◀
▶
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| House | |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 15 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | House |
| Minimum Stay | 1 night |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms | 1 Total |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Luxury, Romantic, Tropical, Village |
Description from the owner
Rafael`s House is located in the heart of Bastimentos Town and has been part of Old Banks history for over 80 years.
Rafael`s house is built in the Caribbean, Colonial style that is widely seen on the Islands. As most Caribbean Houses, Rafael`s House stands on stilts, is colorfully painted, has lots of windows and balconies on both sides of the house. A true Caribbean Dream! Recently, Rafael`s House has been completely renovated, giving you the opportunity to find out what life is like in Panama`s Paradise.
It will not be hard to find Rafael's House on Isla Bastimentos. Rafael's house is situated right on Main Street, just meter...Read more
Amenities
Location
Panama`s Paradise: Rafael`s House in Bastimentos!
Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Location Type Tropical, Village
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $90 - $120 | $90 - $120 | $450 - $600 | $1,500 - $2,100 | 1 night |
| Nov. 1 2011 - Apr. 15 2012 | $100 | $100 | $500 | $1,750 | 1 night |
| Jul. 1 2012 - Oct. 31 2012 | $90 | $90 | $450 | $1,500 | 1 night |
| Dec. 20 2012 - Jan. 9 2013 | $120 | $120 | $600 | $2,100 | 1 night |
| All Other Dates | $100 | $100 | $500 | $1,750 | 1 night |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Prices plus 10% tax.
If you are interested in renting just one room, instead of the complete House, just contact us!
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 10, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
Below Average
Poor
-
James O
Bocas Town, PanamaFive Nights Soon Became Seven...
Left on 04/04/2013 for a stay in March 2013
Rafael's place was an excellent place to stay.
Pros:
- walking distance to Wizards Beach, the water taxi dock, shops (there are two) and a few restaurants
- nestled on the beautiful Bastimentos which is quieter and much more picturesque than neighbouring Bocas Town (although only a short boat ride away).
- swimming, surfing, hiking and canoeing to keep you occupied
- Rafael looks after his guests
- the house is cleaned regularly and thoroughly
- well equipped kitchen
- great views from the deck with hammocks and chairs to relax on
- many homely and thoughtful touches around the place
cons:
- a nightclub nearby which can be loud some nights (Easter weekend, but almost impossible to find somewhere quiet that weekend)
- some funky smells from the drainage, but nothing worse than we've smelt
- paper thin bedroom walls -
annmarieRYDIN
Vashon, Washingtona very memorable experience.
Left on 02/09/2013 for a stay in January 2013
we arrived in bocas without a reservation, as we were not sure how we wanted our trip to go. jennifer from "panama's paradise" had responded to my email a few months earlier, but i had not booked at the time. i called her the evening before our arrival, and she had raphel's place available, which we immediately booked, and she gave us verbal directions how to get there. true to her word, from Bocas town, all we had to do was tell the boat driver that we were going to Raphel's place and we were brought right to his dock. Raphael was there, and though a little slow with his arthritis met us at the house and gave us the rundown. it is his old family house which was very nicely remodeled, and we felt right at home. we told him we'd stay one night, and ended up staying three nights on bastamentos, and only left as we felt we owed it to ourselves to see more of bocas. could easily have stayed longer, as being there was a very unique experience. there are no cars, only a long walking path going through the small village. people were friendly, but i felt we blended in, as the locals just went about their own business. in the evening we sat on the porch listening to local music. no bugs!
-
Jennifer T
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGreat place during the day, but 4 sleepless nights from very lou
Left on 02/04/2013 for a stay in February 2013
This place is so close to being the perfect place to stay in Bastimentos...if only it wasn't for the Coco Bar next door, playing extremely loud music every night from 7pm - 1am or 3am, depending on the night. This was such a disappointment for us! We loved the house and the decor, very Panamanian style with a European touch thanks to Jenny's creative eye. The kitchen is great, the porch is great and the island of Bastimentos is a really nice place away from it all with no roads or cars. Knowing that, we expected a quiet 4 night stay...but we are weary and have headaches from the loud music...imagine the house shaking...yes, that loud! Jenny was very nice and extremely accommodating in every way. The internet did not work the first day, and she did everything possible to get it working for the next day. Due to that and the noise issue, she even gave us one night for free which we felt was extremely generous. But, Rafael seemed to change when he realized our last night was free - he became angry and seemed to yell at us for everything! I guess he wanted money and was unhappy with the 'free' arrangement (every other day we offered him food and water and we had a very good relation with him, so we felt upset with the sudden change). Overall, we can only say that if the Coco Bar went away, this would be the best bargain and cutest place to stay in Bastimentos. As it stands now, we would recommend that you consider booking at the Colon property for Panama Paradise instead...we heard very good things about it and we would have moved there if there had been space available! Sunday was the worst day...the music started at 10am and went until 1:30am - yes, over 13 hours of non-stop very loud music...so if anything, avoid staying on a Sunday!
