Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Boquete, Panama, From Selina’s to The Garden Inn!

As you probably gathered from our previous article on Boquete, it’s a place we truly loved visiting. It’s the ideal destination for adventure seekers, coffee lovers, and anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of Panamanian culture. From the breathtaking views atop Volcán Barú to the rich aromas of its world-famous Geisha coffee, Boquete’s scenic hills provide the perfect backdrop for any adventure. If you’re wondering where to stay in Boquete, Panama, you’re in the right place

That being said, whenever Emily and I travel, we often struggle to find the perfect place to stay, spending hours researching which areas are best, where to get the best deal and how to get around. To save you this hassle, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you figure out exactly where to stay in Boquete, Panama, depending on your travel style and budget. Whether you are looking for the social atmosphere of Selina (now recently rebranded as Socialtel Boquete), the nature-immersed charm of Tree Trek Mountain Resort, or the cosy comfort of The Garden Inn, we have got you covered!

Selina/Socialtel Boquete – The Digital Nomad’s First Choice

Selina, one of, if not the most popular hostel in Boquete, markets itself as the ideal destination for the modern traveler. It offers those looking to work while on their travels super high-speed internet and a co-working space, as well as catering to all the stereotypes that come along with individuals who work online, such as their intense love for yoga, meditation, and so on!

Pros

• Fast Internet and Co-working Space – Selina’s is the ideal location for digital nomads who require high-speed internet and a co-working space.
• Social Spaces – The hostel has several social spaces and places a greater emphasis on socialising, making it ideal for solo travellers. It hosts a variety of events, including trivia nights, hikes, and more, making it great for individuals looking to mingle and meet people while on their travels.
• Location – Selina is centrally located, making it a great option for those who want to be near all of Boquete’s amenities. It also provides easy access to almost all activities in the area.

Cons

• Crowds/Noise – Given its popularity, Selina Hostel is usually quite busy, which can make it feel crowded and sometimes noisy.
• Authenticity – Unsurprisingly, Selina Hostel doesn’t offer a particularly authentic Panamanian cultural experience, as it primarily caters to digital nomads and solo travelers looking to socialise. If your goal is to immerse yourself in local culture or connect with Panamanians during your stay, this may not be the best choice.
• Price – Selina Hostel is slightly pricier than the average hostel in the Boquete area, costing on average $10 per night for a dorm room and costing a whopping $32 more than the average private room in Boquete!

Summary – Ideal for Digital Nomads and Solo Travelers

As you can probably tell, Selina Hostel is not really my thing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect place to stay for you. This hostel is definitely well-suited to individuals looking to work during their travels, and its high-speed internet and co-working spaces are ideal for someone who has work to do. It is also a great place for solo travellers looking to meet others in the same position as them. Selina Hostel prides itself on its social atmosphere and organises several activities for groups, making it a great place to meet other travelers. The hostel itself has great amenities, but these, of course, come at quite a hefty price tag, though it might be worth it depending on what you are looking for. So if you’re a digital nomad or solo adventurer trying to decide where to stay in Boquete, Panama, Selina could tick all your boxes.

The Tree Trek Resort – The Perfect Combination of Nature and Adventure

The Tree Trek Resort offers something different from Selina’s social setting or the tranquility of the Garden Inn Hostel. It aims to provide an immersive experience in nature, while also attracting adventurers and thrill-seekers looking to soar through canopies and zipline through the rainforest!

Pros

• Setting – As you can tell from the photo above, the location of the resort is truly idyllic, nestled in the stunning hills of Boquete. It is the ideal place to disconnect and embrace the stunning nature in abundance!
• Outdoor Activities – Unlike the other accommodation options discussed previously, the Tree Trek Resort offers several exciting outdoor activities ideal for adventurers and thrill seekers alike. It’s not every day you stay in accommodation that has its own zipline!
• Great for Groups – Tree Trek Resort is a great destination for families and groups, offering not just thrilling outdoor activities but also the ideal venue for groups to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. With like cozy communal lodges, stunning outdoor pavilions, and dedicated spaces for relaxation and group gathering, it is well suited to both groups and families alike.

