Villa Marina Lodge & Condos

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

charla

Great staff, decent food, beautiful location, big room with good bathroom and fridge, ample space to hang thinks to dry.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Jorge

Todo muy bien y personal muy amable

Friends

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2026

Scott

The Villa Marina Hotel is an older property with only nine rooms. Overall the property is nice and well maintained. With the price they can’t invest a great amount in the infrastructure and stay in business.

The grass area would benefit from expansion, this would reduce mud; between mud and black sand the room and patio get a bit dirty. Also a stone or brick base near the outside shower would be good. In a perfect world, bricks to the beach. The rocks are sharp.

The food menu is somewhat limited, but that seems true in the entire town. Difficult to find Gluten Free. The food quality is good. Prices are about average. The drink menu is extensive and prices are good.

Pros:
Room is well equipped
Housekeeping is very good
On the beach
Short walk along beach to town
Beautiful sunsets
Swimming pool is nice
Staff are helpful and very friendly
A new poolside bar is coming
The grocery store in town is wonderful.

Cons:
The music on weekends and some other days from dusk until 04:00 AM is unacceptable. This is nearly a km up the beach and it is still loud and doesn’t allow for good sleep.

A great deal of development is occurring. The little surf town will likely see some big changes.

Potentially Stingrays and Sea-snakes in area. Saw a couple of sea snakes on beach. Shuffle when walking in water is recommended. Did not hear of any bites or stings.

At least 30 minutes to nearest hospital, although, I understand there are some trained locals in medical aid and an AED.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Marcy

We had a very short stay, so take this with a grain of salt. We checked in late and left early, so didn’t use many of the facilities.

What we did see: the hotel is beautiful, great setting, nice pool, and the staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming. Room was very clean.

Downsides: the AC worked but was quite loud, which made sleeping less ideal. The TV also wasn’t connected to Wi-Fi and we couldn’t get it working—but to be fair, it was late and we didn’t bother asking for help.

Overall, good impression, just a couple of minor annoyances. With more time, we probably would have enjoyed it more.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

steven

Our three-night stay at Villa Marina was thoroughly satisfying from start to finish. Reception was handled swiftly by Jasmine, whose warmth and friendliness immediately set a welcoming tone.

We enjoyed three dinners and one lunch at the property’s restaurant, all of which were well prepared, fairly priced, and served by an engaging and patient team—especially appreciated given our very limited Spanish.

The room itself was exceptionally comfortable, with a pristine bed, high-quality bedding, and excellent pillows that made for restful nights. The location was also ideal—peacefully situated as the furthest point from an unexpected late-night music event, which proved to be a real advantage.

Finally, the beachfront setting was outstanding and truly elevated the entire experience. We would happily return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Apr 2026

Scott

Great stay! The two bedroom ocean view condo was excellent. Clean, roomy, modern, with an amazing view.

The pool by the condos could be improved. There is no pool deck or path to the pool so you have to walk on rocks and grass barefoot. Also not enough chairs.

Excellent food at the restaurant and reasonably priced.

It was a great stay and we’ll be back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2026

Mario

Very well kept hotel, the condo was exceptional and the place and beach a paradise. The staff very friendly, thanks to all of them for making our stay a great one. We Will be back, playa venao is the best location of the Panamanian Pacific coast.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Anne Gesine

The beach was clean and the staff was very helpful. It's a nice small hotel that makes you feel at home. Walkable to Venao where there is something for everyone.
Definitely a nice hotel with beautiful gardens and comfortable rooms.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Estela

Villa Marina is my #1 spot at Playa Venao. Every time I have gone I’ve stayed there and has always been a success. Highyly recommended.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Niali

J’ai tout aimé de l’endroit qui était féerique, tranquille, directement sur le bord de la plage. Le personnel impeccable et la chambre parfaite et confortable 😊

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2026

Sheila

Clean room, although our first room had an issue with the air conditioner and we were moved to another room. The pool area and beach are great. The restaurant is very average and service was slow, but it was wonderful to have a private terrace facing the beach and the rooms contain a mini refrigerator and comfprtable beds.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Feb 2026

