hotel in San Rafael with a restaurant
There's a restaurant on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. Panama Hotel also features a garden and coffee/tea in common area.
  • 13 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1910
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Garden
  • Dining venue
Panama Hotel offers 13 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation includes desks. 32-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit with a rainfall showerhead. This San Rafael hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 50+ Mbps. Change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site 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 aged 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

  • Pets: USD 15.00 per pet, per stay
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting in all accommodation.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Panama Hotel?

Panama Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to Panama Hotel?

The closest beach to Panama Hotel is Stinson Beach (12.5 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Panama Hotel?

No, Panama Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Panama Hotel?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Panama Hotel's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Panama Hotel?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Panama Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 95 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 95 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 95 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 95 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 95 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
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 traveller

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

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Sweet Suite

Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Giancarlo, San Rafael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right few blocks from downtown. Great old cute place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barry

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

Serine

Amazing!!!
Blue moon over Queen size bed
Treats bought for a pick-nick at Stenson Beach
Bubble bath in the old fashion tub
Exterior
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Spend a little more, or wait until the work's done

The hotel was quaintly old-fashioned but not ready for guests. The room I booked had no functioning heater so I had to take another room; there was no private bath, and the bath I had near my room had no hot water in the shower; after I washed my head in the cold water, I wiped up the water and the towel came up almost black - the floor obviously had not been mopped in a long time; the telephone in my room did not work, despite numbers being posted on the wall for the office and outgoing calls.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Ayliah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is super pretty! It's a bit older in its appearance and amenities but it kinda gives modern Victorian and I was for it! The heaters are not as strong as I would have loved for the weather and the locks aren't necessarily the most strong feeling on the room doors but I loved it regardless and will be going back! BE ADVISED THAT NOT ALL ROOMS HAVE ATTACHED BATHROOMS. BE SURE TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES AND CALL THE PROPERTY IF NEEDED!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles, Tiburon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Got in late for check in and they had key in lock box for me.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Charming old house, converted to a hotel. Safe location. Easy walk to numerous restaurants and other businesses. Clean. Proprietor is pleasant and polite. Nice bedroom. Shared bathrooms. (Difficult to get a comfortable setting on the shower.) Good overall.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Andrea

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

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
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great retro, comfortable with minimal bothersome amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ryan

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

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

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

CHERYL WEINTRAUB

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024