It’s a hazy, lazy West Coast afternoon in San Rafael’s Gerstle Park neighborhood and in the Panama Hotel, the senses are soothed with the bubbling of the tropical garden fountain and scent of roasting seafood wafting from the hotel kitchen.
It’s a bright and friendly scene. It has been 90 years since original owner Maria Gargiulo began welcoming and feeding lodgers with homemade enchiladas and tamales. The boutique hotel restaurant still serves an excellent and affordable menu, amid a kitchen and dining room of homey ceramic serving plates and wood furniture that have been in use for decades, lending to the hotel’s eccentric flair.
Beyond the entrance atrium, narrow brick pathways lined with terracotta pots full of funky cactus lead between charming rooms and suites bursting with bohemian character. In her namesake quarters, the walls of Maria’s Pueblo rooms tell some of the 90 year history.
Live music carries through the atrium and gardens most evenings as guests dine under brightly colored umbrellas and strings of hanging party lights. Bring your pup along too for Yappy Hour as there are dog friendly rooms available in the hotel as well.
A short walk from San Rafael’s 4th Street, patrons of the Panama are minutes from art deco independent film center The Smith Rafael, North Bay’s Copperfield’s Books, as well as unique restaurants and art galleries.
The Panama is the perfect affordable weekend hideout in the Bay Area- relaxing, inspiring, and welcoming!
