Stephen

Reviews

26 total reviews

26 reviews

4.31

2015–2024

Hosting since 2015

Cleanliness 4.4

Accuracy 4.5

Communication 4.9

Location 4.5

Check-in 4.9

Value 4.4

26 reviews

2BR Cottage in Portobelo District

Rodrigo

Good, 2 years ago

The place is fine It allows you to have privacy and relatively easy access to the beach. I don't recommend it for adults. The house has everything you need, and is very comfortable.

Stephen was an excellent host! I would recommend going to Supermercado El Rey in Sabanitas if you need groceries. They have everything you would want from a supermarket. We parked in a safe fenced parking area (Dona Eme - you have to pay cash) recommended by Stephen. We boated across (you have to pay cash) and met Chilo his assistant on Isla Grande. Chilo speaks Spanish and he is very kind and helpful getting our luggage up the slight incline. The casita was just as described! Everything we needed! Beaches were just as beautiful as I had remembered! There is a little beach right near the base of the trail to the house with a place to snorkel and swim. Everyone on the island was very friendly. 90% of the places you can pay with debit/credit cards. We had no issues with the water on the island. All of the plugs were regular American plugs and no adaptors were needed. If you go to Cocotal say hello to Demi the Chef and Coco the dog! Chef Demi made the best food!

Casita Isabella is a lovely private location with a great patio with hammocks for a very relaxing stay. Comfortable interior with fans and air conditioners. Highly recommend it you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay.

Host Response

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you and your family will return on your next visit to Panana!

The house is perfectly located slightly far from the front line which is perfect if you are looking for a quite place (as us this time). It also have a nice ambiance and rough style that I liked. The reason why I am not giving a solid 5 is because 1) I believe it lacks of preventive maintenance that is getting things rusty. However everything works perfectly: stove, coffee machine, water, gas, others. 2) The hill is not made for everybody. If I would have brought my 70 year old mother it would have been painful for her. If you’re not in good shape don’t pick this house. Communication and location is a solid 5.

Host Response

Thank you Gustavo for your comments ... they are well noted and appreciated. As indicated earlier, we are in the process of improving the pathway. When done the slope will be much flatter. Material is on order to replace the railings on the terrace. Due to the late rainy season, work has been delayed.

It is a very simple house, like most of the area. Access to it is uphill by an impromptu trail. You have to be prepared because it is the rainy season it can be quite complicated. The gas pressure or oven is not good, so I recommend planning a trip where you eat outside the house (there are several restaurants on the island). The landlord is very attentive and always available. Regards!

Host Response

Thank you Federico you for your feedback. It was unfortunate the weather did not cooperate prior to your stay. I am surprised you had trouble with the stove/oven as it was installed new this past April. We will certainly look into any adjustments needed.

2BR Cottage in Portobelo District

James

Repeat guest

Excellent, 8 years ago

A great spot with a perfect amount of privacy.

Stephen! He was very kind to understand that we can almost not get to his house due to the bad weather and Mrs. Ana was very kind and gave all the necessary information so that we could cross to the island... your attention is greatly appreciated. Regarding the house, everything was very clean, tidy and nice... access to the house could be improved since with the rains it is not easy to access the house. Maybe with a sidewalk it would be easier... in general everything is very nice and the atmosphere is relaxed!

The house is the best place to stay on the island, no doubt. If you want to come to Isla Grande stay here... . Close to the town (if you can not avoid it) and close to the surf break. Also you can jump on any boat from the casa ensueno just around the corner. However, beware... outside this little haven you will just find a type of people that I can not describe otherwise I would be politically incorrect... Probably because we went during new year we encountered hundreds of uneducated people just throwing garbage / cans/ bottles to the water as if it was the garbage. The main beach on the island they make it as private (the Panamanian law does not allow private beaches - you should not pay for it - beaches are public domain) and they want to charge for it... inclusive if the beach is covered with hundreds of beer cans and plastic... people sunbathing with cans around!!! never seen this in my life. Good experience at the house, good surfing, the rest is unfortunately just to be avoided. This could be heaven on earth...but the human being it is clearly the most destructive / dangerous animal on earth.

2BR Cottage in Portobelo District

James

Repeat guest

Excellent, 9 years ago

The caretaker, Ana, gives this spot the chispa that takes it to the next level. 100 percent reccomend.

2BR Cottage in Portobelo District

James

Repeat guest

Excellent, 9 years ago

Best house I've stayed in on Isla Grande. Tucked away in a quiet little grove away from all the noise of the beach. And the care taker of the house, Ana, is super helpful and welcoming. 100% will be going back.

Host Response

We are looking forward to James and friends staying at our cottage on his next visit.

the apartment was nice and very cozy. the garden and its beautiful butterflies and nature were very inspiring. very relaxing place full of books and DVDs (even for children) and an unforgettable hammock. the housekeeper, senhora ana, was helpful. however one of the bedrooms did not have ac unit but only a ceiling fan, which made the nights a bit suffocating. mattreses were a bit old and one of beds did not have mosquito net, which it is indispensable for the place. recommended for those who want to have close contact with the nature (beaches at isla grande are not astonishing)

A beautiful place to get away from it all and relax for a few days. The cottage could comfortably fit up to 10 people, yet it was cosy enough for just us 2. Stephen was very helpful throughout the weekend, ensuring that all our needs were met. I highly recommend staying here.