Hotel Tierra Verde — Hotel in Bocas del Toro

I planned to stay here numerous nights while attending Spanish classes. I paid a deposit for 1/2 of the total amount prior to arrival. On the first night I saw 2 very big Cockroaches in my room near the bed. I saw an additional 3 more smaller ones in the bathroom. I got hardly any sleep. The hotel is somewhat in the woods so I wouldn't be completely surprised if I saw one (after all it is Panama by the beach), but there were so many.||In the morning, I told the owner about the cockroaches and let him know that I could not stay here as long as I had planned because so many cockroaches in the room i am not able to sleep with so many bugs in the bedroom. I advised I would only be staying one more night and of course would owe him for the two nights stayed in total.||The owner kindly changed my room but even the other room had huge cockroaches. The next morning prior to my departing the owner said he would see what he could do about my Paypal refund. ||A few weeks later, I again questioned the owner about my Paypal refund for the balance of 1/2 the deposit. He insisted he owed me nothing as I decided not to stay the full intended time. I informed him that the reason I left was due to unfit conditions. Conditions that as an owner were his responsibility. The hotel cockroach situation was not at all as advertised. After weeks of negotiations and he agreed to give me a partial refund. That was 3 months ago! I still have not received any refund.||For the record I stayed in multiple places in Panama and not one other place had any cockroaches. Unless you also want to deal with many cockroaches and an owner that lacks integrity I highly recommend to...

You reach by a taxi boat right on the pier that is in front. You can also take the taxi back from here. The manager will be there to welcome you. There is always someone on premise. The place is fenced and felt very safe. This place is actually pretty big and is a cabin on the inside. It is very spacious, has a common area, kitchen, and many rooms with private bathrooms, AC, netflix, and there were balconies on every floor. The bed was very comfortable. My room was also very clean and the whole place was neat as well. Breakfast is continental but if you consider the remote location it is just perfect because you have all you need and they give you a lot of food. Coffee and breakfast are always ready by the time you wake up since the manager is up very early. There are also some tables outside and places to just sit on the patio and enjoy the weather. You can also sit in the balcony. The area is very peaceful and no-one bothers despite there being quite a movement of tourists or locals on the main walkway of the beach. The manager will get you anything from the shops if you need. They are very helpful and were also very nice to me. He is also very well known in the area which gives you some security. I would spent most of my day there and at Bibis which is nearby and then take a taxi back to isla Colon if I wanted to go for the nightlife however just staying there is perfectly fine. It is very relaxing and peaceful. I would recommend and definitely will come...

We were looking for a place in Bocas del Toro where we could escape the crowds but still be close enough to all the activities. Friends advised us to stay at Tierra Verde and so we did. The hotel is located on Careneros island, which is the island next to the busy island, Colon. With a shuttle boat you can get there under a minute for $1. We stayed in the ocean front room which was airconditioned and had a warm shower and tv. Continental breakfast with fresh fruits was served on time every morning. ||||Another thing worth mentioning is that I surf. Tierra verde is located on the island (careneros) with one of the best surf breaks in Bocas del Toro. If you are visiting with a non-surfing friends or kids there are multiple surf spots with surfschools. ||||The owner was super helpful and gave us tips on what to do and what not to do. Bocas is becoming more and more popular and prices/services can vary. I also got great tips on where and when to surf and how to get there. He even took the time to me out to a surfspot one day!||||Now for the disadvantages: There are some restaurants on the island but everything closes at 8-9. (This was in low season,...