FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Bristol Hotel Panama City: A Downtown Traveler Favorite for 25 Years

by Ron Bernthal

Apr 11, 2023

© Bristol Panama, A Registry Collection Hotels

Daily

On Dec. 31, 1999, the United States officially handed control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian government, ending a long saga that started a 150 years earlier. American dominance over the Canal started to lessen in 1978, when the United States and Panama approved the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

Beginning in 2000, despite U.S. fears Panama may have trouble controlling and protecting this major shipping channel, Panama took over the entire Panama Canal operations, and the country started using some of its huge revenue from shipping fees to support major downtown Panama City building projects. For the city hotels that opened just prior to or after the Canal’s change of hands, the timing was a godsend.  In addition, after UNESCO designated the city’s Casco Viejo District a World Heritage site in 1997, a flurry of revitalization projects also began to take shape in this part of the city, just a few minutes’ drive from the downtown Financial District. Founded in 1519 by conquistador Pedrarías Dávila, Panama’s Old City is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas.

Historic District

© Joanna Tricorache

Bristol Hotel Panama City opened in 1997 as the first modern business hotel in Panama City. At the time, the hotel had just 56 rooms, one small restaurant and a bar. But with Panama’s new ownership of the Canal, a new influx of international business travelers and real estate developers were now stopping in Panama City for deal-making and planning new projects.

During this period, Bristol Hotel thrived, expanding over the years to add a new lobby, additional guestrooms (now 130) and artwork from more than 100 Latin American artists. Today, the property offers beautiful upgraded furnishings, Italian marble bathrooms and free daily rum tastings. The hotel continues to attract many leisure travelers, as well.

Of course, after 23 years of fully operating the Canal, Panama’s capital city enjoys a booming tourism industry.  Downtown hotels that have since opened include Waldorf Astoria, Le Meridien, InterContinental Miramar, JW Marriott, Hard Rock, Radisson Decapolis and, the most recent, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, opened in early 2023.

Panama Canal

© Joanna Tricorache

Today, the skyline of Panama City looks very much like downtown Miami, with dozens of white, residential and corporate towers overlooking the blue waters of Panama Bay; palm trees lining the busy boulevards; and trendy new restaurants and cafés offering Latino cuisine and music. Like Miami, the humidity levels in Panamá City can be oppressive, but with the U.S. dollar as local currency (as well as the Panamanian balboa), and a shared time zone with Miami, many American tourists, business executives, retirees and expats are discovering the tropical lifestyle, affordability and friendly tax laws that may await them in Panama City, just three hours non-stop from Miami International Airport.

Situated in the heart of Panama City’s Financial District, Bristol Hotel provides easy access to the city’s top attractions like Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal and Biomuseum, as well as nearby restaurants, cafes and beaches. The hotel offers 10,000 square feet of event space for local social events and international conferences, as well as a full-service spa and gym on the 25th floor with stunning views of the city; an outdoor lap pool on the fifth-floor terrace; and modern Panamanian fusion cuisine at SalSiPuedes restaurant, named after one of the city’s 18th-century food markets.

guest room

© Bristol Panama, A Registry Collection Hotels

Bristol Hotel Panama City is a member of the Registry Collection Hotels brand and part of Wyndham’s collection of hotels and resorts. Room rates begin at $189 and include breakfast.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed

Portuguese Pleasures

Europe is more fun with a Portugal Stopover.

Time to Unwind

I recently returned from my second annual golf trip to Kiawah Island, where we enjoyed fantastic weather. Upon arrival, the group met for lunch at The Ryder Cup Bar, located at The Ocean Course, one of the top-ranked courses in the country. Luckily, we were not playing that day, as the wind whipped up and brought unscheduled douses of rain. As one of the caddies told me, wind gusts of 35 mph made the course unplayable. But some players braved the conditions as we sat comfortably inside enjoying our first lunch of the trip while chairs cascaded outside and players tried to keep their shots on track.

Global Traveler Announces the Winners of the 2023 Leisure Lifestyle Awards

Welcome to our 11th Leisure Lifestyle Awards, an annual survey honoring the best in the world of leisure and lifestyle travel, awarding goods, services, destinations, hotels, airlines, airports, cruises and more. Read on to find out the winners in this year’s milestone ranking, and congratulations to all the winners!

Put Yourself First in Arizona

Putting yourself first has never been easier.

Destinations / North America
Jun 5, 2023

6 Reasons to Put Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with us.

eFlyer News
May 31, 2023

Nobu Palo Alto Reveals New Japanese-Inspired Restaurant and Garden

Headed by renowned designer Shigeru Namba, Nobu Palo Alto’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and garden officially opened to the public this month, in which a sophisticated and refined extension greets patrons upon arrival. The new space and garden offer guests and diners an unparalleled venue in downtown Palo Alto, California, playing upon the seasons to showcase flora during its proper blooming periods.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

eFlyer Deals
May 31, 2023

Father’s Day Luxuries at InterContinental New York Barclay

This Father’s Day, the InterContinental New York Barclay takes celebrations to the next level with its new offer, allowing fathers to enjoy a relaxing stay through a specially curated gift certificate.