We spent a month at Tropical Suites, so I hardly know where to begin... First of all, we were greeted at the airport in Bocas, by the smiling face of Cesar from Tropical Suites, and brought directly to the hotel, which for first time visitors to Isla Colon, was wonderfully welcoming and reassuring. The hotel itself, without question, is the most substantial facility, and offers the best amenities in Bocas Town. Tropical Suites is built right over the Caribbean Sea, as are many of the local establishments, but this hotel has a "solidity" and quiet that is offered no where else in Bocas. Though the hotel is located in the central part of town, when you close the doors to the balcony for a good nights sleep, peace and quiet is what you get. Having said that quiet reigns in the hotel, you could not ask for a better location because everything you could want in town is within walking distance.
Since we were in the hotel for such an extended stay, we left feeling like close friends of the whole staff. This is a definite advantage to staying in a smaller hotel as opposed to a large resort. Jamie and Chip, the owners, are outgoing, friendly, and accommodating, as is their entire staff starting at the reception desk, and finishing with housekeeping. Also very helpful for those of us with only the most rudimentary grasp of the Spanish language, is that the hotel has a quite a number of people on the staff that are bilingual. Though Tropical Suites already has wonderfully large rooms with kitchenettes, and large bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, they have plans for many more upgrades that were just starting as we left. We saw the sample of the new handmade, custom beds that were to be installed in all of the suites, as well as new pillow top mattresses, linen, towels, native artwork, window coverings, and microwaves. We can hardly wait to go back and see the finished result!
The hotel made a great home base for us to go out exploring the rest of Isla Colon and all of the wonderful restaurants of Bocas. Besides the great breakfasts at Lili's right next door, that is included with your stay at the hotel, there is such a wide assortment of all types of cuisine both in Bocas and the surrounding islands. El Pecado and The Bamboo are just down the street, Gauri Gauri and Ninth Degree are a must as well, and Bibi's on Carenero for ceviche are just a few of our favorites
Island hopping and snorkeling are as close as the multitude of water taxis just a little down the street from the hotel. We enjoyed checking out all of the wonderful beaches both on Isla Colon and all of the many other islands, and walking and exploring the stores and shops in Bocas. Finally, sitting on our Balcony at Tropical Suites with something cold to drink and a good book, or my husband's favorite, just people watching from the balcony.
Four weeks initially seemed like such a long time to stay in one place, but we enjoyed ourselves so much that the time just flew by, and it was time to leave before we knew it. We so look forward to returning next year to such an island paradise!