American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel occupies a historic 1917 building on Plaza Herrera in Casco Viejo. The hotel's rooms range from compact to suites, with eight accommodation types listed on its site, and its public spaces include a fine-dining restaurant, a coffee shop called Tiempos and The Club, a venue known for live jazz. It is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member, and the setting is the draw: stone streets, plazas and rooftop bars are all steps away.

Location and getting around: the hotel faces Plaza Herrera, one of the liveliest corners of Casco Viejo. Almost everything in the old town is walkable, from the cathedral and the Plaza de Francia to the seawall promenade and the Panama Canal Museum. Restaurants, cocktail bars and rooftop terraces are around every corner, and taxis or ride-hailing cars are easy to catch for trips to Miraflores or the Amador Causeway. If you want to wander cobbled streets after dinner, this is the right base, though the neighbourhood is lively at night, so ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.

The rooms: the hotel lists eight room types, from small to larger rooms and suites, plus a one-bedroom suite, so there is a choice of sizes and layouts. Rooms are in a restored building with modern upgrades, which means character and sometimes quirks such as varied layouts and higher ceilings. The property also has event spaces, including a rooftop venue and a library, and it hosts weddings, which can mean a busy atmosphere on some weekends. The site shows a pool in its photo gallery, but check availability before relying on it.

Who it suits: couples, history lovers and travellers who prefer atmosphere to resort facilities. It is a strong pick for a first visit because you can walk to the highlights and use a Casco Viejo food tour as an orientation. Good to know: Casco Viejo can be hot and humid, so a room with reliable air conditioning is a must, and ask about breakfast and parking when booking since the old town has limited parking. Rates sit in the upper-mid to high range, with better value outside peak season. For nightlife, you are in the right place; for quiet, request a room away from the plaza.