I spent my first night in Panama at a hotel in the heart of the historic district. The stay made me fall in love with the country in less than 24 hours.

• I spent my first night in Panama at the five-star Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo hotel.
• The property had luxury amenities and was located in the heart of Panama City’s historic district.
• Good food, stunning architecture, and unbelievable views helped me fall in love with Panama.

A bellhop opened the door to the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, and I was transported out of Panama City’s humidity and into a chilly hotel lobby brimming with excitement.

Enormous vases of hydrangeas filled the center of the room, and a mosaic map of Panama City stretched across one wall. People bustled in and out of the lobby, heading out for tours of the Panama Canal or to the infinity pool a floor below.