Marie

Great staff. Super great location, especially at sun down looking out to the chain of mountains. Hot-water pool, calm environment both in the morning and at night along with a corresponding smooth music. Nice room. Good A/C to sleep well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

John

Great spot.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2026

Andres

Ok

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2025

Joel

Had a wonderful experience staying at Villa Marina Lodge. The Condo was in very good conditions and was very comfortable. The staff was always helpful and check-in was easy and smooth. The location is perfect with sights to the beach and just a few minutes walking from Playa Venao but still far enough to keep a quiet and relaxing environment in the area. Everything was good, I'd love to comeback!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2025

Helene

Great news place, 2 min from all the loud places but it has charm and very nice. Great family room for people traveling with teens

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

Jeremy

Great

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2025

Phoebe

Love that this property is at the other end of the beach from the late night partying. Walkable beach. Great restaurants nearby. The property was adding coffee makers and mini fridges the day we were leaving. Great staff, restaurant and drinks. We’ve been twice with our pooches. Will be back

Leisure Pet

8/10

Excellent

05 Jun 2025

jairo

We recommend it if you want to be away from the busy and noisy area of Playa Venao. Very safe, pleasant and quiet. You can have nice dining experience at walking distance at the other hotels and restaurants in the area.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

02 Jun 2025

Verified traveler

The room doesnt include a coffee maker or a microwave. the resort charges you $2 per cup of coffee. They have a jar of cookies that they also charge you $2 per cookie.

Business_and_leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

03 May 2025

Timothy

Not worth the money. Stay away.

If you’re looking for a place to get a quiet peaceful night of sleep, this is NOT it.
The photos and description are drastically misleading. The place is in desperate need of cleaning and repair. The service was non-existent. And the the price, for what you get is insane. The prior 2 nights we stayed at a 5 star golf and beach resort an hour a way, for a lot less and the service was impeccable. This will be my last booking on hotel.com as I’m not confident in the accuracy of the property from seeing photos and descriptions.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

31 Mar 2025

Olivier-Laurent

🙁

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Verified traveler

Beautiful property and quiet location

Gorgeous old school resort

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2024

samer

The staff were very friendly, the location was right on the beach and the view was amazing. The showers were warm and the rooms had good temperature control. The restaurant was also very good, the breakfast was delicious.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2024

Paige

Staff, room, location and beach were all amazing!!

Only thing to stay away from: I would not recommend the evening turtle adventure. It was a terrible experience, no turtles, no expectations, no customer focus - painful and a bit scary from the taxi driver there to the whole experience trying to get back to the hotel.

Horse back riding was amazing - great tour guide - I HIGHLY recommend this one!!

Again, beach was amazing, staff was great:)

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2024

Orlando

Quiet hacienda style hotel, steps away from the beach. Highly recommended if you want an affodable get away

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2024

Merri

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 night stay!! Dennis at the front desk was very helpful & accommodating when we asked to extend our stay! We loved the location! It was so convenient to walk to Playa Venao but far enough away to have quiet evenings. We enjoyed the pool too!! The view with the island right across from the beach was amazing! The staff provided excellent service. We look forward to returning soon!

Leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2024

Renee

The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful. The condo was clean and a perfect size for our family of 4. The kitchen had all of the pots/cutlery you would want, but it would be nice to have a simple salt/pepper. They have separate towels for the pool areas/beach, which was nice, but no wash cloths. They don’t seem to be a thing in Panama in general. The pool near the condos was really nice, but it would be better if they had more stones/paving/grass around it bc there was quite a bit of dirt and it was hard to keep from tracking it into the pool. The restaurant was good and the waitress was very sweet. All in all a great spot away from the noise of the other resorts that have music late, etc.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2024

Alistair

Excellent secluded resort with beach location, friendly staff and delicious restaurant.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2024

Mary

As an Expedia VIP I was lucky enough to be upgraded to the panoramic oceanview apartment. Very modern and spacious 2 bed. 2 bath was missing dishwasher, toaster, kettle. Can opener, ice trays etc. Use of bbq was $40 so we passed. The lobby was tired and welcome drink was non-alcoholic very tasty lemonade. Friendly staff. Calm seas. 5 min walk Next door had the entertainment. Bars, shops and restaurants.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2024

Leah

Fantastic location, lovely property, helpful staff. Will return and recommend to friends.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Nov 2023

Sandra

Great place. Would book again

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2023

Juan

Excellent place to stay at Playa Venao. Right at the beach. Good food and drinks.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2023

James

Staff Nina and Dennis were awesome. Location is great. Bring some bug spray as there were a few mosquitos and sand fleas in the area. Food was tasty!

