Latin Trade: Tropical delights: a land of contrasts is a traveler's haven

From restaurants run out of family homes in Havana to the world-class resorts in Puerto Rico, and from the coffee haciendas in Costa Rica to Panama's business district, Central America and the Caribbean offer contrasts like no other. Get to know the best business travel spots in eight capitals.

GUATEMALA CITY

BEST HOTEL

In the heart of the capital's restaurant area, just 10 minutes from the Aurora International Airport and 45 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua is the Hotel Real InterContinental. Aside from the 239 luxury rooms, the hotel also has live jazz music in the lobby, a business center, a heliport, gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and 16 meeting and banquet rooms with space for 1,600. Rates range from US$120 to $350. [502] 2379-4551. www.intercontinental.com

HAVANA

BEST HOTEL

Opened in 1998, the magnificent, 409-room Melia Habana is in the residential Miramar area, just five minutes from the city's Palacio de Convenciones. 15 kilometers from the Jose Marti International Airport Prices start at US$160. [53] (7) 204-8500

BEST-KEPT SECRET

Paladares are restaurants in family houses, some of which are illegal. One of the more popular ones is La Cocina de Lilliam. Business has brought operations to the level of a real restaurant, adding new plates to its existing menu all the time. The tuna or anchovy bruschettas are exquisite. Escabeche, a house specialty, is perfect. The chicken mousse is out of this world. [53] (7) 29-6514

PANAMA CITY

BEST HOTELS

Strategically located in the financial and business center of Panama, the Bristol offers its visitors 56 rooms at rates from US$195 to $500. It's part of the global hotel chain, The Leading Hotels of the World. [507] 265-7844. www.thebristol.com. The Marriott is in the heart of the banking center, one of the world's most important, and 20 minutes from the Tocumen International Airport. It has 296 rooms, including eight suites, an ample swimming pool, a complete gym and nine meeting rooms. Rates range from $160 and $325. [507] 210-9100. www.marriotthotels.com

BEST SHOPPING

Close to the Panama Canal and more than a kilometer long, Los Pueblos Albrook offers visitors a wide range of activities, enough to fill a day. Aside from stores and warehouses of all types, the shopping center has 11 movie screens, restaurants, bars and a supermarket. The Los Pueblos Juan Diaz-Tocumen shopping center was built on 22 hectares. East of the Panamanian capital, it's just eight minutes of the Tocumen International Airport. [507] 303-6256. wwww.grupolospueblos.com

BEST NIGHTCLUB

One of the most frequented nightclubs in the city is El Tablao, better-known as Montana, where the fun never ends since it is the only club in the capital open 24 hours. Capacity 250. [507] 224-3512

BEST RESTAURANT

City Club Panama, on the 29th floor along the city's main drag, has one of Panama's most exclusive restaurants since only a member can invite you. The US$16 lunch buffet is very popular. The club has about 500 members. [507] 210-1366. www.cityclubpanama.com

SAN JOSE

BEST HOTEL

The Marriott is less than 10 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, near coffee plantations. Rooms include a safe-deposit box, mini-bar, high-speed Interact, air conditioning and cable television. Rates begin at US$145. [506] 298-0000. www.marriott.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Recognized as the best Italian restaurant in San Jose, La Piazzetta has more than 100 entrees from around the regions of Italy, as well as shellfish, French and Mediterranean dishes. The wine cellar has more than 200 labels. Lunch from US$5 to $25. [506] 222-7896

BEST TRAVEL AGENCIES

Since 1984, Horizontes Nature Tours has been a pioneer in eco-tourism. Its "nature with style" packages take travelers to the country's natural wonders. [506] 222-2022. www.horizontes.com

Viajes Ejecutivos Mundiales, known as Vemsa, has a decade of experience and has become one of Costa Rica's largest travel agents, with 30 tours of the country. [506] 257-5510. www.vemsa.co.cr

BEST CAR RENTALS

Avis has four offices in Costa Rica, in the Hotel Tryp Corobici (near downtown), at the Juan Santamaria Airport, in the Hotel Melia Cariari and in Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province. Rates range from US$200 to $550 per week, [506] 293-2222. www.avis.co.cr.

