All photos this page: ©2007 Scott Doggett, Special to WhozHereNow.com

The Hotel Bahía occupies an historic building that has been dutifully restored by its amiable and knowledgeable owner, Jose “Tito” Thomas.

Standing tall at the southern end of Calle 3, Bocastown’s main drag, the green-with-white-trim, two-story clapboard structure was built in 1905 and for years served as the regional office of the United Fruit Company.

It was here that banana workers came from near and far to collect their wages. An enormous vault where the payroll was kept can be viewed in what is now the hotel’s front office.

About the size of a closet and weighing as much as a light battle tank, the vault was actually placed and the building constructed around it. That’s because the safe’s weight required that it be set on a thick concrete slab that was laid directly on the ground.

Otherwise, any effort to move the safe across the building’s wooden floor and place it in its present position would have crushed the planks. Also, any attempt to remove the safe once United Fruit abandoned the building would have required dismantling a large portion of the building. So it remains.

In its 100-plus years, the building has survived two powerful earthquakes (1917 and 1991), has served as a consulate three times, was once home to the Tropical Radio & Telegraph, and has been a hotel since 1968.

Under Tito’s supervision, the Bahía has been returned to its stately glory, with its owner rigorously adhering to the building’s original plans. The 18 guestrooms are comfortable and clean, with cable TV, window air-conditioners and private bathrooms with hot and cold water. Rates run from $52 to $90, excluding tax, depending on room size and demand.
Location

Calle 3 at Avenida A

Bocas Town, Isla Colón

Bocas del Toro

Panama