American Trade Hotel - Boutique Elegance in Casco Viejo today

About American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel occupies one of the most storied buildings in Panama City. Originally constructed in 1917 by architect Leonardo Villanueva Meyer, the neoclassical structure was once the tallest reinforced-concrete building in the city and housed the American Trade Developing Company, a prosperous department store on its ground floor with residential apartments above. For decades it stood as a symbol of commercial ambition at the edge of Plaza Herrera, bearing witness to the tremendous changes that swept through Casco Viejo over the course of the twentieth century. By the late twentieth century, however, the building had fallen into severe disrepair, its halls occupied by squatters and its grand facades crumbling under the tropical sun. The transformation that followed is one of the most compelling restoration stories in all of Central America.

In 2013 the building reopened as a boutique hotel, the product of a meticulous renovation led by local developers in collaboration with Atelier Ace, the creative studio behind the Ace Hotel group. The design team at Commune Design conceived an evocative interior narrative, imagining the hotel as a fictional family-run establishment that had existed for generations. Original tile work from the 1917 department store was preserved in the lobby floor, and much of the wood used throughout the property was salvaged from trees submerged during the construction of the Panama Canal. The result is a space where tropical colonial grandeur meets mid-century warmth — rattan furniture, vintage sports memorabilia, Art Deco light fixtures, and weathered wood paneling coexist with modern comforts. Although the formal partnership with Ace Hotel Group eventually ended, the property retained its distinctive design identity and has continued to operate under local stewardship as a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

What sets the American Trade Hotel apart from other boutique properties in Panama City is its deep commitment to cultural life. The building does not merely house guests; it functions as a gathering place for artists, musicians, and travelers drawn to the creative energy of Casco Viejo. From the live jazz performances that fill its ground-floor club to the curated art displayed on its walls, the hotel channels the same eclectic spirit that has made the surrounding neighborhood one of the most vibrant urban quarters in Latin America. It is a place that rewards curiosity and invites guests to engage with the city rather than retreat from it.

Location

The American Trade Hotel sits directly on Plaza Herrera, one of the principal public squares of Casco Viejo, the historic quarter of Panama City that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Casco Viejo — also known as Casco Antiguo or the Old Quarter — is a compact, walkable district of cobblestone streets, pastel-painted colonial buildings, centuries-old churches, contemporary galleries, and rooftop bars with views across the Bay of Panama. The hotel's position on the plaza places guests within a few minutes' walk of landmarks including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of San Jose and its celebrated Golden Altar, Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de Francia, and the Interoceanic Canal Museum. The Cinta Costera waterfront promenade and the gleaming towers of modern Panama City are visible from the neighborhood's sea wall, a reminder of the remarkable contrasts that define this capital.

Reaching the hotel from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) takes approximately 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The hotel concierge can arrange private transfers for around forty dollars for two passengers. Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" Airport, which handles domestic flights and some regional connections, is only about 15 minutes away. Within Casco Viejo itself, no car is needed — the neighborhood's compact layout makes walking the most enjoyable way to explore. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for excursions to other parts of the city, including the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks, the Amador Causeway, and the banking and shopping district of Obarrio.

Rooms and Accommodations

The American Trade Hotel contains 50 individually designed guest rooms spread across four floors. Every room reflects the building's layered history through a design vocabulary that pairs vintage furnishings with modern essentials. High ceilings, weathered hardwood floors, retro color palettes, and custom tilework in the bathrooms are common throughout, while Frette bed linens, flat-screen televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, a minibar, a coffee maker, in-room safe, and rainfall showers ensure that comfort is never compromised.

Standard and Superior Rooms

The Standard and Superior rooms range from approximately 33 to 38 square meters. They feature king-size beds with white-wood paneling headboards, dark wood flooring, and generous natural light. Some rooms overlook Plaza Herrera, while others face the rooftops and church towers of Casco Viejo. Bathrooms are finished with handmade tiles and equipped with walk-in rain showers, plush bathrobes, and slippers.

Panorama Room

Set on the top floor, the Panorama room spans roughly 42 square meters and offers floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views across Casco Viejo, the modern skyline, and the Bay of Panama. The room is furnished with a plantation-style lounge chair and comes with binoculars — a thoughtful touch for watching ships transit toward the canal or admiring the old quarter from above.

Jardin Room

The Jardin room stands out for its private leafy terrace, a rare amenity in the dense historic quarter. At approximately 40 square meters plus outdoor space, it provides a tranquil retreat where guests can enjoy morning coffee surrounded by tropical plants, steps away from the energy of the plaza below.

Suites

The hotel's suites offer approximately 68 square meters of living space, with separate sitting and dining areas, furnished balconies overlooking Plaza Herrera or the Gulf of Panama, and upgraded bathrooms featuring either a claw-foot bathtub or a dual-head walk-in shower. These accommodations are well suited to longer stays or guests seeking additional room to relax and entertain.

Dining and Nightlife

The American Trade Hotel takes food and drink seriously, with several distinct venues that draw visitors from across the city as well as hotel guests.

The Dining Room is the hotel's principal restaurant, overseen by Chef Clara Icaza, recognized as one of the top young chefs in Latin America. The menu is ingredient-driven, spotlighting seasonal Panamanian produce through refined yet approachable dishes. Expect fresh ceviches, locally sourced seafood, and inventive preparations that draw on both traditional isthmian flavors and contemporary technique, accompanied by a well-chosen global wine list.