Response from Panamas Paradise Caribbean Cabanas - 02/07/2013
Panamas Paradise Caribbean Cabanas
Owner
Hello!
Thanks for taking the time to review us.
Yes, Cocos Bar is definitly not our favorite neighbour....
We are working on this problem, but it has not been as succesfull as we want it to be. For now we have a phone in the house and we suggest all guests to call Jenny (at any time), so I can call the police. What they do is pass by and ask the bar to turn down the volume. This helps a little, but is far from ideal still.
Cocos Bar doesn´t have a very frequent scedule: sometimes they are closed for days, even weeks, and than all of a sudden they decide to open again and have loud music. Defininetly more around holidays like Christmas and Carnaval.
All I can say is that we are doing all we can, but it´s not easy to fight the system in a place far a way from civilication where laws and rules are not greatly respected. -
LifeStories
Asheville, NCBeautiful home, Beautiful view, Beautiful Raphael
Left on 02/03/2013 for a stay in January 2013
This charming home is right on the water and in the center of a village, Bastimentos, whose main pathway, a paved walkway, extends only a five minute walk on either side of the house. Children play and watch over hens who with their baby chicks forage in the grass, old men gather at the square and clothes hang to dry on front porches all along this sidewalk main street. The walkway ends at an exquisite beach, while the other climbs a steep hill to a cemetery giving a view, but clearly, this is life apart from tourism. Here the flavor of the islands can be felt in full, down to the pounding beat of their music. My favorite meals were at alvins over the water where for $5 you can dine on coconut rice and barbecued chicken with plantains. Raphael's kind presence cast a warmth greater than the sunshine. Bring him some lotion for his legs if you come. There is nothing on the island for the pain, and he would thank you. I loved this place and will return.
-
78paula
Versailles, Francebel endroit mais attention au bruit !!
Left on 01/09/2013 for a stay in December 2012
La maison se situe au bord de l'eau d'un coté et de l'autre le long de l'unique rue du village d'Old Bank, l'accès pour prendre un petit bateau est immédiat. La maison est sympa (quoique pas très propre), surtout le balcon de devant qui donne sur des palmiers et la mer ainsi que sur le ballet des colibris.La maison est sonore,il ne faut compter sur de l'intimité, les murs sont des planches qui ne se joignent pas et il n'y a pas de fenêtres, seulement des volets et pas de moustiquaire. Il y avait du wifi quand il y avait de l’électricité ( sur 4 jours, nous avons eu 2 matinées sans électricité). Nous avons été très gênés par un bar le coconut bar qui mettait de la musique(nulle) à fond au cours de l'après midi jusqu'à minuit quand nous étions là et parce que la police est intervenue plusieurs fois mais auparavant ça pouvait durer jusqu'à 6h du matin ! Jenny qui s'occupe de louer la maison le savait car elle a laissé des bouchons d'oreille et nous a prévenu quand nous sommes arrivés, Comment peut-on louer à un tel prix une maison dans ces conditions ??? Pourquoi ne pas prévenir les locataires qui ont réservé depuis des mois ??.Jenny est d'ailleurs la seule personne qui nous a demandé un acompte par virement au moment de la réservation ce qui a induit un sur-coût. Tous les autres endroits que nous avions réservé pour notre séjour de 2 semaines au Panama ont pris note de la réservation et nous avons payé surplace.Nous avions choisi Bastimientos pour la tranquillité de l'endroit car c'est vrai, il n'y a pas grand chose à faire mais avec la musique à fond, c'était raté. De plus la personne qui devait faire le ménage n'est venue qu'une fois alors que supposée venir tous les jours. Par ailleurs, Jenny s'est bien gardé de faire un geste commercial pour compenser les désagréments.Tout cela est très dommage.
