TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards! - Refugio del Rio

Holy crap, this is the nicest hostel I've ever seen. This looks more like a big house than a hostel. First of all, it has a nice path leading down to the hostel..then you walk inside and see a nice, clean living room with 2 couches and a couple chairs, all very comfortable and nice looking. There is a desktop computer in the corner with free internet access. They also have a really nice TV with cable.

Then there's the dining room..a large table with about 8 or so chairs. There are fliers and posters hanging up with lots of information about other places and things to do in Panama. They have a couple games under a table in this area..like Clue, Uno, and something else.

The kitchen is pretty impressive, too. There is a microwave, stove, fridge (but no freezer), toaster oven, and utensils.

The dorm rooms do not have bunk beds..the beds are just on their own around the large room. All very clean and comfy. A huge window with a great view of the mountains and backyard.

The bathroom is VERY nice. Clean, always has toilet paper, the shower is large and has a bench seat in it and it even has WARM WATER! There are big mirrors and good lighting.

They have laundry..a washer and dryer where you can do your laundry yourself for a cheap price.

There is an upstairs with private rooms which I heard were very nice..I never saw them but knew people who were basically living there for a while.

The staff doesn't really speak a lot of English, and they aren't overly friendly, but they are helpful and respectful and always keep the place very clean.

The yard surrounding the hostel is beautiful..fruit trees, gorgeous flowers, and the river is literally 10 ft. from the hostel. It is a beautiful setting..I really couldn't believe this place is only $10 A NIGHT!! I expected to pay a lot more..what a great deal :)