 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
FROM THE BEGINNING:
History: A Canadian couple who frequented Costa Rica on vacation, decided to venture into the hotel business; although they immensely enjoyed the natural beauty of the country, they felt that within San Jose there was no option of "boutique" style accommodations offering a personalized service. With this concern and with the conviction that they had a good business opportunity, not caring they had no experience in the hospitality industry, they began to search for a house that could be renovated to function as a hotel (fortunately the family Pozuelo agreed to sell this house), and the adventure began… During the first year of operation the hotel did extremely well and quickly gained recognition from local and international agencies for offering great service. There are two historical events that contribute to a massive influx of tourists to Costa Rica and consequently helped the initial success of the hotel: the first in 1987 when the President Oscar Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, for actions in pursuit of peace in Central American territory (which for so many years had suffered serious conflicts). This international recognition helped to raise awareness of the country within the world, and was admired by millions of people in many countries for being a Central American country and having survived without an army all the while promoting peace. The second historic event was the football World Cup Italia 90; our country not only qualified for the first time in a World Cup, but also had an outstanding performance winning two games. These two historical facts (the Nobel Prize and the World Cup) placed Costa Rica as an exciting new tourist destination, exotic and with an amazing biodiversity. Many of the tourists coming to Costa Rica appreciated the service presented by the Hotel Grano de Oro. Considering this successful first year, the hotel owners decide to buy a second property (also originally of the Pozuelo family), to carry out an expansion, which was ready for the month of December 1994; with this renovation the hotel jumped to having 34 rooms, as well as adding a terrace with 2 jacuzzis and a first extension of the restaurant was made. At this time a positive evolution in the restaurant began to take shape causing the decision to improve the restaurant in all aspects, new dishes, an extended and more sophisticated menu, more kitchen and restaurant staff to improve service. All this occurred of the hand of the new chef Canal, who along with the hotel owners was determinate to convert the restaurant in one of the best of the city. Over the next 10 years the hotel continued to stand strong as one of the best lodging options in San José, and the fame of its restaurant made it not possible to serve all of the customers who wanted to come to eat, especially the large number of local customers. Again based on the situation a decision was made to work in the next phase of the hotel: the owners bought yet another property next door (on the corner, where the current restaurant is) and in 2005 the construction of a beautiful building maintaining the original tropical Victorian style of the original house began. Currently the new building houses the restaurant, with 30 tables and a capacity for 108 people, a beautiful terrace, a spacious bar, a wine cellar and a lounge as well as 4 more hotel rooms. The remodeling was completed in May of 2007, with a total of 6 new rooms, parking for up to 22 vehicles an enlarged reception area and lobby. Shortly afterwards the gift shop was remodeled too. Since then and until now the Hotel Grano de Oro worked to please its customers and is always looking to exceed their expectations. Hotel Grano de Oro is a luxurious 3-star property set in a prime location in the centre of San Jose. Local tourist attractions such as Costa Rican Art Museum (Museo de Arte), Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Costarricense) and Mercado Central are not far from the hotel. Also easily within reach are Sabana Park, San Jose Parque Central and Spirogyra Butterfly Garden. Grano de Oro Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. The hotel's charming atrium terrace and corridors have sparkling fountains and lush tropical planting, and rooftop deck offers soothing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing. The main restaurant at the Grano de Oro is one of San José's finest, serving continental cuisine in a warm and intimate atmosphere. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Grano de Oro welcomes guests home time and again. Guests delight in the tranquil ambiance of tropical plants and flowers found throughout the hotel. Additionally, a rooftop garden terrace with lawn beds and Jacuzzi provides blissful, secluded lounging. Area information Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property's location to the point of interest or attraction, and may not reflect actual travel distance , time to drive varies. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometre. Museum
of Costa Rican Art - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi The preferred airport for Hotel Grano de Oro is San Jose (SJO-Juan Santamaria Intl.) - 14.2 km / 8.8 mi. We would like to mention that Grano de Oro has successfully completed the hotel expansion, which includes:
Also:
We would also like to inform you that Hotel Grano de Oro will donate $5 from each room sold to "Casa Luz", a shelter for teenage mothers (who have been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation) and their children. Finally, we are proud to share with you that for 2 consecutive years (2006 & 2007), the Hotel Grano de Oro was selected by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the best 500 hotels in the world, and by prestigious publication Condé Nast Traveler as one of the best 15 hotels in Central America and Mexico. We want to thank Adventure and Dive Tours of Costa Rica and Costa Rica Deluxe Tours for your support since 1987 and to assure you we stand by our commitment to continue to provide an outstanding product and an excellent experience when your clients stay with us at the Grano de Oro.
Sincerely, |