Tiempos Coffee is the hotel's ground-floor cafe, serving craft-roasted beans sourced from Panama's finest highland farms. It doubles as a casual gathering spot for guests and neighborhood regulars, with pastries and light bites available throughout the morning.

Danilo's Jazz Club is the cultural heartbeat of the building. This intimate 50-seat venue was conceived in partnership with Danilo Perez, the Grammy-winning Panamanian jazz pianist, composer, and UNESCO Artist for Peace. The club hosts a rotating calendar of local and international musicians several nights a week, with handcrafted cocktails served while the music plays. Cover charges typically range from ten to twenty dollars depending on the performing artist. On evenings when the club is in full swing, the energy spills outward into the lobby and plaza, giving the hotel an atmosphere that no conventional property can replicate.

Amenities and Services

The rooftop pool is one of the hotel's signature features — a vivid blue rectangle set on the top-floor terrace, surrounded by striped loungers and day beds with panoramic views of the Casco Viejo skyline and the Pacific beyond. It is a compact but immensely satisfying place to cool off after a day of walking the old quarter's cobblestones. Poolside beverage service is available throughout the day.

Additional amenities include a 24-hour front desk, concierge service for arranging tours and transfers, daily housekeeping, laundry and dry-cleaning service, babysitting on request, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the property. The lobby functions as a stylish communal living room with Art Deco-inspired decor, comfortable seating, and a bar that serves cocktails drawn from menus modeled on Panamanian sports clubs of the 1920s and 1930s.

Nearby Attractions

Casco Viejo is one of the most walkable and historically dense neighborhoods in Central America, and the American Trade Hotel places guests at its center.

Plaza de la Independencia and the Metropolitan Cathedral are a short stroll from the hotel. The cathedral, completed in the early eighteenth century, anchors the principal plaza where Panama declared its independence from Colombia in 1903.

The Interoceanic Canal Museum occupies one of Casco Viejo's finest colonial buildings and chronicles the dramatic history of the waterway that changed global trade. Photographs, documents, and artifacts trace the story from the French attempt through the American construction era.

Church of San Jose and the Golden Altar houses the legendary Altar de Oro, a baroque masterpiece that is said to have survived the pirate Henry Morgan's sacking of the original Panama City in 1671 by being painted over to disguise its value.

Plaza de Francia at the southern tip of the peninsula honors the thousands of workers who perished during the French canal effort and offers sweeping views of the modern skyline and the entrance to the canal.

The Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks, roughly 25 minutes by car, provides an observation deck and museum where visitors can watch enormous vessels pass through the locks — one of the world's great engineering spectacles.

Day trips to the San Blas Islands can be arranged through the hotel concierge. The archipelago, home to the indigenous Guna people, offers pristine Caribbean waters, white sand, and a glimpse into a way of life largely untouched by modern development. Flights or overland transfers depart daily.

Practical Information

• Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM
• Airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY), approximately 40 minutes by car. Transfers available for approximately $40 for two guests.
• Domestic Airport: Albrook Airport (PAC), approximately 15 minutes by car.
• Rates: Nightly rates typically range from approximately $180 to $350 depending on room category and season. Suites may command higher rates during peak periods.
• Parking: Street parking is limited in Casco Viejo; the concierge can advise on nearby garages.
• Language: Staff speak English and Spanish fluently.
• Currency: US Dollar (Panama uses the US dollar alongside the Balboa).
• Best time to visit: The dry season from mid-December through mid-April offers the most reliable weather, though Panama City can be enjoyed year-round.

Explore more Panama hotels in our Top 10 Hotels in Panama guide.

See Also

• The Bristol Panama — Five-star boutique elegance in Panama City's financial district
• Waldorf Astoria Panama — Iconic luxury tower with panoramic skyline views
• Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation — Highland coffee estate and cloud forest retreat in Boquete

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the American Trade Hotel from Tocumen International Airport?

Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is approximately 26 kilometers from the hotel, a drive of roughly 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The hotel concierge can arrange private airport transfers. Albrook Airport, used for domestic flights and some regional routes, is only about 15 minutes away.

Is Casco Viejo safe for walking at night?

Casco Viejo has undergone significant revitalization over the past two decades and the areas around the main plazas, restaurants, and hotels are generally considered safe, particularly the blocks between Plaza Herrera and Plaza de Francia. As with any urban neighborhood, it is advisable to stay on well-lit main streets and exercise normal precautions after dark. The hotel staff are happy to offer guidance on routes and areas to explore.

What is there to do at the American Trade Hotel besides sleep?

The hotel is as much a cultural venue as it is a place to stay. Danilo's Jazz Club hosts live performances several nights per week, The Dining Room serves acclaimed contemporary Panamanian cuisine, and the rooftop pool offers a relaxing daytime retreat with skyline views. The lobby bar is a popular gathering point for cocktails, and the surrounding neighborhood provides an ever-changing landscape of galleries, shops, restaurants, and street life within walking distance.

Does the hotel have a full-service spa?

The American Trade Hotel does not operate a full-service spa on the premises. However, the concierge can arrange in-room treatments or direct guests to nearby spa facilities in Casco Viejo and the wider Panama City area. The rooftop pool and sun terrace provide a relaxing alternative for unwinding after a day of exploration.

What is the best room category for first-time visitors?

For a first visit, the Panorama room offers the best combination of value and experience — its top-floor position and floor-to-ceiling windows provide a sweeping view of the old quarter, the modern skyline, and the bay, giving guests an immediate sense of the city's remarkable contrasts. Guests who prioritize outdoor space should consider the Jardin room with its private terrace. The suites are ideal for longer stays or those who want a separate living area.