When I booked the room it didn't say the dorm has 12 beds. Please state this properly on booking. One bathroom only, not even a big mirror in the room. I find that very easily fixable. No soap in the bathroom, and in my two days stay it hasn't been cleaned. The kitchen is sad. It's nice that there is one but it's very cluttered, not organized in ages and there is not even one single cup or glas. It's equipped with less than the bare minimum. For this size of hostel I expect more. There is no beach close by. Whatever that piece of sand is nearby you cannot call it beach. It either has to be cleaned up properly or you have to take this out from booking.

Huge common area to hang out, really good music and DJs, AC worked nicely, friendly staff

Stayed in August 2025

Really dirty bathrooms and kitchen, which was really lacking in utensils and decent cooking equipment. The local supermarket is really close but SO expensive so bear that in mind. Music is on till late every night so if you are looking for a chill place, this isn’t it.

Great pool area and lots of space to socialise. Big party hostel and lots of events on every night. Located on a beautiful island. Staff were so friendly and helpful.

Stayed in August 2025

No hammocks or hooks to hang up clothes/towels

Staff were great. Good fun!

Stayed in June 2025

- It's now low season and Panama is facing a lot of roadblocks, so it wasn't suuuuuper full but still social nonetheless. - The room didn't feel humid, but my clothes didn't seem to dry. This might've been because of the issue with the A/C, as it was leaking. No biggie :) - Shared kitchen was not close to dorms and not super clean, but there are affordable food options around so I didn't feel like cooking.

I deeply enjoyed my stay here, it is in a great location what with the views and quietness of Isla Careneros and a short boat taxi away from town. Love the bar and pool area also. The beds were very comfortable. THE STAFF WAS AMAZING. Everyone very smiley and nice - I must shoutout the head of security Bernardo for ensuring everyone's comfort and safety during our stay and especially during Filthy Friday! I loved the convenience of not having to buy a ticket to the party but rather stay there for the end of it and have 'free' access to it. Also, there was an issue with the A/C in the dorm and they rapidly found a solution, even giving me a night in a private room! Great fun, great memories.

Stayed in May 2025

small places to store luggage

nice deck and vibes. sea view is super!

Stayed in April 2025

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The accommodations were comfortable and clean, and the amenities were top-notch. A special shoutout to Duda, who made my stay even more delightful with her super friendly, open and helpful demeanor. Thank you for making my visit so enjoyable!

Stayed in July 2024

The deluxe double bedroom is quite closely located to the kitchen where a compressor makes a lot of noise. Also, quite expensive for east it offers

Great location and if you like to party it is the perfect spot to meet new people. Also, everyday new activities and you should make sure to be at the Filthy Friday party (everyone around is coming and the whole hostel is packed!).

Stayed in February 2024

The shared bathroom was outdated, it clearly needs some maintenance. Staff had a kitchen in the main floor and they were very loud.

The location is perfect, just one min away from Bocas town. The hostel got a lot of potential, keep in mind is a party hostel so it's very loud, but if you are looking to meet new people this is the right place.

Stayed in October 2023

The kitchen could use a microwave and one more cleaning day a week. It’s a party hostel so prepare for dirty washrooms and probably disgusting dorms (depending on who’s staying with you ofc). The washrooms are no inside the room!!! I thought mine was. So many bugs… I believe there is an infestation in one of the dorms :( Food is a little expensive (you can find other alternatives around the island or in colon - there’s a burger place right behind the hostel for $3) All in all they sell what they advertise: fun :)

Everyone working at this place is absolutely amazing. They’re always sweet and helpful. They’ve made my stay!!! The location is great because you’re only a minute and a dollar away from the main island but still in a nice fun and paradisiac place. The parties!!! And activities are super fun Would stay here again!

Stayed in July 2023

If you don’t feel like partying, you will have trouble sleeping because the dorms are right next to the bar 1$ water taxi anytime you need to go to the main island Bit expensive for a hostel dorm Kitchen quite dirty and not very equipped

Really nice lounge / swimming area Slack line and jump platforms are very funny Social vibes and lots of parties Good to stay there for Reggae night and Filthy Friday so you don’t pay entry

Stayed in February 2023

- a/c in dorm on 26 was too hot - reception was often empty

- set up of facilities, beautiful location and relaxation oasis - grate parties

Stayed in November 2022

Our room was really simple, it would have been nice to have something to store your clothes.

We loved the big terrace and of course the pool! Our room had a good working A/C. Even though they had some partys we had a good sleep.

Stayed in September 2022

if you don’t come for the filthy friday it’s very empty

everything

Stayed in August 2022

Nothing, we had an amazing stay while being there.

