Dan Miller has owned and operated the Panama Hotel since 1984. He is a native of Marin County, attending San Rafael High School and Sonoma State College. After graduating from college with a degree in Sociology, Dan traveled to England to visit his mother's family. While he was in England, Dan bought and operated a small bistro in West Yorkshire called the Dumbwaiter.

After living in England for 10 years, he returned to California with a dream of owning a small bed & breakfast inn like those he had seen in England. His dream came true when he found the Panama Hotel, located here in his home town of San Rafael.

Part of the charm of the Panama Hotel comes from its location in the Victorian neighborhood of Gerstle Park. Ever conscious of his residential surrounding, Dan has managed to seamlessly integrate a traveler's haven with a favorite neighborhood restaurant.

Dan has had a life long interest in the art of cooking. His interest includes an extensive collection of cook books and tea pots, many of which are on display in the dining room. He was the head chef in his restaurant in England, but here at the Panama Hotel, Dan prefers to work in the dining room, giving him more of a chance to meet and interact with his guests.

When you visit the Panama, be sure to ask Dan about the history of the Hotel. He will proudly show you the wall of historical photographs which document each step in the living history of the Panama Hotel.