Vacation Rentals by Owner

Relaxing Surroundings

Guest: Jo-Anne (Playa Chiquita, Limon, Costa Rica)
Date of Stay: 05/15/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

The description of this quaint B&B was very accurate. My stay was very relaxing and I felt very secure. The location was ideal as I did not have a means of transportation and downtown was only one block away. The shopping was good and there are many tour operators in the downtown area offering a variety of activities. The restaurants were numerous for my short stay. Pricing at the B&B, shopping, and restaurants was very reasonable. A nice comfort was the prepared booklet in the B&B of Barb and Mort's 'extra information' that I found very helpful. These hosts do make you feel very welcome. I would recommend this B&B for its great amenities, location and great hosts.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful casita within stone's throw of a babbling brook

Guest: Mercedes (Carlsbad, California)
Date of Stay: 05/03/12 Review Submitted: 05/12/12

Our 6 night stay was perfect. The casita was just right in every way. The location is great. Perfectly private and secure behind a driveway gate; yet just a block from Boquete central, stores, services, tourist ideas, and some wonderful local restaurants. The hosts, Barbara and Mort, were exceptional in making us feel like friends visiting, as well as having great suggestions for things to see and do. If you are lucky, your visit will be timed so that you can enjoy some of Mort's artisan breads. Barbara paints wonderful silk art. Their sweet dog Maggie completes the relaxing and welcoming ambiance.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very good description.

Guest: Anne and Michael (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 04/18/12 Review Submitted: 05/01/12

The "Cottage by the River" was everything we had hoped for and more during our stay. Barbara and Mort willingly answered our many questions. We truly felt that we were their guests. The "casita" had everything that we needed to make our stay very enjoyable. Our location was only a block away from the main street and we walked all over town exploring. There are so many restaurants and activities in this town - Barbara has assembled a book for guests to check out information on these. Being next to a small river made sleeping delightful and the flowers in the garden were wonderful. Mort, Barbara, and Maggie were gracious hosts and we would return again anytime!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

A trip to Boquete, Panama

Guest: Cristina W (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/09/12 Review Submitted: 05/06/12

We recently went to Panama with the idea of exploring the country for retirement purposes. We spent 2 days in Boquete with Morton and Barbara at Casa Sirena (Cottage by the river). We enjoyed Boquete very much and especially Morton and Barbara's place. The place is very enchanting, with the river running through their beautiful garden. The little cottage where we stayed was very quaint, clean, well equipped, and most of all you will notice Barbara's attention to the last detail to keep us feeling at home. The place is conveniently located just a block away from the main street in Boquete and yet it was very private. We loved the place, and enjoyed Morton, and Barbara's conversations and advise.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place, Wonderful Hosts!

Guest: Karen (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 03/28/12 Review Submitted: 05/06/12

My husband and I stayed at the Cottage by the River for two nights in March. We loved our time there! Barbara and Morten were delightful, and helped us so much. They provided great advice and recommendations. We enjoyed walking to town and eating at all the delicious restaurants. My husband and I enjoyed the afternoons sitting on the Cottage Porch, watching the river, and enjoying a glass of wine. Barbara has thought of everything for the cottage. Everything you could need, even robes! The cottage is a great value, and a great place to stay.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Just Right!

Guest: Peggy (Cape Elizabeth, Maine)
Date of Stay: 03/15/12 Review Submitted: 03/24/12

Without repeating what others have said, I’ll confirm and add my two cents worth… We stayed at the cottage for a week from March 15-22. I found this place through VBRO rentals and found the website to be attractive, friendly, and informational. I viewed the trip advisor comments and figured “what’s not to like about this place?” From the beginning (first e-mail contact one year ago) I have found Barbara and Mort to be attentive, friendly, and just plain interesting people. When I discovered Mort baked his own bread I knew we’d be in good hands! I’ve long been intrigued with the ex-pat life and figured we could get the inside scoop of life in Boquete and interesting things to do. Two days before we arrived Barbara e-mailed me notifying me of a birdwalking tour around the back yards of Boquete the morning after our arrival. I immediately signed up. We went on a 2 hour hike with other ex pats on another day. It was wonderful to get a glimpse into the ex pat life. My husband and I wound up visiting the coffee farm of one of the ex pats who was leading the bird walk. It doesn’t get much better than that! Barbara and Mort ‘s graciousness and hospitality were outstanding, the location perfect, and the guest cottage colorful and charming. Stay here!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Cottage !!

