Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro Province hotel rooms at the Independent

"Internet was good. Had a nice view of the ocean. Room was adequate size for two. Floor was not clean. A/C and ceiling fan were functioning and reasonably quiet. Lighting functioned. Dated decor. King sized mattress had a well on one side. Closet hanger area is pretty small with space for 1 large suitcase below. Desk is very small ... more of a shelf. Shelving space is adequate. Curtains and sheers were adequate and manual. Room is not quiet. Our room was right above the music and bar. Music does not play late. The snoring of other guests, as heard through the wall, is a problem. Deck area is not private and has a/c compressor on it generating significant heat over half of the deck. Deck furnishings are plastic and is no space for a reasonable table. Restaraunt/bar staff try hard, they are just not trained to our service standard. You have to be ok going with what they can do rather noticing to much of what they can not do. Keep your drinks simple. I ordered a pina colada that came with imsufficient ice while cream swirled and curddeled. I didnt ask for a replacement or credit, I just took it back full to the bar and asked for a beer. The food here is simple and acceptable. The main focus of the business is to provide divers an experience. We didnt do a dive so cant comment on that except to say there were numerous tours going out and smiles accompanying the divers return. Fishing is not a commercial concern in Bocas. Land & water taxi readiIy available. Owner is a nice guy."

"Great place. Alan was very helpful."

"Great customer service. Food was good and the staff were helpful at answering all our questions about what to do around Bocas and how to get there. Location was fantastic!"

"Amazing spot and Dave the owner is the ultimate host. This is what you come to Bocas for! Cabins with a view of the ocean, up i. the "

"Comfortable room"

"I hate to give a bad review, but I have to. Our unit was sparsely outfitted. There were no furnishings for your cloths. Hangers on the walls for your clothes and used bath towels would be an improvement. The biggest problem was the bed! The sheet was dirty, the kind of dirt you do not want to see. Under the sheet was even worse. Bad. The housing approaching the lodge is challenged. Depressing in some instances. It smells on some days. Some days there is trash floating in the water. These are things to owners cannot control. Panama should be better than this!! It is a nice place. The people are nice. Getting a taxi is no problem. I do not know how people give it a 10. "

"yes"

"Kitchen was sparse. No coffee maker only espresso machine. We enjoyed our stay. Slept great. Papaya restaurant nearby was our favorite. Staff in Merlin restaurant below the hotel was always friendly and greeted us with a wave and smile but never came over to take our order so on three different occasions we got up and went somewhere else. Is there a cultural thing we’re missing here ?"

"The room was good ,the staff was great "