Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, Gamboa
About the Hotel
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve, situated at the meeting point of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, is located within the Soberanía National Park. This unique eco-resort covers 137.5 hectares and is recognized for its unspoiled natural beauty and rich biodiversity. It offers a combination of contemporary comfort and exhilarating outdoor activities, presenting a distinctive opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the Panamanian rainforest. Historically significant as a site once traversed by explorers and pirates, Gamboa continues to be an open haven of tranquility.
Location
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve is strategically situated just 30 kilometers from Panama City, allowing easy access to urban amenities while providing a retreat in nature. Nestled within Soberanía National Park, the area is prime for eco-tourism and wildlife observation. Transportation options include booking airport transfers and guided adventures through the tour desk located within the hotel. Gamboa remains a unique destination without commercialism or fences, allowing guests to experience the area’s natural beauty authentically.
Rooms
The hotel features 166 eco-lodge-style rooms and suites, each equipped with modern comforts like air conditioning, free WiFi, and room service. Many rooms include private balconies with hammocks that provide views overlooking the lush gardens or the Chagres River. Accommodations vary from Deluxe Garden View rooms to spacious Family Lofts, ensuring options for various group sizes and preferences. Each room's design reflects a rustic yet elegant ambiance intended to foster relaxation amidst the rainforest scenery.
Eat & Drink
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve includes a restaurant that serves international cuisine, with dining options that capitalize on the stunning surroundings. Guests can enjoy meals while overlooking the picturesque ocean and verdant countryside. Additional facilities include bars where visitors can unwind with refreshments after a day of adventure. The hotel also provides a 24-hour room service for those preferring to dine in the comfort of their rooms.
Leisure & Business
Guests at the resort have access to a wide range of amenities designed for recreation and relaxation, including an outdoor pool integrated with natural landscaping. The full-service spa offers various treatments, ideal for relaxing after exploring the rainforest. For business travelers, the hotel provides over 0.2 m² of meeting space, equipped with modern technology and suitable for hosting events and conferences. Leisure activities include zip-lining, kayaking, and guided eco-tours, making it a suitable destination for both adventure and relaxation.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Barber shop
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Tennis court
- Golf course
- Table tennis
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Board games
- Children's pool
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel had lovely rooms with comfortable beds and beautiful bathrooms, offering river views and hammocks on the deck. However, some cleanliness aspects were overlooked, like a blood stain on the curtains. The service was outstanding, with friendly and helpful staff like Omar going above and beyond. The location was excellent, surrounded by wildlife in the Gamboa Rainforest, even spotting a sloth in the car park. The dining experience was average with somewhat limited options. The facilities were great, especially the beautiful pool area.
The hotel offers a mix of positives like comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms but falls short with room issues like a mildew smell. The high buffet prices may not match the value offered. The service, despite being responsive to room concerns, could be quicker and less chatty. The location excels for birdwatching and relaxation but may not be ideal for short stays. Dining options vary in quality, needing improvement on certain days. A great place for nature lovers, although some dining and room challenges need addressing.
My stay at the hotel was pleasant overall. The rooms had a musty smell due to the humidity, and the booking mix-up was a letdown. The buffet prices were high for what was offered, and the lack of basic amenities like toilet paper and balcony furniture was disappointing. However, having a fridge in the room was a plus, especially with the hot weather.
The hotel offers below-average rooms with overpriced buffet options, resembling a 3-star motel more than a 5-star resort. The service stands out positively with exceptional staff, though language barriers exist. The location within the rainforest is excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. Dining quality has decreased, and the high prices do not match the mediocre food quality.
The hotel rooms offer beautiful views, a comfortable king bed, sitting area, and a spacious bath. However, the loud dehumidifier may be bothersome at times. The hotel's location provides an excellent view and is close to the rainforest platform.
Staying at this hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms offer a variety of views and sizes, from great bathrooms with views of the tranquil Chagres River to old and dingy spaces with poor lighting and musty smells. The service, although responsive to room issues and accommodating, may pose a language barrier for English-speaking guests. The location boasts stunning views of Lake Gatun and the lush Chagres River, but the absence of nearby shopping outlets could be inconvenient. The dining options, albeit with room for improvement, offer seasonal salads and some breakfast choices, though pricing clarity could be lacking. Overall, the facilities of the hotel are okay.
The hotel offers lovely rooms with beautiful views but falls short on some service aspects. The location is stunning with abundant wildlife but lacks dining variety. The facilities are satisfactory.
Despite not having some basic room amenities like a safe, fridge, or even a chair, my stay at the hotel was pleasant overall. The covered balcony with a hammock was a lovely touch for relaxation, but the issue of money being stolen from my room was a significant downside.
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