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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

Photo gallery for Panama Hotel

A two-story building with a balcony and a porch, surrounded by potted plants and trees. - Panama Hotel (San Rafael)
A bedroom with a canopy bed, bedside lamps, a framed picture on the wall, and a television on a wooden stand. - Panama Hotel (San Rafael)
A balcony with wicker furniture and a glass table. - Panama Hotel (San Rafael)
A living room with a sofa, a television, a kitchen area, and a dining table. - Panama Hotel (San Rafael)
A compact living space with a kitchenette, a dining area, and a sofa. - Panama Hotel (San Rafael)
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

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

View all photos for Room (Bordello)

A bedroom with a red wall, a floral bedspread, and a mirror above the bed.

Room (Bordello)

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

View all photos for Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

A bedroom with a skylight, a bed with colorful pillows, a desk with a lamp, and a blue door.

Cabin (Captain's Cabin)

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

Room (Garden Room)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

Room (Grant's Tome)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Honeymoon Room

A bedroom with a bed, two bedside tables, a nightstand, a chair, and a window with curtains.

Honeymoon Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Jennifer's)

A bedroom with a bed, a desk, a chair, a window with curtains, and a ceiling fan.

Room (Jennifer's)

7.0 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Ken's Safari)

A bedroom with a canopy bed, bedside lamps, a framed picture on the wall, and a television on a wooden stand.

Room (Ken's Safari)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Lady Bracknell's)

A bedroom with a bed, a television, a ceiling fan, and a decorative wall panel.

Room (Lady Bracknell's)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bungalow (Mimi's)

A bedroom with a large mirror, a bed with striped bedding, a bedside table with a lamp, and a window with blinds.

Bungalow (Mimi's)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Maria's Pueblo)

A cozy bedroom with a large bed, a ceiling fan, a desk with a chair, and a view of a garden through a sliding door.

Room (Maria's Pueblo)

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

View all photos for Room (Roy Roger's)

A wooden-paneled room with a bed, a desk, a chair, and a ceiling fan.

Room (Roy Roger's)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Rosie's)

A bedroom with a wooden headboard, a floral bedspread, a ceiling fan, a dresser, and a television.

Room (Rosie's)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Futon
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Venetian)

A hotel room with a large bed, a television, a nightstand with a lamp, and a decorative headboard.

Room (Venetian)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room (Dale Evans)

Room (Dale Evans) | Desk, blackout drapes, soundproofing, WiFi (free)

Room (Dale Evans)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

BUNGALOW QUEEN SIZE BED

  • Sleeps 9
  • Free WiFi

BUNGALOW STANDARD

  • Sleeps 9
  • Free WiFi

Cabin WITH DOUBLE BED

  • Sleeps 10
  • Free WiFi

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. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park, or consider a night out at Fort Mason Center. Visit our San Rafael travel guide
Map
4 BAYVIEW STREET, San Rafael, CA, 94901

What's nearby

  • A statue of a man holding a staff in a garden with a white building in the background.
    Mission San Rafael Arcangel
    10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Gerstle Park
    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

  • The Burren House
    10 min walk
  • Pink Owl Coffee
    9 min walk
  • Muffin Mania Cafe
    1 min walk
  • Garden Cafe
    4 min walk
  • Java Detour
    9 min walk

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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

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 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 steps from San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and 3 mi (4.8 km) from San Francisco Bay. Gerstle Park and Mission San Rafael Arcangel are also within 15 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Panama Hotel Reviews

7.8

Good

8.2

Cleanliness

7.0

Amenities

8.2

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 98 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 183 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was staying over for one night, gorgeous room, great quiet space!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
This is like luxury hostel lodging - shared bathrooms and kitchen … the price is fantastic … my tv got 1 channel and thankfully it was HGTV! Very narrow and steep stairs - coffee every morning (probably after 8am) and a lovely balcony!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Value, Nice Room (Garden), Helpful Staff!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clearly this hotel has seen better days. Shabby chic is generous. Clearly run down, hair dryer power by reset electricity on the cord, bathroom sink dripped all night, ceiling fan in bedroom didn't work. However, coffee and maker very good and a mat in the tub. Clean and the young man on staff was exteeremly helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is quirky but lovely, with so much charm and history. Beautiful gardens. My room was extremely clean, and a really comfortable, peaceful place to be. Surrounded by trees & gardens. The restaurant is closed, but will be reopening at some point. Really easy and convenient to walk right into San Rafael.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nick

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and cute room. Staff was super friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my go-to hotel when I'm in San Rafael. They are renovating the rooms and the common areas and bringing back the bar, which will be so cool. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, bathrooms are clean, wifi is strong, staff is great. There's a lovely bakery next door that I recommend as well.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I Highly Recommend Staying Here!!!! Everything was pretty good for a room at the low of a price. The place was clean and there weren’t any shady characters hanging around like you normally find a cheaper motels. The staff was super helpful and accommodating. The only thing I would recommend is air conditioning in the rooms that the occupant can control. I know that needing air conditioners in Northern California has not been necessary in previous years. However I think we can all agree that it has been getting hotter and hotter each year. So I think it’s time to invest in a little AC unit for the rooms. Other than that everything was really wonderful! Thanks, Nick
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect. Beautiful property. The man who checked us in was amazing. No breakfast is offered at the moment. Would love to enjoy breakfast on property. Parking is on street. I had no trouble finding a spot to park. Loved the balcony!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff is very welcoming. The room is decent and clean. I missed the part that it was a shared bathroom. Does not have a restaurant but close to 7 11 store. Overall I had a pleasant stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
First off I couldn’t find parking, all on street. After 6 pm I was able to park out front. I booked through Expedia as usual. When I arrived a sign saying New Owner was on door. It looked a bit abandoned, didn’t see anyone around. As I checked in the man at the counter said the room you booked has a shared bathroom did you know that? But if you want a private bathroom it will be $40 more. Well, I didn’t see this on the website… kinda sneaky. Unfortunately I had no choice as I booked through work and had already paid. It wasn’t horrible as there were maybe 2 other guests there. It is an old house made into a hotel. Like you are staying in someone’s home. Room was clean. Balcony was nice. It is noisy , wood creaky floors and doors shut loudly. I wouldn’t stay again however it was not horrible. Would be good for saving money or people who like very casual accommodations.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is absolutely amazing, a gem in the heart of San Rafael. It's a funky, family run place with uniquely decorated rooms- if you're looking for cookie cutter chain hotels go elsewhere. Great price for this location, and they're trying to re-open the attached restaurant. The bed was new and comfortable, the room was spacious and clean. There was a balcony just off my room and the shared bathroom was great. There is a microwave and mini fridge in the common area. This will be my go-to spot when I'm in San Rafael, thanks for the great stay.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Alena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Cute spot with character! Our room was clean and the location was great with lots of food spots within a short walk. Our bed was a little small and lumpy and a bit of the overall charm is lost with the entrance renovations underway, but otherwise no complaints. Easy to find street parking.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient for exploring San Rafael and Larkspur.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming small hotel. Enos was kind and helpful at check-in. Fun rooms display lots of creativity. Although it is older, it was comfortable and up-to-date in what we needed. There is also a fun bakery/coffee shop--Armida's-- next door. Easy walk to downtown restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and friendly people. Would recommend 👌
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Kadidia

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
I like staying hwre. Quiet, nice, clean. Just need to what you’re getting into, I.e. shared bathrooms which is not evident from the listings Cute place. Bakery right next door. Parking is difficult if you get there late.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great retro, comfortable with minimal bothersome amenities.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

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