Budget has four offices in Costa Rica--on Paseo Colon downtown, Rio Segundo de Alajuela (two minutes from the airport), Jaco and Liberia. Rates range from $200 to $600 weekly. [506] 436-2022. www.budget.co.cr.

Dollar has three offices, in the Juan Santamaria Airport, on Paseo Colon and in Liberia. $250 to $500 a week, [506] 443-2950. www.dollarcostarica.com

BEST MEETING SPACES

Ten minutes from the Juan Santamaria Airport and 15 minutes from downtown San Jose, the Hotel Herradura is Costa Rica's largest convention center and has 10 executive meeting rooms. [506] 239-0033. www.hotelherradura.com.

On the Monte de la Cruz outside the city of Heredia, the Hotel La Condesa is one of the central valley's most luxurious hotels and convention centers. Eight conference rooms with an impressive view of the country's central region. [506] 267-6001. www.hotellacondesa.com.

The Radisson is known for being in the heart of San Jose where it has seven meeting rooms and a fully-equipped business center. [506] 257-3257. www.radisson.com

BEST SHOPPING

The Multiplaza shopping center is in Guachipelln de Escazu, on the Santa Ana highway, near the Hotel Real InterContinental and the Centro Corporativo Plaza Noble. This big center has it all: a supermarket, department stores, theaters and restaurants, as well as parking for 1,600 cars. [506] 289-8984. www.multiplazamall.com

BEST COFFEE

"Straight from the plantation" is the slogan of Cafe Britt, the country's main roaster and exporter of gourmet coffee. A trip to the Britt Farm in the hills of Heredia would not be complete without a sip of the bean. [506] 260-2748. www.cafebritt.com.

In the popular Escazu neighborhood on the city's western side, Il Panino is an excellent spot for coffee and a snack, Specialties include Italian sandwiches, pastries and, of course, all kinds of coffee. There's a lunch menu that includes pastas and salads. Lunch runs from US$10 to $15. [506] 228-8606

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Sambuka is in the Escazu neighborhood, offering Latin and techno music. Similar nightspots are a few steps away at the Trejos Montealegre shopping center. Another popular bar in eastern San Jose is the Jazz Cafe. Live music is offered nearly every night, plus a wide selection of appetizers, such as the exquisite cheese-and-wine fondue. [506] 253-8933. www.jazzcafecostarica.com

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxury hotel with a marina and golf course, only two hours from San Jose. There's a casino, spa, tennis courts and fishing. [506] 630-9000. www.marriott.com.

In the middle of Costa Rica's wild northern areas, the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa is near the Volcan Arenal National Park. Besides the well-known hot springs, the hotel has top-notch restaurants and a spa. [506] 256-1500. www.tabacon.com

BEST-KEPT SECRET

In a renovated mansion in historic Barrio Amon, Bakea is known for its innovative entrees. Chef Camille Ratton-Perez uses training from France's Le Cordon Bleu school to create dishes that combine French and Costa Rican cooking. Lunch ranges from US$10 to $20. [506] 248-0303

BEST GOLF

The course at Cariari is 6,100 meters. Open since 1970, it hosted the 1981 International Tournament. [506] 293-3211. www.meliacariari.solmelia.com.

Eighteen holes await at Valle del Sol, 15 minutes from San Jose. The greens fee is US$75 for visitors. [506] 282-9222. www.vallesol.com

BEST SPAS

The Herradura Spa has a sauna, Jacuzzi and all types of massages. Exclusively for hotel guests. [506] 239-0033. www.hotelherradura.com.

The luxurious spa at the Hotel Costa Rica Marriott has five professional therapists to provide massages and various skin and facial treatments. Open to the public. [506] 298-0000. www.marriott.com.

Beautiful natural surroundings immerse the Iskandria Spa in the Tabac6n Resort, where one can enjoy a massage, body treatments, hydrotherapy, skin and beauty treatments. [506] 256-1500. www.tabacon.com

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOOD

Escazu is an area of 21 square kilometers and only eight kilometers from San Jose. The native word iztkatzu means "relaxation stone."

