Tropical prints in the library at the American Trade Hotel in Panama City
During my recent trip to Panama City, I stayed at the newly opened American Trade Hotel, which is part of the Ace Hotel collection and it’s first Central American outpost. As soon as I entered the lobby, I felt like I had been transported to Havana during it’s heydey– but that probably had something to do with photo shoot that was happening, complete with a handsome male model rocking a Castro-esque beard.
Lounge chairs at the American Trade Hotel
Located in the historic Casco Viejo district, the American Trade Hotel feels like an Ex-Pat hangout of yore, yet only opened last year. Props to the team at Commune Design for pulling it off.
The pool at the American Trade Hotel is small, but pretty
Since Ace properties aren’t known for having spacious rooms, I was divided my stay between two room categories: the smaller Cuarto, and then a Suite. I was surprised to find the Cuarto was spacious enough and would have been fine for my entire stay. The suite had a separate living room and very impressive bathroom, but was more space than I needed traveling solo.
I loved the vibrant mix of colors and layers of texture
The communal spaces are high on both comfort and visual impact, with an outdoor terrace, a small pool and lounge chair area, a gorgeous library, and a cool lobby. There is free wifi throughout the property.
The Living room of a suite at the American Trade Hotel
Both rooms had exceptionally high ceilings with fans, as well as all the usual creature comforts. And Ace properties always have standout bathrobes. The mini bar featured regional snacks like plantain chips and chips called Chicharrón that took me a minute to figure out were pork rinds.
Gorgeous tiled bathroom in a suite at the American Trade Hotel
The staff was friendly and helpful and the cafe con leche sublime. They were open to hearing comments (I suggested they add a way to vary the fan speed, the chain to change it was so high up I couldn’t reach it).
Dual rain showers in a suite at the American Trade Hotel
Aesop bath amenities
My one complaint– It was noisy. Not so much the fault of the hotel or hotel design, but Panamanians like loud (and sometimes bad) music and there was a party hosted on a nearby rooftop which made sleeping a bit tricky. Both rooms had balcony access overlooking the park.
Gorgeous claw foot bath tub and tile combo
The restaurant was lovely and served excellent pulled pork, and service at breakfast and lunch was great. I thought the bar staff could have been a bit more on proactive, but overall I had a great stay at the American Trade Hotel and wouldn’t have any problem recommending it to anyone interested in checking out this charming barrio in Panama City.
Comfy King-sized bed in the bed room of the American Trade Hotel
The view from the lobby to the restaurant
Excellent pulled pork and a local beer for lunch
Tropical upholstery in the hotel’s restaurant
I loved the colorful tile in the restaurant
Empanadas for lunch
The sleek bar felt like a modern riff on a Colonial ex-pat hangout
Panama hats ironically hail from Ecuador, but look cool poolside