Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Panamonte

Opened in 1914, the Panamonte was long Boquete's only tourist hotel, and a century later, this landmark historical inn is still doing things right. Any visit to Boquete must include a stop at the hotel's charming gardens and restaurant, considered one of the best in Central America. Renovations in 2015 held true to the elegant style without sacrificing any of the property's distinctive qualities like the original hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and French windows. Junior suites are more like small cottages, with large bathrooms and wraparound porches with garden views. Delightfully decorated in vintage creams, standard rooms above the restaurant lack garden views but are perhaps the most charming in the hotel. Honeymooners should request the Ingrid Bergman Suite, with a walk-in closet, massage-jet shower, and patio enclosed in glass. Offering the most privacy are the Garden Terrace Rooms toward the back of the grounds, with front porches and furniture handcrafted by local artisans. Unless you're on a tight budget, avoid the cramped standard rooms in the yellow house across the street. The fireside lounge is a swanky spot to nurse a dram of whisky.