Guest: Karen (Orono MN)
Date of Stay: 03/05/12 Review Submitted: 03/12/12

This cottage is perfect! It was within walking distance of Boquette. Barbara and Mort were fabulous hosts--they were informative, gracious and caring. I would recommend this cottage for vacationers without a car, as a romantic getaway and for adventure seekers. Both the cottage and the hosts far exceeded my expectations. I would recommend the 'cottage by the river' to family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers. When I travel to Boquette in the future, I definitely plan to stay in this cottage!! This was truly a wonderful experience for me!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Best of Boquette

Guest: Jim (Durango, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/29/12 Review Submitted: 02/11/12

We just returned from a 6 nite stay and it was very enjoyable. Mort and Barbara were much more than hosts, they were ambassadors of Boquette. The setting was excellent, the accommodations were very pleasant, clean and comfortable, and the location in town made it easy to walk to nearly everything. This was our first visit and we are looking forward to returning!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cozy, Peaceful, Clean and Well Equipped - Highly Recommend - Hosts are Fantastic

Guest: Jack & Sandi (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

We stayed here for 6 nights in November. Barbara and Mort were the most gracious hosts. The constant sound of the river just steps outside the front door was so relaxing. The location is amazing, just a 2 block walk from the center of Boquete. The previous review was such a great summary I find little to add except that Barbara and Mort just made our visit to Boquete so enjoyable with all of their insights and tips. Their hospitality was like a visit w/ your own family; gracious with home made bread to please; yet with your own space for privacy and peacefulness. They know everything about the area and are so generous with their knowledge. Every recommendation they gave on hikes, drives and dining, we took--and had an amazing experience. STAY HERE AND ENJOY BOQUETE; ITS A GREAT VALUE.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Amazing Location, Stellar Hospitality, Immaculately Clean Cottage

Guest: Croatian & ScootDiggidy (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 09/10/11

We stayed here for 2 nights in September. Barbara and Mort were most gracious hosts. Mort greeted us with a loaf of his fresh baked bread...so delish. The constant sound of the river just steps outside the front door was so relaxing. The location is amazing, just a 2 minute walk from the center of Boquete. If you want to enjoy the town of Boquete and launch from there, this cottage is perfect. It's clean, with all the amenities you'd need such as a hot water kettle, coffee pot with fresh Boquete coffee--stocked, plates/glasses and a small fridge. The linens were so comfortable and clean. They will even do your laundry for you, if you're there on a day when the house keeper is available. The owners offer a helpful drawer of info, maps, reccomendations for activities, dining and even a Panama cel phone to use while you're there. Aside from the amazing accommodations, Barbara and Mort are life savers. They know everything about the area and are so generous with their knowledge. Every reccomendation they gave on hikes, drives and dining, we took--and had an amazing experience. The icing on the cake is they know what to do in an emergency. My boyfriend had an injury when we arrived. We didn't think anything of it and Barbara insisted she take a look. She immediately knew what the problem was, wisked us to her local doctor and in minutes, he was fixed, in/out of the doc and farmacia in 20 minutes flat. She checked on us throughout the visit and her expertise and concern were so helpful and so appreciated. It really makes a difference when the host of the cottage really cares about the guests. If you are going to Boquete, you have to stay at the Casita on the River.....

Owner response:There is nothing worse than suffering an accident or becoming ill while on a trip. My training as a nurse plus our experience living in Panama has alerted us to recognize and deal with infections promptly. Advice to travelers: do not ignore warning signs of fever, redness, swelling. Get medical attention immediately. Early intervention will keep you safe, happy and able to continue your trip in good health.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous spot!

Guest: MM (Seattle, WA US)
Date of Stay: 07/20/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

My husband & I stayed at this cottage for 3 days and were thrilled with our stay. The cottage is beautifully located in a garden on a lively creek, with a pleasant place to sit & enjoy the setting. Inside, the cottage is clean, refreshing & stocked with various essentials for making a morning cup of coffee or planning excursions around town. It's located right in Boquete, where everything is within walking distance. Best of all, Barb & Mort are welcoming & gracious, generous with ideas & recommendations about how to best enjoy the area! The listing accurately portrays the loveliness of this spot and we would definitely recommend it to family and friends!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Delightful

Guest: Vancouver canada (Vancouver canada)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 07/29/11

Delightful stay, there was some trouble with the internet and the cottage is small, cute and comfy. Warning that rainy season means that it rains every day after noon. We rented a car and did some hikes in the area and visited some coffee plantations. Beautiful area.

Owner response:We got a new router - internet working fine now! :-)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

There Is Not Enough High Praise For This Lovely Setting & Art Class!

