Zebulo Hostel
Panama
At a glance
Zebulo Hostel offers a vibrant and budget-friendly accommodation option in the lively Obarrio neighborhood of Panama City. This hostel is ideal for digital nomads and backpackers alike, providing a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. The casual atmosphere is characterized by communal activities and shared facilities that make it easy to meet fellow travelers.
The hostel features a variety of room options to suit different preferences, including economical private rooms with either air conditioning or fans, and dormitory-style accommodation. Private rooms have hot water access, while dorms focus on shared amenities. A key feature of Zebulo Hostel is its outdoor swimming pool, which provides a refreshing escape from the city's tropical climate.
The hostel also boasts a large communal area equipped with a Ping Pong table, a pool table, and various board games, creating a lively social setting. Frequent BBQ nights add to the communal dining experience, while breakfast is simply but thoughtfully provided, consisting of pancakes with syrup alongside tea or coffee.
Zebulo Hostel's location is strategically advantageous, with the metro only a few minutes away, ensuring easy exploration of nearby attractions such as the Panama Canal and Ancon Hill. The hostel's staff is multilingual, proficient in English, Spanish, and French, and is dedicated to assisting guests with travel plans within Panama and beyond.
The property's policies emphasize flexibility and convenience, with a 24-hour reception and provisions for late or early arrivals. Guests enjoy complimentary WiFi, lockers, and a book exchange, enhancing the hostel's appeal to modern travelers seeking a congenial and economical stay in Panama City.
Reviews
Avoid—Total health hazard. The dirtiest hostel I’ve stayed in. Our private room was gross: mold, cockroaches, no window, and a bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in months. The common area looks like a crack den with random mattresses on the ground instead of furniture, and the 'pool' is just a backyard pop-up. We booked two nights and regretted it. We moved to a nearby hostel for the same price that is 100x better. Basic but is clean. Don’t let the price fool you; the lack of basic hygiene and effort here is unacceptable. Place needs to be completely gutted and started again.
The travel world needs scruffy, cheap sociable hostels. This is that place. Unfortunately they don't clean it very well (slimey shower floor, mouldy tap) and the strange decor choices, (painted tiles and painted aluminium shower cubicles mean paint flakes onto the floor) give this place a real run down feel. Its on the slide and needs saving. On the plus side the pallet bed was comfortable and the staff friendly. Probably best to pay a couple dollars more and stay at zoha hostel or machico 7 min walk away. Much nicer, cleaner places that are well decorated and actually looked after.
