The friendly Central Hotel is what it says on the tin: it has a prestigious position right on the main square, Plaza de Independencia, in the centre of the historic core of the city with views across the water to the skyscrapers of modern city on the horizon. The hotel is just steps away from the Cathedral, which has had a face lift, and the Municipal and Presidential Palaces are within strolling distance too.

It’s a great location not only for sight-seeing but also for the increasing number of trendy restaurants and cocktails bars adding to the liveliness of the old city.

This was the first hotel in Panama City, gaining a reputation for its good European and American-style services, and recent restoration has maintained the elegant, sugar white, colonial façade and the lofty ceilings and patios of the interior. The air-conditioned rooms and suites have a contemporary design, with fresh white bed linen adding to the feeling of cool. The outdoor pool on the roof is a delight, with views over the red roofs of the Casco Viejo and beyond to the Pacific. There’s also a, spa, beauty salon and gym, bar-lounge and an Argentinian restaurant serving Panamanian steaks the equal of Buenos Aires.