Guest: Ann (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/13/11 Review Submitted: 07/16/11

How do I begin to describe the tremendous experience i had at Barbara and Mort's property in Boquete? Although i didn't directly stay in their casita, i adored it every day as I walked past the location. Everyone in town knew of it from the lovely, private grounds with impeccable tropical landscaping and a bubbling river brook running through it. I was fortunate enough to attend Barbara's silk painting class. It was fun, motivating, comprehensive, fully informative and the highlight of my three weeks in Panama! Barbara was a fabulous artist and teacher. Her down-to-earth personality and exquisite talent were the perfect combination to bring out the students' creativity. There was only one other person in class so the attention/instruction was very individual. She immediately got me hooked on silk painting. The location was perfect!!! It was literally just a few blocks walk into the center of town but was very quiet and tranquil. Habla Ya Language School was directly around the corner (I was a student there, too). Restaurants abound within easy walking distance. There is no need for a car or any other transportation. Mort is renowned for his delicious, fresh artisan bread that is baked in a beautiful mosaic outdoor oven that Barbara created. I served his bread at a party and it was a huge favorite of the guests. Barbara and Mort's warm-hearted welcome will not be forgotten! I would make another trip all the way from San Diego, CA to Boquete, Panama solely to stay at their casita and take more art lessons! If this review sounds extremely flowery and complimentary, please know it is genuine. My regret is that i did not stay at the casita (I wasn't aware of it in time to make a booking). I have only been back home for one day but am already considering a return trip so I can continue the great experience i had with them! It is truly a lovely place. You can not go wrong with a visit to Boquete with Barbara and Mort!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The beauty of the little cottage was only exceeded by the propietarios hospitality

Guest: K & J (Houston, Tx USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

Our son found this place for us and it was a perfect experience and place to launch our Boquete discovery. Very clean and efficiently equiped with everything needed for a delightful stay. The sound of the water was so soothing and sleep inducing as the smells from the gardens filled the air. Every need and question we had were met by Barbara and Mort. We recommend this property as a perfect place to stay in Boquete if you are looking for a good value and a great sleep in a peaceful, secure, well managed property.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

BEAUTIFULLY PEACEFUL IN BOQUETE

Guest: Greg and Dede (Westcliffe, Colorado USA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 07/09/11

When we arrived in Boquete we were welcomed by Mort, Barbara, and Maggie as if they had known us for years. The property is not only beautifully kept but so charming and peaceful that we did not want to leave. The cottage was immaculate and the bed linens, towels and robes were clean and smelled fresh. It had everything to make our stay comfortable and was exactly what we were looking for. The creek outside was such a wonderful touch. Mort and Barbara were very hospitable and informative about the sites and restaurants in Boquete. There is no need to get a taxi as everything is within walking distance. We loved this place and will stay here on our next visit to Boquete.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cottage set in the Eden Gardens of Boquete

Guest: Olga (Ottawa, Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 04/26/11

I couldn't sleep my first night when we arrived to Boquete early April 2011 because of the excitement due to overwhelming amount of tropical flowers that I admire so much! Barbara, Mort and Maggie were very welcoming and their cottage is spotlessly clean, snow-white linens, plenty of soft towels and even bathrobes! They also gave us the excellent introduction to the restaurants and places of interest as well as honestly answered our questions on how's life looks and feels in Panama. Highly recommend.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautiful Casita, Great Location

Guest: MikeS (Providence, RI)
Date of Stay: 04/18/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

A superbly nice casita just a minute walk from downtown. Set in a quiet and peaceful location, the casita really offers everything you would need. It is spotlessly clean, charming, and comfortable. My wife and I stayed for 2 nights in the middle of April, and it was a great chance for us to kick back and relax during our month of travel. The babbling stream next to the house (seriously, 5 feet from the house) is so nice at night. You cannot hear any noise from around the city due to the sound from the water. The hosts are very pleasant and helpful. They offered to take us on a walk on the quetzal trail right when we arrived, however we were a bit tired. After they went out for a while, they came back and gave us the complete rundown of the area. They invited us into their house for some bread, which Mort makes in an oven outside (which you can see from your room). A fun process to watch. The casita has a toaster, fridge, utensils, cups, television with a ton of channels, hot shower, nice bathroom, coffee/tea, coffee maker, chairs outside overlooking the brook, hairdryer, and more. It was very safe as well, as they gave us a gate opener to their front yard. Thus, nobody can just walk onto the property. This is as comfortable and relaxed as it gets in Panama. The weather was a nice reprive from the rest of Central America. It's super nice and cool at night. I give this place a 10/10. Have fun.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: kaufmjea (Hollywood, MD)
Date of Stay: 02/21/10 Review Submitted: 02/21/10