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Aug 2023

Lu-Ting

The location is wonderful. It's at the end of the playa Venao so its quiet. Beautiful view at from the apartment we stay in. The apartment is a nice size for 4 adults. Staff are friendly.
Two miner points: 1. apt 504 the master bedroom rolling screen for the window is broken. So there's no privacy at night and in the morning when the sunrise you will have no choice to wake up. 2. the breakfast is not worth it. (small omelette with a few pieces of small bread for $10 USD) and a coffee.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2023

Maria

Traditional and nice hotel

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2023

Martine

We are a family with 2 young kids. This place is a beautiful hotel and very clean. The pool is amazing with beautiful views of the ocean and sunsets. The town is a short walk via the beach and a couple minute drive. The staff was so helpful and so friendly, they went above and beyond for us. Didnt catch everyone’s name, But they are all so great. Dennis was really great. We ate a few dinners and the food is good at a reasonable price. Only negative part, we had a door that connected to another room and we could hear the neighbour quite a bit. And there are no mini fridges in the rooms. But the staff was very kind and was able to help us out with my daughters daily milk. Def recommend this hotel. Its very peaceful and relaxing. And very quiet at night.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2023

Lindsay

We were a group of 3 families staying for 2 nights. We wished we could have stayed longer! Unfortunately they were all booked up, and it’s easy to see why. The staff are incredibly kind and attentive; the grounds are gorgeous and the beach is serene. Two families were staying in the hotel rooms. They’re a little dated, but very clean. The third family was in a condo. It was modern, sparkling clean and very well-equipped.

Can’t say enough about how much we loved this spot. There was a “yoga festival” (translation: rave) happening way down the beach, and we were so glad to be away from that scene at night. (We still got to hear all their music, but there’s not much our hotel could have done about that!).

Excellent spot for families, couples, etc… highly recommend!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2023

Theresa

Great location right on the beach. Lovely pool and great grounds overall.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2023

ANN

Beautiful grounds, spectacular bird watching. Room adequate.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Mar 2023

Scott

The actual facilities as far as the lodge we're okay. It's an older resort that's in need of some serious updates. Our room had problems with the door they actually had to come and fix the door cuz it wouldn't close right. The shower had what looked to be a little bit of black mold in it which to my surprise they cleaned. The shower head was highly corroded with calcium. The bed was comfortable and the pillows for comfortable. There was no chair or table in the room. I had to ask if I could get some glasses for the bathroom as it were none. It was missing floor molding on the wall in half of the room. It's definitely in need of major painting. We booked this over 8 months ago and were given what was called room number one. Well let me tell you some room number one does not have the little outside area with sliding patio doors with chairs and tables it literally as you walk in it's a room with a bathroom and a bed. No closet with his old metal frame with some juked up wired hangers for your clothes. If I word ever stay there again I would certainly not want to stay in that room. Talking to some other people they said they had nicer rooms and for $160 a night highly disappointed. What you're paying for is the view and that's all. The pool is nice although you can hurt yourself on the way the rocks are designed. The food overall was pretty good the drinks were great and the staff upon my complaining was very helpful. I did apologize for my little bit of an outburst.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Dec 2022

Timothy

Property was amazing,,quite ,incredible views,great pool ,succulent food,staff were kind and generous,,we got lucky we found this little resort on venao beach!the only blemish is that it is not easy to get to without a car,we had friends drop us off there,but to get back from there was to use uber to pedasi to catch a bus to panama city,we did find a flight out of pedasi on mondays and fridays so we opted for that and it was awesome and saved time.cant wait to go back

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2022

Alfredo

Beach had trash, green areas not well kept

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2022

Nicholas

Perfect beach getaway

The service is great, the room we had was amazing. The area itself is amazing

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2021

Giselle

Todo excelente!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Dec 2021

tor

Balcony and view

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 Oct 2021

Evelyne

Great Place! In front of the ocean.