Response from Panamas Paradise Caribbean Cabanas - 01/11/2013
Panamas Paradise Caribbean Cabanas
Owner
Hello Christine,
Thanks for taking the time to review us.
First of all my apologies for not getting the house cleaned after the first night. This was also a very unpleasant surprise for me, when I found out about that, the next day. As soon as I heard I send another girl over right away, and next day you left allready.
All reservations are made with a 50% deposit and yes, both paypal and creditcard have a 5% service charge. I am very surprised to hear other places don´t take deposits. Out of my own experience I know that doesn´t work. A reservation is made as the deposit is payed, for both parties.
It´s true the electricity fell out twice during your 3 nights stay, and 5 times in total over the high season peak around Christmas and New Years. This happens every time when the Islands are full. Hopefully one day we will have a stronger power plant on the Island, but I believe that when I see it...
The real problem is definitly Cocos Bar and Christmas time is THE time of the year that the peolpe here like to party. And annoyingly this comes with loud music. We are fighting it and the police tries to helps us too. But the problem is that the laws are not lived by very closely on places like this.
Cocos Bar is not open all the time, sometimes they are gone for weeks and all of a sudden they are open again, out of the blue. There´s no consistancy. But the days you were there, they were open and loud, that´s why I left the earplugs. And I also left a phone to call me if the bar was loud, so I could call the police for you, at any time!
Also we agreed you would call me after the first night, but you never did. Later I spoke to your son and he said it was ok in the house. From this I assumed it was ok. It´s my mistake, because I should have insisted talking to you personally, and I am sure we would have worked it out together.
-
GriceHV
New York City, New YorkBest Vacation Ever!
Left on 09/20/2012 for a stay in August 2012
I love Rafael's House. It was a wonderful place to relax and have fun. The house is just as advertised, the people in Bocas are wonderful and I cant wait to go back. Once you arrive to Bastimentos everybody knows Raphael's House so you dont worry about getting lost. And if you do get lost dont worry at all the location is full of happy people, I feel safe since day 1. I have the opportunity to visit Red Frog Beach and it was lovely, one of the best beaches I have ever visit in my life. Raphael's House is in a great location, my family and I actually just followed the direction towards Wizzard Beach I believe and it was almost like a 30 minute walk maybe less if you dont care about the muddy road. But I highly recommend this place, you wont regret it. I enjoyed meeting Mr. Rafael too! Viva Panama and Bocas DEL Toro...
-
AntonioL303576
Florianopolis, SCParaiso de Rafael
Left on 06/12/2012 for a stay in May 2012
Estivemos durante uma semana neste lugar encantador, onde foi possível desfrutar da tranquilidade da vida local e do convívio com seus moradores.
Estar na casa do Senhor Rafael nos permitiu sentir mais como um visitante do que um turista. Sob a atenção diária do Senhor Rafael e algumas vezes na companhia do seu prestativo filho Mash fomos conhecendo as belíssimas praias e paisagens dessa belíssima ilha e arredores. -
John C
187497Incredible Stay In Bocas del Toro
Left on 02/16/2012 for a stay in October 2010
This place was special. Great facilities in the house, beautiful location. Good fun walk to get to the beach which was then totally deserted. Village shops have everything you might need. Cannot rave enough about this place. By far my favorite holiday location in the world, so far. Rafeal's house is also just perfect for the price. Wish we had stayed longer.
-
pipanda
Esterillos Oeste, Costa RicaBest option in the village
Left on 03/24/2011 for a stay in March 2011
If you want to stay away from all main island Colon's hype - it's a perfect choice. Though we were only two, with some friends it only would be better. The house is perfectly located only steps from the shop and Bastimentos main pier where you anytime can catch a boat a get to the town.
The owner of the house is a very nice old man. He will meet you everyday to have a small talk and recommend you what to do on the island. His local friends and neighbors also can join you for a conversation. Don't hesitate to welcome Rafael into the house and offer him some help.
In the house there's everything you might need, I got addicted to smoothies while we stayed there - the blender is awesome. There's no air conditioning but the climate was nice, we didn't have to turn on the fans even - the house sits close to the water and you can catch all the night breeze on the porch or in the bedroom.
