If you are heading to the beautiful Pearl Islands of Panama to enjoy the beaches, the sport fishing and the scuba diving, then you will most likely stay at one of the Contadora Island hotels. There are certainly a few very agreeable options among the Contadora hotels, so you can be sure to find the right fit for your budget and taste. If you are traveling to Contadora Island during the off season, which runs from May to December, then you will generally find that the Contadora Island hotels in Panama tend to drop their rates pretty significantly. For ideas on where to stay during your Pearl Islands getaway, you might consider the following suggestions for Contadora Island hotels.

Hacienda del Mar

Actually occupying its own private island by the name of San Jose, the Hacienda del Mar beach lodge is one of the top picks for Contadora area hotels in Panama. It's easy to get to the Pearl Islands with a short plane ride from Panama City, which helps to make this eco-style Contadora resort ideal for getaways from the capital. The guest units here come in the form of bungalows, which vary in size. The VIP cabins are the highest step up, providing stocked refrigerators that are a nice extra indeed. Each of the 14 "cabanas" have their own balcony, and the views are nothing short of stunning. The Pacific ocean and beaches are all around, with an encroaching rain forest signaling the possibility for eco-adventures. Since most guests come here to enjoy the outdoors, you won't find TV's or internet access among the cabin amenities, but you surely won't want for comfort. Luxurious bedding, air-conditioning, and a sparkling, tiled bathroom are enough to satisfy most needs. Once the day starts, you can arrange a fishing trip, choose one of the many tour options, or find yourself hanging out at the awesome resort Club House. You can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner here, and the sports bar area is a great place to socialize. Of course, you can always relax by the excellent outdoor pool, which provides stunning ocean views. If you can find room in the budget for the Hacienda del Mar, it's worthy of inclusion on your list of hotels in Panama.

The Point

Great service and quality dining are just two of the many attributes of The Point (formerly the Punta Galeon Resort & Restaurant). Offering 48 rooms that all feature patios and ocean views, The Point will satisfy those looking for the more upscale Contadora hotels. Two beaches can be found just steps from this excellent Contadora resort, and it's proximity to the island's airstrip is a nice added convenience. The rooms are not perhaps as luxurious as some might want, but they are definitely comfortable. Air-conditioning, a mini-bar, 24-hour room service and complimentary breakfast are among the guest amenities, and there are two restaurants offering some pretty good cuisine. The pool and pool bar are surely good places to pass the time, and the beach is always at your disposal. Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions can be arranged here, as can ATV tours and those of the eco variety. Though it's a bit pricy, The Point Resort is worth it if you can manage to book a stay.

Perla Real Inn

Featuring architecture of Colonial Spain influence, the Perla Real Inn is a charming Bed and Breakfast retreat found on the western side of Contadora Island. Guests can choose from one of four tastefully-decorated double rooms, or book one of the two suites. Each unit features private entry, a nice bathroom, and much-needed air-conditioning. If you want to do some cooking, you might find the suites ideal for their full kitchens. The Contadora Island airport is not far off, adding to the hotel's convenience, and breakfast is included in the rates. Moderately-priced, the Perla Real Inn is a great pick for Contadora hotels, featuring great owners, an ample tour desk and even a nice, little gift shop. Beach towels and a mini-bar are enough in the way of amenities for most, as staying inside on Contadora Island is usually not on most people's agendas. Transportation to and from the airport is available to guests of the wonderful Perla Real Inn, which makes it all the more ideal for a stress-free getaway. When choosing Contadora hotels, it's hard to beat the overall value of the Perla Real Inn.

Casa del Sol

If a good deal is what you're after when searching for Contadora hotels in Panama, it's hard to go wrong with the Casa del Sol bed and breakfast. A foreign couple owns and operates this charming retreat, which recently added a new wing of accommodations. Previously, there was only 1 guest unit available, but now you can choose from 5 units. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood on the western side of the island, the Casa del Sol is within walking distance, of supermarkets, the airstrip, the island's great beaches and a list of restaurants. Guests can enjoy use of the common areas of the main house, and the rooms feature a comfortable, queen-size bed, and a private bathroom. A tasty, full breakfast is part of the deal, and you'll find the owners to be a big help when it comes to booking area tours. Free WiFi internet access is a big added bonus here, and if you don't have your own laptop, you can use the hotel's. You can rent a bicycle here for a few bucks, and there are also golf carts and ATV's for rent.