It was a great stay, the place is beautiful, the service is great. We had breakfast and lunch and can say the food was great. Our only problem was the privacy of the rooms, we had room 1 and 2 and it was practicaly in the restaurant, we could hear and see people outside our window, and they could see inside. But the room was clean, spacious and the bead was really comfortable. Would definetly stay again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2021

EDUARDO

I LOVED THE SERVICE AND THAT IS VERY NEAR TO THE OCEAN.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Well located

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2021

Jessica

Definitely Recommend

Beautiful location and quiet. Staff were incredibly friendly and attentive and went above and beyond to ensure an enjoyable experience. Definitely one of the best properties to stay at in Playa Venao.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2021

william

Good place. Would consider staying again

Good place to hang out for a couple days.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2020

Maria S.

Villa Marina en Venao

Beautiful and quaint hotel, exceded my expectations. The location is extremely pretty. Fodd and staff are excelent. You fine thing to do nearby.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2019

Onilda

Great stay! Wonderful service and great food!

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

09 Aug 2019

Edward

There's a lot to like here, but...

There's a lot to like at this hotel, like the amazing beachfront location, friendly service, and pleasant common areas. Unfortunately, some neglected maintenance detracts from it. I realize property in the tropics can be a maintenance nightmare, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem the staff here can really keep up, though it's obvious they try. Common areas are pleasant and we'll cared for. Room was essentially clean, but condition prevented it from feeling truly clean and comfortable. Mold on the walls, peeling paint, stuck window and door jams. We were in a king oceanfront that had an incredible view. Patio was tidy, well furnished and inviting. Food was served at specific hours and was quite good. Service was professional and warm. While there is not a bar, drinks are available from the kitchen. With all that, I would probably stay here again, mostly for the ideal oceanfront, secluded location.

Partner

4/10

Poor

10 Jul 2019

MAC

The only good thing is the view at the main área. The bar and restaurant are not as bad as the hotel. Old rooms, no wifi in rooms, unconfortable bed, room view Of the Parking lot. The rooms have AC, hot water, TV, and are in good shape, but not for $70 a night in this location. Maybe $50 the most.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2019

Frederik

Playa Venao

A great place for relaxation and quite romantic setting

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Mar 2019

Joanne

Villa Marina Lodge

The area itself is improving in the lodging experience.
The hotel was a good location and the staff was great.
The unit was average but comfortable.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2018

Emory

Really great people here. A little more grass trimming and landscaping would be good but the quiet location and kind staff make this place

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

Nice place but very loud music till 6am from hotel 1/2 km away! Will stay again but not in June during music festival. Hotel can use some upgrades.

2/10

Poor

20 May 2018

Verified traveler

Horrible staff , do not care for clijentes . The worst the French student from reception . Arrogant ,

8/10

Excellent

28 Jan 2018

Kitty

Nice private hotel near the beach

Villa Marina Lodge is a very nice small hotel very in playa Venao yet away from the beach- crowded area. You can rent a comfortable room with ocean view and still keep your privacy.
It is a perfect place to spend some quiet time and enjoy the scenery.
It is clean, comfortable and affordable..

Partner

2/10

Poor

28 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Unhappy with service.

Staff was not very helpful. There was a mix up with the reservation and they were not willing to make any changes. They could have made the adjustment since there were rooms available. They wanted to make us pay for the extra day in addition to the room already booked.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2017

Robin

Best kept secret in Panama

Hotels.com really messed up our reservation by not sending the updated change of dates to the resort,even though we had a confirmation number from hotels.com. That being said, David the manager managed to find us a room for two nights and treated us like royalty. The whole place is magical and we can't wait to return.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Mar 2017

Verified traveler

Good location, everything else not so much.