There you'll feel like a local - kids playing around, music sounding from the stereos and the chickens crow around. Take a hike to the Wizard beach and Red frog beach - it worth walking. -
milagros
Córdoba, Argentinamuy bueno
Left on 02/08/2011 for a stay in January 2011
La caba?a cuenta con dos habitaciones privadas,es muy c?moda, totalmente equipada, con buena visa a la bah?a e impecable. Realmente disfrutamos mucho de la estad?a, lo complico el mal tiempo pero vale la pena conocer el archipielago de Bocas del Toro, Los paisajes son alucinantes si gustan de la vida en la naturaleza y vacaciones tranquilas. Lo recomiendo
-
Inuit
São Paulo, BrazilCharming House for rent in Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro
Left on 01/09/2011 for a stay in December 2010
There are many kind of options to stay in Bocas, but if you are looking for a place and wants to get a real feel of what life in that part of the world is all about you should definitely stay in Raphael's House.
It is located right in the main street of Isla Bastimentos, where there is much less touristic activities compared to Isla C?lon, but it is the place to stay if you are searching for a more insider view of what Bocas has to offer.
Besides the location, the house itself is truly amazing. It has been completely rebuilt although keeping the whole local charm. You will find everything you need in it, refrigerator, oven, pans. And Jenny, the dutch girl who is managing the business will be very helpful in case you need anything else. As we stayed for 6 nights, she came over once to clean the place and change the sheets for us.
But the highlight will have to be the balconies. There is one in the front of the house, looking over to the main street, and one at the back facing the sea. Both of them have got hammocks and are perfect for chilling, or partying.
Staying in Raphael's house gave us the opportunity to get to know some of the locals like the next door neighbor Chichi, who invited us over for a small gathering with her friends, Andy and abel.
If one day I'll go back to Bocas, without a doubt I willl choose Raphael's House again.
-
JERR & CAROL
CAHUITA, COSTA RICAGerald each
Left on 01/07/2011 for a stay in December 2010
We love Raphael's. When we leave Costa Rica on visa exit, we stay at Raphael's house. The quietness of Bastiamento island is wonderful. Raphael's is a shiny clean property with a full kitchen and private rooms and a shared bathroom. Many new decorative accents have been added since the first time we stayed in 2009. It is a perfect place to relax. The best thing I liked is the locals are very supportive for your needs.
We enjoyed a wonderful pizza at a nearby restaurant and returned for a breakfast of white ginger pancakes and eggs.
I snorkeled in the cove and saw a flying fish and hundreds of tiny queen conchs crawling to collect algae for food leaving little "bug" trails.
My wife, carol, gleamed with a big smile when we checked in and, when asked, she said
"the least thing I liked was having to leave".
-
HeddieF
Reisterstown, MarylandHighly recommend for convenience, comfort in "downtown" Bastimen
Left on 01/03/2011 for a stay in December 2010
Have stayed at several places on Basti and in Bocas over 6 trips - Rafael's House was by far the most comfortable and convenient. Communication with Jenny who manages the house was excellent. House is large, very clean and has all the amenties you would need - 2 full bedrooms, full bath, full kitchen, peaceful porch overlooking bay, hot water (a luxury on Basti at times), wifi and TVs in all rooms with SkyNet (and luckily for us - NFL Network). Friendly neighbors as well. Centrally located to small park and dock, grocery and best restaurants on Basti. Highly recommend.
-
Ruth and Freddy
Amsterdamlaid back caribbean hang out
Left on 07/16/2010 for a stay in February 2009
It was wonderful to stay at Raphael´s House! Have an afternoon beer on the veranda and see the locals do their thing... Hiking past the Thai Restaurant on the most beautiful hike to Wizard beach... Always fun to take the boat to any of the other islands, the view was always amazingly beautiful, caribbean´s best!
And the house, so spacious, such well decorated, a true eyecatcher and great stay! -
Susan van Ham
Holland, UtrechtHappy lifetime
Left on 06/06/2010 for a stay in April 2010
It is so beautiful, the houde, the place, the vilagge, near the meanstreet.
The house had evertything you could wish for, a bathe, a kitchen, nice beds, a log of comfort. The 2 balconies, how lovely to stay there. I would recommend it to everyone.
And Jenny, she is so nice, you feel at home at once!
Here 2 more rentals located nearby.
Also Consider
FlipKey has rentals in over 11 destinations around the world:
-
Florida vacation rentals
21,411 rentals from $134/night -
Costa Rica vacation rentals
1,956 rentals from $250/night -
Panama City beach condos
74 rentals from $96/night -
Chiriqui condos
9 rentals from $65/night -
Pearl Islands condos
2 rentals from $156/night