The Report

New Venue Alert! We think that Panama is one heck of a hotspot location to throw a big bash at. Cool Factor? Located at the crossroads of two oceans and two continents, Panama is is dubbed the “paradise between two seas."  American Trade Hotel and Hall is one of the the latest properties to enter the Panamanian scene. A member of the super cool Ace Hotel Group, it just opened its doors in Fall 2013 in Panama City, near the edge of the Panama Canal and the city's UNESCO-designated historic district. The restored landmark building in the quaint Old Quarter of Casco Viejo was originally built in 1917 by Leonardo Villanueva Meyer.

Sip Sip Hooray! In even more recent news, American Trade Hotel JUST announced in February of 2014, the Grand Opening of Danilo's Jazz Club. American Trade Hotel, collaborated with world-renowned jazz pianist and UNESCO Artist for Peace Danilo Pérez. This 50-seat jazz club is the creative partnership between American Trade Hotel and the Grammy-winning Panamanian composer to bring a world-class jazz venue to Panama, while aiming to give students opportunities with music education for the betterment of society.

HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?: Large airline carriers like Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Panamanian Copa Airlines, fly directly to Panama City from many cities worldwide.

The Scoop

For all on-property events, the American bistro restaurant can customize a menu for up to 600 guests and secured valet parking for up to 300 cars. Event menus are designed by Chef Clara Icaza, inspired by the offerings at The Dining Room at American Trade Hotel. For gatherings of any size, and celebrations of every kind, American Trade Hotel will design a dining and drink program perfectly suited to your event. In addition to American Trade Hotel being a fantastic getaway with the gals and guys, here is a breakdown of the venue options for you and your party posse...

American Trade Hall. 30 foot ceilings, ornate columns, floors laid with herringbone, reclaimed old-growth timber acquired through underwater logging in the Panama Canal and state-of-the-art audio systems. This venue space was originally built as a branch of the National City Bank of New York, financier of the Panama Canal. The design was modeled after the branch at 417 Broadway in downtown Manhattan. The Facts: There is 5,210 square feet of event space that can accommodate up to 350 guests. American Trade Hall is ideal for weddings, corporate events and social events. At an unparalleled location in the heart of Casco Viejo, receptions and ceremonies here combine Old World charm modern day luxury.

Rooftop Terrace: This is the largest rooftop in Casco Viejo, overlooking Plaza Herrera, the former site of bullfights and civic events, and views of Panama City. The Facts: There is 6,300 square feet of event space with a capacity of 300 guests.

Conference Room: For corporate meetings & gatherings the first floor conference rooms can be split into up to four rooms, or utilized as one large room. They feature excellent lighting and acoustics and an ambiance impossible to find outside of the Casco. The Facts: 4,120 square feet with a capacity of 250.

Extra Perk?: This hotel is beautiful and budget friendly for your guests with rooms starting at $189 night

Bonus

The term concierge is oh so typical. Leave it to the Ace Hotel Group to come up with the term, 'On-site Cultural Engineers'. You can speak with your Cultural Engineer and they will organize activities for you and your guests including volunteer opportunities in and around the historic Casco Viejo, to explore all that Panama has to offer. You can also choose to spend a day on the expansive Lake Gatun, go exploring the historic streets of Casco Viejo, or embark on hike to the top of Cerro Ancon where you can take in stunning views of downtown, the Casco and the Canal.

Celebrations with a Cause: We think that the party panache factor gets extra bonus points at this venue. We love the fact that by throwing an event here you are supporting the Danilo's Jazz club that gives back to aspiring young musicians in the community.

STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING

Planning an event at this venue/hotel would be a blast! The marriage (pun intended) between different time periods and mix of old Havana meets Mid-century modern with lush vegetation throughout, calls for eclectic event design.

1. Modern + Minimal: To keep with the aesthetic of the American Trade Hotel, design an event that combines the modern touches of the venue with the lush vegetation of Panama. This mixture of produce and large leafy plants make a big impact that is easy for destination events and wouldn't hurt the wallet.  Via Coastal Living   2. Panama Gourds: You will be able to find hand carved and brilliantly painted gourds in the market places of Panama. Get creative and carve the names of your guests onto these Panamanian gourds in lieu of seating cards (photo via Etsy)  3. Magnolia & Wood Invitations: Throughout the hotel there is a variety of woods and a lot of greenery. These invitations by Oak and Orchid that feature both wood and Magnolias (a flower found in Panama), would be the perfect modern meets Panama vibe to set the tone for your soiree.

Inside Scoop

Reporter Tip:For the Grand Opening of American Trade Hotel, they are offering the Saril Wedding Package. The package includes the following: Menu tasting for up to 4 people, bridal dressing room, wedding night room, breakfast in bed for the newlyweds, canapés and soft drinks for up to ten people during hair and makeup, His & Hers robes and slippers, box of homemade chocolate, bottle of champagne in the room. *Based on availability while supplies last. Must Try Dish: The famous grilled octopus of Chef Clara Icaza.

Highlight Reel

Around Town

Shop & Support the Locals:

Stop by Papiro y Yo located between Central Ave and B Ave. You will find a plethora of accessories made using recycled papers that are all handmade in Panama.
The shop was created to renew the work of artisans, bring more work to the community and maintain the Panamanian cultural identity (Website: www.papiroyyo.com)

Panama Canal Tour:

Hop aboard an expedition boat and explore the waters of the Panama Canal through coves and inlets in search of wildlife including countless species of birds, reptiles and several species of monkeys. This is one of the most comfortable and accessible ways to discover the natural attributes of the Panama Canal (Visit: www.anconexpeditions.com)

Drinks on the Rooftop:

The Tantalo Hotel is a newer boutique hotel and Rooftop Bar in the old city of Casco Viejo with incredible design and cool repurposed furniture including old suitcases as coffee tables. You must try their delicious Artisan local cocktails on the rooftop bar where you can also partake in dancing under the stars! (Visit: www.tantalohotel.com)