TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro

TRYP by Wyndham Panama Centro is a 92-room hotel in El Cangrejo and Bella Vista, a lively, walkable part of the city with plenty of restaurants and bars. It has a rooftop pool with a hot tub, a gym, steam room and sauna, an on-site restaurant and bar and free parking, which together make it one of the better-value choices for travellers who do not need a luxury address.

Location and getting around: the hotel sits in El Cangrejo and Bella Vista, a neighbourhood with a good choice of restaurants, cafes and nightlife within walking distance. Tocumen International Airport is close by road, so it is convenient for early flights or late arrivals. Casco Viejo, Miraflores and the Amador Causeway are all reachable by taxi or ride-hailing car, and many tour operators pick up from hotels in this area, so you can book canal, Gatun Lake and Embera tours without extra arrangements.

The rooms and facilities: the 92 rooms have warm wood finishes and artwork, free WiFi, a flat-screen television, a desk, a hair dryer and toiletries. The rooftop pool and nearby hot tub are a welcome treat after a day of sightseeing in the heat, and the hotel also has a gym, steam room and sauna. The on-site restaurant, The Gastro Bar at 5-0-7, serves breakfast from half past six to half past ten, though the page does not make clear whether breakfast is included in every rate, so check your booking. Parking is free, which is rare and valuable in a city where parking can be pricey.

Who it suits: budget-minded couples, solo travellers and small families who want a clean, comfortable base and plan to be out most of the day. It is also a smart pick for travellers who want to rent a car, thanks to the parking, though driving in the city can be hectic. It lacks the history of Casco Viejo, so if you want atmosphere, stay in the old town for a night or two and use this as a longer-stay base. Good to know: rooms are modest in size, the nightlife in the area can create some street noise at weekends so ask for a higher floor, and rates vary by season. For the money, the pool and parking make it a good-value choice.