Casa Amarilla is a very good place to stay in bocas. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable about the area (and for the English speakers, they're from Denver, so their language skills are impeccable). The rooms are well maintained, are very reasonably priced, and have great amenities (cable TV, fridge, AC, hot water). The minor downside is that the chickens in the yard next door may wake you up in the morning (not sure that isn't the case at all places in bocas).

My son and I really enjoyed our stay in Bocas and have to attribute much of our comfort to Dennis and to his fabulous Casa Amarilla. The minute we walked in to the wall of cool air radiating from the room, we knew we had found our Nirvana.

It had been a long, hot bus ride from San Jose, Costa Rica and we arrived at the island around 5 pm without reservations. We were fortunate that space was available as we later learned the place is often booked up weeks in advance.

Casa Amarilla consists of 4 rooms at gound level that each can accomodate up 2 to 3 people. You will get fresh coffee in the morning, spotlessly clean rooms, and the best air conditioning in town! Plus we had flat-screen TV with cable, a fridge, and free internet access with a netbook in our room. It was like staying at the Ritz for my son and I, but still reasonably priced enough for our budget. The rooms are also secured by a gated fence at night. The owner, Dennis, may allow you to park your bikes (if you rent them) inside the gated area if you ask nicely. We rented bikes from Ixa's bike shop just around the corner and the Island was ours to roam. Dennis and his wife live upstairs. If you don't see them on the porch, just holler and he'll come out to greet you momentarily.

The Casa is located in a quiet neighborhood just past the Mondu Taitu on Calle 5 and is within walking distance of all the main attractions of Bocas Town. It is far enough away from the center of town to sleep soundly and yet close enough to get anywhere you want to be in a couple of minutes.

Another interesting feature is that Dennis and his wife keep chickens in the vacant lot next door. The rooster may wake you up, but it is also entertaining to watch the chickens while you sit on the patio and sip your coffee. I can't think of any downside actually to this place. We were very kindly treated and assisted by Dennis, his wife, and his staff and appreciate very much finding such a nice place to stay. I will definately be back!