SAN JUAN

BEST HOTELS

Business facilities at the Embassy Suites Hotel San Juan Hotel & Casino include a business center with free Internet access and inexpensive wireless service. Rates start at US$170. [1] (787) 791-0505. www.embassysuites.hilton.com.

Paradisus Puerto Rico is the first all-inclusive in Puerto Rico. It has six restaurants, spa, golf course and its own beach. Rates begin at US$300. [1] (787) 809-1770. www.paradisus-puerto-rico.com

Centrally located in Condado 10 minutes from the financial district, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has two restaurants, called Tuscany and La Vista. Rates begin at US$339. [1] (787) 722-7000. www.mariott.com

BEST RESTAURANT

Ajili Mojili is the dean of Puerto Rican criollo cuisine. In a mansion on the shores of Laguna del Condado, it brings to life an elegant atmosphere of an old hacienda. Entrees start at US$15, and the Sunday buffet is $24 per person. [1] (787) 725-9195.

BEST CAR RENTAL

In addition to its San Juan location, Avis has offices around the island in the Aguadilla, Ponce and Mayaguez airports. There's also a branch in Cerromar, the Hotel El Conquistador, Manati, Condado and Westin Rio Mar. Rates begin at U8546. [1] (787) 253-5926. www.avis.com

BEST MEETING SPACE

In the heart of Old San Juan, the Hotel El Convento is known for its colonial ambiance. Its meeting rooms have all the latest technology, including audiovisual gear, Internet access, two-line phones with data ports. (787) 723-9020. www.elconvento.com

BEST SHOPPING CENTER

Plaza Las Americas is the Caribbean's largest shopping center, with 300 stores, among them Armani, Adrienne Vitadini, Betsy Johnson, Ann Taylor, White House-Black Market, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears. It also has 21 movie screens and 30 restaurants. It's five minutes from the airport and sea ports. [1] (787) 767-5202. www.plazalasamericas.net

BEST COFFEE

The selection of sandwiches at El Meson y Algo Mas is impressive. Open 24 hours, it's ideal for breakfast, lunch or a snack after a night on the town. Live music and valet parking. Items from US$5. [1] (787) 767-3721

BEST BAR

In the tradition of Miami's Coconut Grove and Mexico's Cancun, San Juan now has a Senor Frog's. In Old San Juan, it has quickly established itself as the most popular bar and restaurant in the city. [1] (787) 977-4142. www.grupoandersons.com

BEST CAN'T MISS

Pinones is a tourism area on Isla Verde. You'll find shellfish stands along the roadsides, as well as excellent restaurants/ selling everything from the sea: lobster, shrimp, fish and more.

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPES

Dorado is one of the top tourism destinations in Puerto Rico and its known for its first-class resort facilities. The Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar and the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort have beaches, golf, restaurants, pools, tennis courts and casinos. Palmas del Mar, in Humacao, is a weekend and seasonal retreat of homes and apartments with golf, beaches, tennis courts, equestrian facilities, restaurants and a marina. [1] (787) 852-8888. www.palmasdelmar.com

BEST GOLF

Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club is considered one of the finest courses on the island. It has hosted the World Cup of Golf and Senior Tournament of Champions. Fabulous ocean views from the fairways. Greens fees are U8579. [1] (787) 796-8961. www.doradobeach.hyatt.com

BEST BUSINESS NEIGHBORHOODS

Hato Rey has a little of everything: San Juan's financial district, residential areas of all classes, lots of restaurants, shopping centers, schools, universities and more. Santurce is San Juan's oldest suburb. Once a residential and business area, it's now known as an arts Mecca. On Avenida Ponce de Leon is the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre, the recently remodeled Matienzo Theater and the Central High School of the Arts.