Cons

• Remote Location: As you’d expect, given the activities on offer, the Tree Trek Inn is not the closest to Boquete’s amenities, making it less ideal for someone who wants to be close to the town centre.
• Internet Connectivity: The resort does not offer internet access, which could be a drawback for guests who need to stay connected during their stay.
• Price – Given the setting and the activities on offer, it should come as no surprise that the rooms here are definitely not suited to the budget traveler. Private rooms typically cost between $105 and $135 per night, depending on the booking platform and season.

Summary – Ideal For Thrill Seekers

Tree Trek Resort in Boquete is an option for those who enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of adventure. The setting is undeniably beautiful, surrounded by lush green hills. It’s an excellent spot for families or groups to spend quality time together, offering plenty of spaces for relaxation or gatherings, as well as adventurous activities you won’t find anywhere else. However, the resort’s location is quite far from the town center, which might make it tricky to access shops or restaurants. Additionally, there is no internet, which could be a deal-breaker for some. It is also not the cheapest accommodation option, but it might be worth it for you, especially if you’re looking for where to stay in Boquete, Panama that blends nature and adventure.

The Garden Inn – A Nature Lover’s Safe Haven

The Garden Inn essentially offers the complete opposite experience to Selina Hostel. Instead of providing high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and bars, its focus is on disconnecting and embracing nature! Rather than being in the thick of the action in Boquete’s town centre, the Garden Inn Hostel is nestled in the stunning green hills of Boquete, aiming to provide travelers with the ideal location to disconnect, de-stress, and immerse themselves in Boquete’s breathtaking scenery.

Pros

• Setting – The Garden Inn’s location is truly ideal for anyone looking to disconnect and experience a slower pace of life, providing travelers with the ideal place to relax and unwind.
• Eco-Friendly Option – This hostel is recognised as an eco-friendly retreat, surrounded by lush greenery.
• Comfort and Convience – Enjoy access to everything you need, from cooking facilities and a small bar to a relaxing jacuzzi.

Cons

• Setting – While tranquil, its location is not ideal for travelers wanting to be close to the city, and getting around may be more challenging compared to other accommodations in Boquete.
• Price – The Garden Inn is definitely not the best choice for travelers on a tight budget, with rooms starting at $111 per night.
• Limited Social Atmosphere – Given the goal of the accommodation is for individuals to disconnect, it’s no surprise that the social atmosphere is limited, making it less ideal for travelers looking to meet new people or socialize during their stay.

Summary

The Garden Inn is the perfect place for a tranquil retreat, whether for couples or individuals seeking to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Its primary goal is to offer the most relaxing setting possible, so it’s located a bit further from Boquete’s amenities. As a result, it’s not the best choice for travelers looking to be in the heart of the action and is certainly not a budget-friendly option! That said, if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Boquete, Panama, and your priority is peace, nature, and comfort, The Garden Inn could be perfect for you.

Price Comparison

Final Thoughts

Boquete is truly one of the most impressive places we’ve had the privilege of visiting. It really has something for everyone—from adventurers looking to scale Volcán Barú to coffee connoisseurs eager to experience world-renowned Geisha coffee, or travelers seeking to exchange city life for the scenic hills of the Chiriquí Province.

That being said, knowing where to stay in Boquete, Panama can truly shape your experience. We’d recommend the following:

• Choose Selina if you’re a solo traveler or digital nomad who enjoys social spaces and needs a solid internet connection to feel comfortable during your stay.
• Choose The Garden Inn if you’re looking for a quieter stay and prefer being a little farther away from the crowds, craving tranquility, comfort, and a deeper connection with nature and don’t mind being slightly removed from the town center.
• Choose The Tree Trek Resort if you’re seeking adventure or traveling with a group or your family and need a place that will keep everyone busy and entertained.

If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our guide to a perfect stay in Boquete and click here for our latest blog posts!