The Purple House International Backpackers' Hostel

Welcome to The Purple House International Backpackers' Hostel, the original authentic travelers hostel located in the second largest city in Panama, David City. We are very proud to be celebrating our 11th year of successful operation and to have welcomed over 30,000 satisfied international travelers over that period of time

Lonely Planet Panama, October 2010:

'Owned and managed by a warm and welcoming Peace Corps volunteer, The Purple House was the first hostel in David City and continues as a tour de force. Guests have use of a communal kitchen, outdoor patio, cable TV, DVD rentals, and free internet. Tile bunk rooms are clean, purple, and tidy and the doubles come with optional add-ons such as hot water (US$2), air-con (US$5), and cable TV (US$2). The owner proves to be an incredible resource on the surrounding area, and can direct you to binders of information and link you with economical transport to the coast or elsewhere. Located in the San Mateo commercial area, The Purple House is also close to lots of restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies. There is limited availability in October - call or email first. The house also recycles and has a community partnership selling Ngbe Bugl crafts without commission.'

The Purple House is a fun hostel and a great place to meet other travelers. It's homey, with a friendly staff, and it's very clean and comfortable because it is owned by experienced travelers who know what other travelers are looking for! Our theme is purple, and most guests are surprised to see just how many things we have managed to find in the color purple!

We offer :

Private rooms from 1-4 people with air-conditioning and TV
Dorm rooms from 6-10 people
Internet access including WIFI
Coffee and Tea all day.
Fully equipped kitchen.
Common Area with cable TV, stereo, DVD,
Book Exchange (guests only!)
Reference guide books, 24 Hour Check-in/Security.
Unique Refreshing SPLASH PAD in our Outdoor Sun Garden
Laundry service.
International phone calls
Eco-friendly and socially and community conscious atmosphere.
A deep and abiding love for all things PURPLE!

Here are some additional reviews from February 2013

'Your hostel is one the cleanest and well maintained places that we have stayed in during our travels in Central America. Julie from U.S.A.

'My father wanted to stay in a hotel, but I wanted to meet other young travelers. It worked out perfectly that we could get a private room, and I could hang out with the other travelers.' Kevin from U.S.A.

'We had fun but we also appreciated that we could get a good night sleep for our early hike the next morning.' Jeroen and Erik from Holland

Sometimes the reservation system shows us as full (for next-day reservations), when in fact, we have plenty of space available. If the system won't allow you to reserve contact us directly at the hostel to confirm availability.

When you reserve through this service, your room will be held until 6:00pm on the arrival date, unless you contact us directly at the hostel to give us more detailed credit card information.