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Panama Hotel

2.0 star property
San Rafael hotel in Gerstle Park area

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Photo gallery for Panama Hotel

Surrounded by lush greenery, this charming hotel boasts a vibrant entrance with a distinctive door and colorful awning.
Kitchen features a sink, coffee maker, and wine glass holder on a countertop, with a framed picture above the sink.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish living space with a flat-screen TV, dining table, and modern kitchen.
Classic design bedroom with a bed, nightstand, desk, and ceiling fan.
Enjoy a peaceful retreat in this intimate outdoor seating area with two comfortable chairs.

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Room (Garden Room)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Jennifer's)

Room (Jennifer's) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Jennifer's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Honeymoon Room (Honeymoon)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Lady Bracknell's)

Room (Lady Bracknell's) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Ken's Safari)

Room (Ken's Safari) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Ken's Safari)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Maria's Pueblo)

Room (Maria's Pueblo) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Maria's Pueblo)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Bungalow (Mimi's Bungalow)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

Cabin (Captain's Cabin) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room (Bordello)

Room (Bordello) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Bordello)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Rosie's)

Room (Rosie's) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Rosie's)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Room (Roy Roger's)

Room (Roy Roger's) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Roy Roger's)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room (Venetian)

Room (Venetian) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Venetian)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Room (Dale Evans)

Room (Dale Evans) | 1 bedroom, individually decorated, individually furnished, desk

Room (Dale Evans)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

San Rafael

Gerstle Park stay.At this Gerstle Park hotel, you'll be steps from San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and within a 15-minute walk of Marin History Museum. Also, Mission San Rafael Arcangel is within half a mile (1 km) and Falkirk Cultural Center is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Marin County Civic Center - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles
  • Larkspur Ferry Terminal - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Muffin Mania Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪California Gold - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Java Detour - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Tam Commons - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Depot Garden Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Panama Hotel

San Rafael hotel in Gerstle Park area
There's a restaurant on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. Panama Hotel also features a garden and coffee/tea in a 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 hair dryers. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include desks. 32-inch Smart televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations with rainfall showerheads. 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 daily.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Welcome to SureStay, where guests can park their vehicles in the designated lot.

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
3.1 out of 5, 1,004 reviews
$104 nightly
The price is $116
Jul 28 - Jul 29
Total includes taxes and fees
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch smart TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

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

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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property 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, 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
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, 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. No onsite 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 each accommodation.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Panama Hotel to the airport?

Panama Hotel is 31.5 mi (46-min drive) away from the Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Panama Hotel?

As of Jul 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Panama Hotel on Jul 16, 2025 start from $98.1, 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.

Does Panama Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Panama Hotel.

How close is Panama Hotel to the beach?

This hotel is 5.2 mi (16-min drive) from McNears Beach Country Park and 10.3 mi (16-min drive) from Keller Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Panama Hotel offer free breakfast?

Panama Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Panama Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but San Pablo Lytton Casino (20-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Panama Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs USD 25.00 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Panama Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does Panama Hotel have a pool?

Panama Hotel does not have a pool.

Does Panama Hotel have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Panama Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Panama Hotel to downtown San Rafael?

Panama Hotel is 0.4 mi away from San Rafael.

Panama Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 88 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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 traveler
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

Traveled 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

Verified traveler

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

Business traveler
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 traveler
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 traveler

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A night full of rest..😴thank you guys!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Scott

Business traveler
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

4/10 Poor

Jan

Junk stored everywhere. Property is in ownership transition
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wesley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is very cute. We had a great stay. There’s a great bakery around the corner
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anicia

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
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