Gran Hotel Bahia stands at Third Street and Avenue A on Isla Colon, a short walk from the middle of Bocas Town. Bolivar Park is about five minutes on foot, and a cluster of cafes, bars and restaurants, including Pier 19, La Buga Cafe, El Ultimo Refugio and The Pirate Bar, sits within one to three minutes of the door. The hotel offers a double room, a deluxe room with a king bed, a twin room with two queen beds and a large three-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to seven, so it works for couples, friends and bigger groups. Free Wi-Fi, free self parking, air conditioning, a terrace, luggage storage, laundry service and a 24-hour front desk are all on offer. Guests rate it 8.6 out of 10 from 38 reviews, with staff and service scoring highest.
Location and getting around
The hotel is in the practical part of town, close to the water taxi docks and the places where most tours depart, and only a couple of minutes by car from the airport. Tortuga Beach is about eleven minutes by road, Playa Bluff about twenty-five minutes and Starfish Beach roughly fifty minutes by road, so for the northern and eastern beaches most travelers use a tour boat, a taxi or a rented bike. Because the center is flat and compact, you can easily walk to dinner, and free parking is a useful extra if you have rented a vehicle.
The rooms and the feel
Room sizes range from a compact double of about 237 square feet to a deluxe king room of about 323 square feet and a 969 square foot apartment with three bedrooms and a mix of king, double and twin beds. The twin room has two queen beds and sleeps four, which suits a family or a group of friends.
The feel is of a straightforward, friendly town hotel rather than a resort, with a terrace for morning coffee and a staff that reviewers describe warmly. The apartment is the standout for groups who want space and a kitchen-style base, though you should confirm the exact setup when you reserve.
Good to know
Check-in runs from 3 pm to 11:30 pm, with paid early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, and check-out is at noon. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a surcharge, and there is no pool, so plan on the beach or a tour for swimming. Pets are allowed, with a deposit per stay, which is helpful for travelers bringing a dog but means you should tell the hotel in advance.
Amenities score lower than cleanliness and staff in guest reviews, so set expectations for a simple stay, and check recent comments on noise, since the town can be lively in the evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Bocas Town location
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Terrace
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Laundry service
- ✓Pet friendly
Good questions
Is there parking at Gran Hotel Bahia?+
Yes, free self parking is available, which is useful if you have rented a vehicle on Isla Colon.
Are pets allowed?+
Yes, pets are allowed with a deposit per stay. Tell the hotel in advance so it can confirm the details.
Is breakfast included?+
No, cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a surcharge. Check your rate when you reserve.
