Hostal Casa de Campo — Hotel in 24 de Diciembre

We decided to stay here on the strength of the other review posted - sounded like a good birding spot convenient to Tocumen - easy way to end our long trip to Panama. Had a driver pick us up from Allbrook airport and deliver us to the lodge. ||||On the plus side, it is definitely a good birding area. We walked all around this totally residential neighborhood and saw lots of interesting birds. We also walked some distance down the long path that is ultimately in Chagres Natl Park. (Saw a violaceous trogon there - gorgeous bird). Had a nice chat with the very nice owner at dinner. The two staff members could not have been more accommodating. So basically we enjoyed our stay.||||Think owner is struggling to maintain this family property while also working and spending time in the city. Work remains to be done. Property could use more upkeep/maintenance. Our room, while large and comfortable - with comfy bed and nice outside space, was oddly decorated. The spacious grounds with beautiful trees could use some more work too - if only to clear out some of the old furniture rusting in place out there. It's a shabby chic kind of place.||||The 40 or so year old development where the lodge is located is very quiet. Apparently it was the first of the developments in Cerro Azul. Now there are fancier ones higher up. About half of the houses in the neighborhood are vacant - either for the season or -forever. Some owners have apparently just walked away. Others are for sale. The other half of the development's houses are lovely and well maintained. ||||While we were prepared for it to be quiet up there (and were rather looking forward to it), we were a bit spooked to realize we'd be alone at the inn on our last night - with just a single staffer (though he couldn't have been more accommodating).||||I'd recommend this lodging for folks looking for a peaceful day or...

We found this place by happy accident. We had been in Panamá for literally one hour. Directly after landing at the airport and a short bumpy ride later We were dropped off at the hotel next door to this hostel. To our dismay the hotel was completely closed down even though we had reservations. ||||Feeling helpless and lost, and I have to admit, slightly afraid We happened upon a kind man named Alberto. He is the caretaker of this beautiful establishment. ||||He kindly welcomed us into his beautiful home and guest quarters. There had recently been a large party at the property so many of the rooms were dirty. However he still allowed us to utilize a space on the balcony while we waited. ||||The property features an abundance of wildlife as well as the most awesome sheep and livestock including varieties of chickens and ducks and bunnies. There was a story for every type of animal as to how it ended up there and became part of the family here at Hostel Casa de Campo. ||||Alberto told us many stories of the history of the property and the area. He was a great verbal tour guide explaining the wonderful hikes in the area which we were fortunate to listen to his advice and see the beautiful river. ||||We're so fortunate that we had this happy accident because spending time with Alberto at the propertywas one of the highlights of our entire Panama trip and we visited three other resorts during our stay. they were all beautiful as well however this was something special and unforgettable just because of the amazing service the beautiful location, and the...

At $150US/night this is definitely not a good choice. Location is beautiful with birding opportunities. However, the property has garbage everywhere (old deck chairs, rusted bicycles, old hoses, cracked cement, leaks in roof, no staff). When we arrived the one person on the property did not even know we were coming. Spoke with manager over cellphone who informed us cook was sick, but would be back tomorrow. We were there 3 nights and never did anyone clean our room, make our bed, or change our sheets. Meals were what you would buy in local restaurant for a couple of dollars (cook left dinner for someone else to heat and serve). No choices, no menus. Pool was full of dirt on bottom and filter not even running. No one even provided (not even a printed sheet) with info about hotel/area/etc. DO NOT GO...