I knew about Mamallena from my previous visits to Panama but I’ve never stayed before. I’m so glad I did this time, location is great (not far from big bus station by uber), staff is awesome (shout out to Dorian who even helped to sort out a local simcard!) Overall, great stay!

Clean, organised, peaceful location. Thank you

I did’t stay. I left right away because I didn’t feel comfortable or safe

Im always staying here when in panama city! I love the vibe and the facilities!

“One of the best low budget hostels I've ever stayed in”

For the cheapest hostel in Panama City this place is absolute top! It's a huge hostel with the total capacity of more than 60 people. A lot of shared, common areas, indoor and outdoor, vents everywhere, electric sockets too. A/C in the room from 9PM till 9AM (would be better from 8 to 8). Lockers in rooms. Bathrooms and showers everywhere. Kitchen looks small for that capacity but actually a lot of people eat in cheap bakeries and restaurants that are very close. Good connection with public buses. Internet ok, could be more stable. Rescued cats and dogs are there, very nice, loved them. TV, games, books, paintings outdoor plants (would be awesome to have some inside too). Staff is friendly and informative.

“Character”

Really nice guy on reception let me rest in upstairs lounge from early hours until check-in after arrival via overnight bus. Friendly cats. Spacious comfortable common areas with good vibe. Sturdy timber bunks with power but no curtain. Lockers provided. Useful kitchen. Luggage storage.

It was easy to start the San Blas adventure from here. The aircon in my room worked.

“Friendly place, good location”

This is big hostel with friendly staff and big traveller's community everyday

I cannot emphasize this enough: DO NOT STAY HERE. This was, without a doubt, the most dangerous and disgusting experience I have ever had. The Location & Facility The hostel is located in an extremely sketchy, dangerous, and filthy neighborhood. Unfortunately, the "clientele" inside the hostel is just as bad as the streets outside. To make matters worse, the place is incredibly dirty, and the basic infrastructure is failing. There were frequent water outages, and the staff didn't even bother to inform me that the water would be cut off until long after it had already happened. The Incident at the Pool I was sitting by the pool trying to rest with my electronic devices. Despite clear signs stating that jumping is strictly prohibited, an aggressive young man repeatedly jumped into the pool, soaking me and damaging my electronics. When I calmly pointed out the damage and asked for compensation, he became extremely aggressive and threatened me with physical violence. He stepped toward me, making it clear he intended to hit me. It was only after I stood up (being a head taller and significantly larger than him) that he backed off slightly—only to mockingly jump back into the pool again. Management Failure The worst part was the staff. The receptionist witnessed the entire ordeal on the camera: the illegal jumping, the damage to my property, and the physical threats. However, they did absolutely nothing. Out of what I can only assume was cowardice or fear of this aggressive guest, the staff refused to enforce their own house rules or intervene in a situation where a guest was being threatened. I had to leave immediately for my own safety. This is not just a "cheap" hostel; it is a lawless environment where the staff has no control and the guests are dangerous. If you value your safety and your belongings, stay far away from this place.

Kitchen, pool, garden

power plug at each bed, AC by night

Good kitchen, pool, chill atmosphere

I was glad to leave. The place needs TLC, felt scussy

It is a super nice and social hostel. Here you will meet great people. Its not a party hostel so its possible to get a good night sleep.

“Ok for short stays”

Helpful staff. Cue pool 😎

Not a pleasant place to stay. The staff could be nicer, and soap was missing. There were many strange people. I experienced disturbances at night when the staff removed my clothes from where I hung them on bed to check in another guest while I was sleeping.

“A good first stay in Panama City”

A relaxing feel. People friendly. A pool to cool you down.

Cheap

“Good hostel, economic, friendly people”

Mamallena is a nice hostel, very economic. There's a kitchen and a large fridge and freezer to store food. Lockers to lock your stuff. There's an air conditioner in the room, which is turned on at night. The shower I used was pretty spacious and nice. Close to metro station. Close to mini-markets. About five to ten minutes from a big supermarket. Staff is very friendly and helpful, people in the hostel were pretty social and friendly. 24 hour reception.

“Is OK”

Typical latin america low end Hostel. People are helpful. It has everything we need except convenient lockers.