Hotel Sol y Mar | Bed & Breakfast in Santa Catalina, Veraguas

“This property could use some love! We arrived to a grade 10 drive up a steep steep hill or option 2 - a steep climb up 120 stairs (not a misprint) with no sign indicating you were actually heading to reception. Once checked in we had to go down the 120 stairs to our car. A very kind receptionist gentleman drove down the hill to help us get our luggage up to our room. So only a 30 stair climb from this point! Needless to say you will get a workout. The room was nice. There was air conditioning which was necessary as it is the hot season here AND we were hot after the climb. We were able to get our car part way up the “driveway”. Most clients did not chance it! All this and we do enjoy our stay in Santa Catalina. We do recommend Panama Dive Center for scuba diving!”

“Gino was very helpful. Room was ok but tired. We had to have Gino take our luggage up the hill in his 4 wheel drive truck. The town is dumpy with narrow dirt road. Dinning was fine. Snorkeling was great, BUT it requires a 1.5 hour ride each way in open water in a 20’ boat. On the way out we sat in the front of the boat. About every 5 minutes the boat smash down with me wondering if the boat and my back were going to break. Sit in the back of boat! ”

“We loved our stay. Geno our host was so welcoming & helpful. The breakfast was very nice with fresh juice & fruit. The stairs were ok, but may not be great for all travelers. Geno will try to be available to help with luggage if you give him an estimated arrival time. He has great suggestions for restaurants, tours & kayak rentals. We would definitely recommend!! ”

“Love it! Gino & staff are wonderful ! ”

“We had a very good stay at Sol Y Mar. The owner Brian and staff are super friendly and helpful. Our room was comfortable and very clean. The bathroom fixtures were old and a bit jerry-rigged but in good working order. The view of the sunset from poolside is spectacular! We really enjoyed the food, both the fresh-made breakfasts as well as an excellent dinner with fresh local ingredients and killer mojitos. A word of warning... the property is on the side of a very steep hill with many steps up to most of the rooms and the pool/bar/restaurant area. You should make arrangements with the staff to carry your bags up the hill in the back of their pickup truck (I wasn't that smart!)”

“Fabulous spot, and good breakfasts and dinners, just be aware of the steep climb from road to reception/room and that the hosts can drive their truck down the hill to collect you and luggage if you don't have a vehicle tough enough to climb it!”

“Sol y Mar is like heaven on earth. The owners and staff were awesome. Super kind, welcoming and generous. ”

“What a hidden gem we discovered. We were looking for snorkelling while wintering in Panama and we found Santa Catalina…next step accommodation. With zero knowledge of the area we jumped in on this place. Three nights of total relaxation. Food is excellent, room is perfect and most of all the owners and staff are amazing. The view is breathtaking, pool/bar/restaurant area fun to chill in. They will support any activity you need. The only watch out are the steps BUT let them know and they will help you up and down. The owners are newish and super committed to their investment. We would return in a heartbeat.”

“We had an excellent time, the owners and staff were there and helpful in booking activities. The rooms were clean and the bed was very comfortable. The water was hot and the pressure was good. The restaurant was very good. The only drawback was the access, there are many stairs and if someone has mobility issues it could cause problems.”

“Nice Hotel with an excellent view from the hill top. Very nice breakfast! The good staff and excellent attention made our stay very pleasant. Thanks!”