This hotel is in a great location right on the beach. The hotel is small and at one time I am sure it was great. Unfortunately the hotel has not been maintained and it is run down. We got a free upgrade to an ocean view room but even then it was not worth the price we paid for the room. The food and service were both bad. We had a scorpion on the floor of the bathroom for three days. The maid did not slean up the dead bugs from our room the whole time we were there. We lived in Panama and we were used to bad service and food so we took it in stride. Without the location this is a two star hotel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Feb 2017

David

Most beautiful spot at Playa Venao

I've stayed there several times. Beautiful spot, but rooms have become very rundown. Such a shame for what could be a first class resort.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2017

Dianne

Paradise in Panama

Villa Marina was a very pleasant surprise - even better than the pictures. The pool was a plus and the beach lovely.

Family

8/10

Excellent

19 Jan 2017

Dean

Extraordinary setting.

Great place place with wonderful staff. Excellent food. We were entertained by Scarlet McCaws, geckos, iguanas, and an array of birds on our porch and at the pool. The beach is at the property's edge and not intimidating. Strolling down the typically empty section in front towards activity, mid-bay, offers more opportunities for activity at several other resorts. Some of the best surfing in Panama.
With nine rooms Villa Marina is an intimate, laid-back, experience.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Dec 2016

Ekin

Hidden gem in Playa Venao

After a 5 hour drive from Panama City we arrived at Villa Marina Lodge around 9pm. Our check-in was very smooth. We had requested an extra bed after making our reservation, this was done next day. The location is like heaven. Right next to a beautiful beach. Not many people around so if you're looking for peace and serenity this is the place ! There is a hostel nearby that is 10 minutes walk on the beach, if you want a bit more action, you can always go there in the evening. The hotel staff were all very nice.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Dec 2016

Verified traveler

Disappointed

Room was moldy, bedding was smelly, windows and doors are in need of repair. Generally hotel grounds are nice and location is great. However, we would not come back because the room was in bad shape (e.g. moldy). This place needs some maintenance.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2016

Mark

So much room for improvement

The hotel is in a fantastic secluded location but there is so much more room for improvement. We were the only guest for 3 days and at no point did anyone in the staff approached us to even ask us if we needed a pool towel. The facilities are unkept the hotel looks like a ghost town, I understand not having a full time staff when off season but at least turn on the lights.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2016

Amanda

Awesome

Isabella was awesome and made sure our stay was perfect. The food was 5 star. The hotel is clean and beautiful. We will be back.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

Romantic Getaway!!

This was our second visit to this area of Panama, since our first visit in 2010. The hotel was just as lovely as we remembered, and the staff just as attentive.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2016

Dan

Room with a view

Great hotel with great view. Excellent vacation spot.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2016

Scott

A Gem! On an amazing beach.

Booked for two nights, stayed for four. It is a very small place only 9 rooms. Beautiful small pool. The hotel sits right on the beach among lovely palms and tropical flowers. Hawks, parrots and geckos abound. Phillipp the manager is a fun accommodating host who works incredibly hard. Breakfasts and dinners are delicious. There is not much in the area. No stores. There are three or four hostel style surf resorts down the beach 1/2 a mile or so and each of those has a bar for a little extra excitement. Don't miss walking over the hill to Playita and a good visit with monkeys and a tame deer.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2016

dldiamante

A gem in the rough!

Five plus hours drive from Panam City, all you need to have with you is love, and a good book or two. Okay, you will also need some easy cloth to change, tooth brush and few essential stuff. Expect to arrive to your second home, ( too bad we do not own this property) it is situated right in front of the water, it is a small only 9 rooms lodge, basic, clean, functional, though it does not come with the standard industry rating of 5 stars, the service and location turns it into a 10 stars. It is real, not artificial, it is the most genuine place I have come a crossed in a very long time. Beside the architecture of the place with it's simplicity that is so inviting and create this sense of home, you will feel that warmth through the care of the entire stuff. Phillip( the manager ) impressed us with his work ethics, respect, passion, love for the place and the people that comes to stay there. We felt as if he is hosting us in his own home, at first we thought he is the owner son. No one that We know will take care of a property and guests the way Phillip does, and he does not even have ownership in the place. Normally when something is yours there is so much pride, respect and joy that you work so hard to keep it, after all it's yours. I suggest the owner to give Phillip a reason to stay, make him a partner that is the only way I can see him stay!!!!! You can only win from that decision,he young and has so many dreams for this place, I can see the property becoming a yoga destin

Partner