Stay at this turn-of-the-century masterpiece in Casco Viejo for a quintessentially Panamanian holiday. American Trade Hotel is a luxury hotel not far from some of the best of the city’s most interesting shopping destinations. This old part of town is known for its beautiful European architecture and superb dining options.

Take walking tours that introduce you to the long history of this famously picturesque Panamanian capital. And since you’re right near the shore, you’ll be able to easily leave for tours of the Panama Canal. Tours of the canal often include stops at nearby jungle-covered islands and museums. You can also find boating trips that bring you to attractive snorkeling attractions, including the waters surrounding Portobelo Island, which is just a 1.5-hour boat ride from Panama City.

This hotel is attached to an event space, which comes with its own Jazz Club. This is an atmospheric area to get a craft cocktail, and the ambiance continues into the elegant lobby and pretty courtyard. All of the shared spaces have incredibly high ceilings and shabby chic interiors. For more time to yourself, check out the peaceful library. There’s also a small terrace pool that overlooks the charming cityscape.

The restaurant offers the kind of high-end cuisine you would expect from a luxury hotel, and they specialize in catering to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Choose from a pleasant variety of upscale, Panamanian-inspired offerings. The cafe offers a lovely assortment of baked treats to have alongside hot Panamanian coffee.

The rooms have rich wood details, white walls, and crisp, white linens. Much of the furnishing is made from reclaimed Panamanian wood. Natural light streaming in from the balcony gives the interiors a soft, buttery glow. Despite the historical look of the hotel, you can easily access the Wi-Fi that’s available throughout the building. In fact, the hotel has all of the modern amenities you need to feel right at home.

Have a sip in your room, either from the minibar or the coffee machine, maybe while you watch the plasma cable TV. Traveling means carrying lots of important things with you, so feel free to use the room’s safety deposit box. The private bathrooms come with rain showers.