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

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.

Jen
Excellent, 3 years ago
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!

Karin
Excellent, 3 years ago
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!

Gustavo
Good, 6 years ago
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.

Alba
OK, 7 years ago
Casita Isabella is a small but extremely cozy space

Parker
Excellent, 7 years ago
Stephen’s place was exactly as pictured and described. It was very clean and comfortable, he also accommodated me on short notice for a weekend getaway. Thanks again!

Marisol
Good, 7 years ago
The caretaker's attention was good; he welcomed us and helped. The house is special for those of us who like nature. Cleanliness was good. The kitchen is equipped and clean. The pathway is illuminated.

Federico
OK, 7 years ago
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.

James
Repeat guest
Excellent, 8 years ago
A great spot with a perfect amount of privacy.

Sab
Good, 8 years ago
Stephen was very attentive from check-in to our departure from the house. The setting is beautiful and perfect for sharing a quiet weekend with your loved ones. I recommend!

Karla
Excellent, 8 years ago
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!

Sara
Excellent, 8 years ago
Great place to relax on Isla Grande, we went with our two small boys (4 and 7 years) and they loved swimming and snorkelling and fishing at the little dock. Great for a quiet short stay.

Fabiola
Excellent, 9 years ago
Stephen is very responsive and clarified all our doubts. Our stay in Isla Grande was very good. The kids loved it !!!

Sue
Good, 9 years ago
We enjoyed a one-night stay here. It's a lovely spot that is away from the hustle and bustle of main road -- you can hear many birds and see wonderful trees and flowers but that means it a little farther to spots by foot. The host was very accommodating and responsive. The set up worked well for our family of four. The air conditioning is great!

Andrea
Excellent, 9 years ago
Very nice place, clean, it is exactly as seen in the photos. We look forward to returning soon.

Daniel
OK, 9 years ago
The house is beautiful and surrounded by nature!

Alejandro
Good, 9 years ago
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.

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.

Licda. Margelis
Good, 9 years ago
Quiet spot

Bryana
Good, 9 years ago
Amazing island. Perfect get away. Totally doable accommodations. Beds not very comfortable but other than that really great island cottage feel. Stephen and his friend Ana were very helpful and allowed us to stay late. They were helpful and communicative! Thank you!

Roman
Excellent, 9 years ago
Great location, clean house, would return again.
Host Response
Roman was a guest and very welcome in the future .... hope the weather is better next time

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.

Rosalba
Excellent, 10 years ago
The house is in good condition, it is small but comfortable in relation to the quality and price, it is very good, the environment is pleasant and for children it is an adventure to go up or down to the beach. It is simple but very well equipped alone. There is a microwave missing.

German
Good, 10 years ago
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)

Jen
OK, 10 years ago
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.

Rolando
Good, 11 years ago
The accommodation provided was accommodating my family's expectations. The area where the cabin is located is quiet and totally surrounded by nature that the host keeps in Good Condition. I call my attention to the height of the sky, which produces a feeling of greater spaciousness. Enough air conditioning units and movies and books for entertainment. Very Good!