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Panama Hotel

2.0 star property
Peaceful gardens and helpful staff create a serene retreat near San Francisco Bay, where travelers find comfort and relaxation throughout their stay

Choose dates to view prices

The Panama Hotel welcomes visitors with its warm atmosphere just minutes from San Francisco Bay. Guests enjoy complimentary in-room WiFi while exploring the hotel's garden. The 24-hour front desk ensures assistance is always available whenever needed.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Room (Bordello)

Room (Bordello) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Bordello)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

Cabin (Captain's Cabin) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

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 drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Garden Room)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Honeymoon Room

Honeymoon Room | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Honeymoon Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Jennifer's)

Room (Jennifer's) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Jennifer's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Ken's Safari)

Room (Ken's Safari) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

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 drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Room (Lady Bracknell's) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Bungalow (Mimi's)

Bungalow (Mimi's) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Bungalow (Mimi's)

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

View all photos for Room (Maria's Pueblo)

Room (Maria's Pueblo) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

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 drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Roy Roger's)

Room (Roy Roger's) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Roy Roger's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Rosie's)

Room (Rosie's) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Rosie's)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Venetian)

Room (Venetian) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Venetian)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room (Dale Evans)

Room (Dale Evans) | Individually decorated, individually furnished, desk, blackout drapes

Room (Dale Evans)

Highlights

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

Gerstle Park, a neighborhood in San Rafael, is home to Panama Hotel. Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate Bridge are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island. Book Passage and Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field are also worth visiting.
Visit our San Rafael travel guideOpens in a new window
Map
4 BAYVIEW STREET, San Rafael, CA, 94901

What's nearby

  • Marin Bocce Federation - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • 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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Garden Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪California Gold - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Flatiron - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Il Davide - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Panama Hotel

Hotel near San Francisco Bay
Panama Hotel provides amenities like a garden and a restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Coffee/tea in the lobby
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and have comforts such as air conditioning, as well as thoughtful touches like free WiFi and sound-insulated walls.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Rainfall showers, shower/tub combinations, and hair dryers
  • 32-inch Smart TVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Reception
North Bay Inn
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
7.8 out of 10, Good, 945 reviews
$105 nightly
The price is $118
Jan 22 - Jan 23
Total with taxes and fees
North Bay Inn

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

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

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Panama Hotel pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. There's a fee of USD 15.00 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much does it cost to stay at Panama Hotel?

As of Jan 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Panama Hotel on Feb 1, 2026 start from $85.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Panama Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 25.00 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Panama Hotel?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for USD 25.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Panama Hotel located?

Located in Gerstle Park, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park, Mission San Rafael Arcangel, and Falkirk Cultural Center. Dominican University of California and Imagination Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Panama Hotel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

6.6

Amenities

7.8

Staff & service

6.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 129 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 129 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 129 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 129 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 129 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Sweet locale - lots of personal service for check in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Stephenie

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
our rooms are spotless and we love the quirky decor. Our check-in was smooth. This is a really fun place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monique

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I thought my room looked pretty cool. I had the safari room with the moon. Pretty quiet. I had a good nights sleep. The check in was pretty easy. I would totally stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient for exploring San Rafael and Larkspur.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

Adam

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

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is great... such History and thr rooms are soooo cool... always our place to stay ... A++++++
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

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

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed here quite a number of times, and I am always fascinated by all the beauty and intricate details of this historic hotel!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a chance I’m glad we took! It’s so charming and unique. Clean and quiet. We will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and clean. Very serviceable for a restful night. I’m excited to stay again when the restaurant is open.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Kristy

Liked: Amenities
It was unique and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wilma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved how quaint the property was. Staff was superb, and very helpful. They really made me feel at home.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Doug

Liked: Staff & service

It’s a place to stay

I will say that the bed was comfortable and the price was right. Once they finish with the restaurant construction the place will have a nice travelers lodge feel. The bathrooms are shared, so know that going in. Easy walk to downtown San Rafael and it was quiet at the property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 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

8/10 Good

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Sue

Good spot. Disappointed restaurant wasn’t open. Look forward to going back when it is.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Liked: Amenities
Marin county’s best bnb. With beatully themed rooms. The locals put their it guest here to give them a taste of what make the last Mission city special. You can walk to it
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Mike

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We were not told that the restaurant was closed. For the price of the room, I would have expected more amenities; nicer towels, etc. The bed and pillows were fine, room was comfortable. Bathroom tile needed badly to be replaced. The location has convenient for us. Nice little bakery next door.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Kadidia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wouldn't mind staying again - just be cautious

This place has charm and is cute. If you know what you're getting, it's just fine. However, the listings are definitely misleading. It makes the rooms looks bigger and leads one to believe that rooms include a kitchenette area and bathroom, when those are shared areas and not in-room. I do not necessarily mind sharing a bathroom etc but I do want to be aware of that when booking. There is definitely no 24-hour desk, and having the breakfast room not open until 8 AM doesn't work for me as a business traveler. However, there is a great Bakery right next door that I would highly recommend. Please also be aware that there is no on-site or otherwise dedicated parking, and this is right at the edge of a neighborhood. So parking may be challenging depending on when you stay or arrive.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023