My husband and I spent a few days in the Rabkin's wonderful Cottage by the River and enjoyed every minute of it. The location enabled us to explore the area by walking everywhere while the river running along side it provided a sense of privacy and the soothing sounds for a good night's sleep. The casita is the perfect size for a couple, with all the necessities and much added charm. Mort was a wonderful host, providing homemade artisan bread and lots of invaluable information about the town of Boquete as well as life in Panama. We left wanting nothing more than to return quickly and stay much longer at this cottage by the river.

Recommended for:

Guest: Cyndi G. (California)
Date of Stay: 02/07/10 Review Submitted: 02/07/10

I first must say that I did not stay at this establishment. I had made a reservation to stay here for three nights but the day before I was due to arrive (I was in Bocas del Torro) my husband had an accident and broke his leg. I called up the owners and explained the situation and not only did they refund my deposit, but actually called me back to ask me if they was any way they could help. I can't explain how grateful I was. They seem like amazing lovely people and I can't wait to return to Panama and stay with them and bake some bread with Mort. Thank you once again for your kindness and understanding. Sincerely, Cyndi & Jon Grasman

Recommended for:

Guest: Cyndy Atkins (Sanibel Island, FL)
Date of Stay: 01/25/10 Review Submitted: 01/25/10

This beautiful nonsmoking "Casita on the River" exceeded my expectations!It is spotless, well equipped, comfortable for 1 or 2 people,private and secure. It is better than a hotel and you will love the amenities. A car is not necessary and you can walk to the main drag for restaurants, laundry, supermarkets, drug stores, post office and anything that you might require. The best part for me was the beautiful shower and bathroom which was well lighted and had lots of towels and supplies. The queen bed was personally crafted by Mr. Rabkin in his woodshop. The casita is quiet and romantic. You will have free WiFi for your laptop, cable tv, a reloadable cellphone, refrigerator, coffemaker, tea kettle, microwave, toaster oven, dishes/utensils. Mr. and Mrs. Rabkin live onsite with their beautiful and friendly labradoodle, Maggie. Maggie loves to greet all of the guests and offer you her toy as a welcome! Mrs. Rabkin is a talented artist and you can book private lessons with her in her studio. Her silk creations are exquisite and like none you have seen. Mr. Rabkin makes the very best rye bread in Chiriqui' and you can watch him bake it in his handmade woodburning clay oven. It is delicious and many people reserve his bread in advance. You are near many inexpensive restaurants such as Nelvis, Lourdes, El Sabroson and Bistro Boquete which is owned and mananged by a renowned chef from Aspen, CO. If you would like to have a casually elegant meal on the river, go to the El Oasis....a B&B across the bridge. Wow. Adventure sports? Go to Boquete Outdoor Adventures (BOA) and ask for Jim or Rolando. They have the very best day trips. They are on the corner and near the casita. Whitewater rafting, island trips, fishing, hikes. Superb value for the money and professional staff. Ziplines? Go to Kotowa Coffee in the same building and book a tour with Aventurist. Absolutely the best zipline tour anywhere....14 ziplines total. I have been to every corner of the globe and I will tell you that this will be one of the the best vacations of your life and your hosts will see to it that you are well take care of. I will be going back! Panama...what a country!!

Recommended for:

Cottage by the River

Guest: hinges (Gibsons,British Columbia,Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

This charming little cottage exceeded my expectations in every way.The location was first class as it was beside the Spanish School and only one short block from the main street.The Casita is very comfortable and when I sat and enjoyed my tea on the patio the only thing between me and the river were the beautiful flowers.The river though small was quite fast flowing and the sound was really restful.Mort and Barb ,the owners were very kind and hospitable and Maggie ,the labradoodle was always there to greet me at the secure gate.The town itself had a freindly,safe feeling to it .i had an unfortunate fall there and was so well looked after by the local people who took me to the clinic,pharmacy and optomotrist and checked up on me afterwards. There are so many activities to take part in here for all ages.I went on the day outing to Boca Chica and spent several hours an a beautiful uninhabited island.I also went on the Coffee Tour and spent a day driving up to the surrounding areas.But there is white water rafting,Zip lines ,midnight hikes up the Volcan Baru and much more. As a single lady there all my experiences were great and especially having "The Cottage By The River to come home to every night.Thank you so much Barb and Mort for everything and especially the delicious home made breads.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.