With towering skyscrapers sandwiched between the sparkling Pacific coast and vibrant green hills punctuated by brilliant bursts of Guayacan yellow, the skyline of Panama City is one of the most dramatic of any city in the Americas. Situated in the center of the isthmus that separates North from South America and the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic, the vibe of the city is at once commercial and cosmopolitan, tempered by a languidly Latin soulfulness.Arriving here feels like the type of international travel one was once promised in the advertising section of National Geographic. The Hilton Panama is built in a modern, grandiose style that was more common for Hilton properties in the U.S. several decades ago. It's almost like a throwback to traveling during a different era, but with all the amenities and features that one might expect in a contemporary Hilton property.While the sister property Waldorf Astoria Panama is tucked away on a neighboring side street, the Hilton is right on the arterial Balboa Avenida, where guest rooms have views of the ocean and skyline, and guests need only cross the street to enjoy green spaces and running paths. The hotel shares a building with a glitzy casino and the arrival experience for those arriving by car takes them through a cool, fragranced marble entrance lobby to an elevator bank to registration which is completed in a bright, sunny sky lobby.Even standard guest rooms are spacious and open planned, with open plan bathrooms that allow guests to enjoy vistas while preparing for their day or evening. Standard Hilton brand comfort can be found in the beds and furnishings, which were well-maintained.The hotel's public spaces take advantage of the fantastical climate, with a rooftop pool deck, bar, and coffee shop that make the most out of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and serve as a popular high energy gathering point for both families and groups throughout the day and into the evening (incidentally guest rooms overlooking the pool could probably benefit from better soundproofing).In the mornings, Society Cafe offers a breakfast buffet with the best of Panamanian and international items, and the spread is diverse enough to suit any palate. The space is also open for lunch and dinner, although the poolside coffee shop is just as good a choice for lighter morning diners, particularly if one wishes to dine outside. For those simply in need of a steak, the first Ruth's Chris in Latin America shares space with the lobby, and the preparation and service are utterly faithful to the New Orleans original.Panama is a small country, but the hotel's location is one of its starring features. It's just minutes away from the historic old town Casco Viejo, where visitors can stroll cobblestone streets and check out bars, restaurants, and artisan coffee shops or poke around some of the buildings that stood in for both Haiti and Bolivia in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Those wanting to view the Panama Canal need only venture as far as the nearby Miraflores Locks, and anybody wanting to venture into the rainforest can take excursions to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort.At the end of the day, it's a quick return journey to the hotel for exciting views and comfortable environs to relax away a day of exploring.The TakeawayHilton Panama is a dependable outpost of one of the world's best-known hospitality brands, with an unbeatable location and solidly delivered service that will make comfortable even the most well-traveled of visitors.The MathIntroductory rates never seem to creep much above $150 USD per night.Instagrammable MomentThe views from many guest rooms and the pool deck got plenty of engagement on my Instagram feed.LoyaltyHilton Honors.Good To KnowThere's a charge for valet parking if you've rented your own car, but at $15USD per day it's not a bad deal.Rooms on higher floors will be quieter, as they're away from the action on the pool deck.Accommodations were furnished by Hilton Panama in preparation for this story.