This was an amazing place where to stay during our trip to Bocas del Toro. The dooble room was very comfortable and clean with air conditioning. The restaurant had really tasty food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. It also served great cocktails and drinks. Even though it is a party hostel, our double room was quite separate from the common area so the noise was not a problem for us. We took earplugs with us and we were able to have a proper rest during our 3 nights there. This place was especially convenient on Friday, as we attended the Filthy Friday party and we could hop to our room whenever we wanted. Would definitely recommend as the value for money was definitely worth it.

Stayed in August 2025

sometimes the music a bit high in the rooms if you want to sleep early ;-)

f you're looking for good vibes, friendly people, and non-stop fun – Aqua Hotel is the place to be! From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the super cool and energetic staff who make you feel right at home. The atmosphere is just amazing – party mode every day! There’s always something happening, so you’ll never get bored. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, it’s the perfect spot to meet new people and enjoy the lively Bocas del Toro scene. A special shoutout to Nicole, who is incredibly welcoming and always ready to help with anything you need. She truly adds to the charm of the place! I highly recommend Aqua Hotel to anyone looking for a fun, social, and unforgettable party experience. If you're in Bocas and want to have a great time – this is the place!

Stayed in July 2025

Almost bitten to death by bedbugs all over my body. That is the reason why we left a day earlier and lost money. The bedbugs were not in the bedroom but in the common area next to the pool/restaurant in the cushions of the loungers and chairs !!! I DON‘t recommend this hostel.

Good idea but bad execution.

Stayed in July 2025

Very laid back and good value for your money. It’s part hostel and had great energy for a boring Monday night. The receptionist Nicole was amazing and very helpful.

Stayed in May 2025

This review has been hidden because it doesn't meet our guidelines.

I encountered a significant issue upon waking up around 6 am: there was no accessible water. When I inquired, the security staff informed me that water was available for employees but not for guests until 8 am. This was particularly concerning as I was feeling dehydrated and unwell. It's essential for guests to have access to water, especially after a large party, as it is a basic human necessity. It seems unfair that staff had access while guests did not, and I believe this needs to be addressed for future visitors

The motel was a fantastic choice for my stay, especially due to its prime location and its suitability for the Filthy Friday party.

Stayed in September 2024

The rooms smelt and we found a cockroach outside our bedroom. The towels didn’t seem clean and wouldn’t dry from the dampness of the room

Stayed in October 2024

Watch out, Aqua Lounge is a party hostel alright, loud music starts playing at 8am and doesn't stop until after midnight. There is only one private toilet and shower. The rooms are located under the dock which means that we had no window and there was loud thumping coming from above.

The staff in Aqua Lounge is very nice, the food at the restaurant was good, this hostel is the last stop on the Filthy Friday Island crawl, big party that night.

Stayed in July 2024

where do i start…..this place felt like a fever dream and not in a positive way, being in this place truly made my skin crawl from the dirty rooms to the pyramid scheme of a scam that filthy friday is to entice people to this run down shithole. Firstly, I will start with the several insane characters that run this place. Mini backwards cap guy aka reuben was let go from aqua, the day after filthy friday Previously he was spotted with blood and dirt soiled soaked tank top. Before the sitting a fight has broken out between him and the victim. Not only that he entered our all female room at approx 3am with a flash light in hand. He was kinda fire tho in a texas chiefs way Secondly, Red cup guy who has approached us several times through our stay. To be honest he was harmless although he always seemed coked up. There wasn’t a second in the day where he wasn’t present with his bestie reuben.although he wasn’t seen after the incident that took place on filthy friday. We were obliged to ask him about his life after he wouldn’t leave our table. He told us how he’s been coming here since 03 (which is my birth year) and how’s he’s not actually an employee but rather voluntarily there. Then we have louise, one of the kindest staff members who always had a smile on his face. He seemed like a vibe wouldn’t consider letting him go. Moving onto the least pleasant staff member that needs to be humbled and knocked back into the reality that is his vida in aqua. This tattooed goblin needs to decide if his job in aqua is worth being so miserable.He has been living in aqua for several years now and still doesn’t know the difference between a US dollar and the local currency, god bless him.He continuously referred to me as baby When i asked for the currency i paid in he tried to explain how we weren’t in the US even tho i’m not American and have never been. The american dude was pretty fire although he needs to reconsidered several staff members.

Very little

Stayed in July 2024

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EVERY DAMN THING

Stayed in October 2023

The rooms smelled super moldy (not ok for the price qe paid for a private room). And actually they messed up our booking and doublebooked our room. They were very sorry but told us it only happend twice in 10 years, which was a lie cause the same day we already met two other people which had the same issue with them.

The common area is super nice. Drinks were good

Stayed in May 2023