SAN SALVADOR

BEST HOTEL

The Hotel Real InterContinental is in the center of the financial district and 30 minutes from the international airport. The hotel has eight floors with 228 air-conditioned rooms with cable television and high-speed Internet. The executive floors have 56 rooms. The lobby, bar and restaurant all have wireless Internet access. Have lunch or dinner in the El Escorial restaurant or in the Japanese Tanoshi restaurant, at US$25 per person. The business center has everything a business traveler could need. Rates begin at $109. [503] 211-3333. www.icsansalvador.gruporeal.com

SANTO DOMINGO

BEST RESTAURANT

Founded in 1954, El Vesuvio is one of the island's most emblematic establishments. You can enjoy pasta, meats and shellfish, plus a wide selection of wines. Lunch or dinner range from US$75 and $85 per person. [1] (809) 221-1954. www.vesuvio.com

BEST COFFEE

In the Ciudad Colonial the Hotel Frances is part of the French chain Accor. The hotel, in a 16th century building, has a French gourmet restaurant: Le Patio. Coffee and a bite to eat ranges from US$15 to $25. [1] (809) 685-9331. www.accor-hotels.com

BEST GOLF

Los Marlins at the Metro Country Club hotel is famous for the tournaments it has hosted. In Juan Dolio, east of Santo Domingo, greens fees are US$59, including a cart. [1] (809) 526-3315. www.groupmetro.com.

The Santo Domingo Country Club is on the island's periphery. The greens fee for the par-72 course is US$62. [1] (809) 530-6606

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

The Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace has 300 rooms in various colonial-style buildings, five restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a diving center and a spa. An all-inclusive resort, rates per person start at US$80. [1] (809) 686-5658. www.vivaresorts.com

TEGUCIGALPA

BEST HOTEL

El Clarion is in the financial center of the Honduran capital, with 167 rooms, four suites, wireless Internet and a business center, fax and photocopy service. Rates start at US$89. [504] 232-1888. www.gruporeal.com

BEST RESTAURANTS

El Patio is one of Honduras' best restaurants, specializing in barbecue and traditional Honduran dishes. [504] 221-3842. La Hacienda is a favorite meeting place for locals and international visitors alike for its cozy atmosphere and firstrate service. Known for its meats and a selection of entrees a la carte. Price per person US$10. [504] 221-0897.

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

In Tegucigalpa's financial district Alas has been in operation for 14 years. [504] 220-0179. www.agenciaalas.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Home delivery and driver service make Hertz one of the best choices at the national level. In the capital and in San Pedro Sula, open 24 hours a day. [504] 238-1773. www.hertzhonduras.com

BEST MEETING SPACE

The modern infrastructure of the Hotel Honduras Maya, in the city's most exclusive residential area, is designed to attend to the needs of international visitors in an agreeable atmosphere. The hotel spa was also selected by LATIN TRADE readers as the best in the city. [504] 220-5000. www.hondurasmaya.hn

BEST SHOPPING

Multiplaza has become a major meeting point for both residents of the capital and tourists. Here you'll find stores like Carri6n, Payless Shoes and L'Atelier, as well as fast-food and international restaurants. The three-level, colonial-style mall has parking for 1,500 cars. [504] 231-2000. www.multiplaza.hn

BEST COFFEE

The Espresso Americano chain has been around for 68 years, with coffee stands in the Toncontin Airport, the Multiplaza Mall and in the Los Castafios shopping center, among others. [504] 231-0711

BEST WEEKEND ESCAPE

Picturesque Santa Lucia, surrounded by forests, is a half-hour's drive from the city. Stop by casual dining spots like La Posada de las Nubes for a taste of traditional Honduran foods. [504] 220-1601. www.letsgohonduras.com

BEST NIGHTCLUB

Famous for its musical variety, international drinks at the bar, shows and all-around nice atmosphere, Bamboo has become a fashionable nightspot in Honduras. In the former La Hacienda convention center in the Tegucigalpa restaurant area Bamboo can hold up to 600.

BEST BUSINESS SERVICES

Lithopress, a full-service printing center, has been around for 25 years. Personal attention, reasonable prices and delivery make it one of the best in the business. [504] 239-0143

BEST NEIGHBORHOOD

Las Lomas is an exclusive capital neighborhood, surrounded by excellent eateries, banks and shopping; it's a can't-miss in Tegucigalpa. Just three minutes from the historic downtown area and close to the financial district, with a great view of the city.