Beautiful, pristine, well-preserved. It’s not hard to guess that our grand 100-year-old, Tropical Victorian mansion has a wonderfully rich history. Every hallway has its own story.
Let us tell you ours.
Hotel Grano de Oro is a heritage hotel celebrated for its Old San José warmth and historic sense of place. Founded by Eldon and Lori Cooke. Today, the hotel is led by second generation family members Michelle and Ciro De Angelis.
It is the early 1900s. The heart of the metropolitan city of San José, Costa Rica. A well-known 1910 mansion is acquired by the Pozuelo family for use as their private residence. Generations of the Pozuelo family live in this remarkable Victorian house, perpetually filled with the sounds of laughter, parties, and big family gatherings. The children run up and down the stairs and play in the lush gardens of the surrounding property.
Spring of 1989. Canadian couple, Eldon and Lori Cooke, fall in love with the natural beauty of Costa Rica and to them it becomes more than just a vacation destination. It awakens a desire to draw more people to experience San José and recreate an authentic Costa Rica.
They begin their search for their “Grain of Gold” (Grano de Oro). The perfect property to match their vision for an upscale boutique-style hotel. A vision of unique, personalized service reflecting the elegance of old San José aristocracy draws them to the stately home of the Pozuelo family.
The Cookes hear of the Pozuelos intention to sell their family residence.
The family’s one wish, that their cherished home will not be destroyed, aligns with the Cookes dream of preserving the original structure and its exceptional architecture.
The Pozuelos are reassured that their historic home will be in good hands. The building changes ownership, and so begins the transformation from a warm home to a warm hotel.
Hotel Grano de Oro first opens its doors in December of 1991. With 21 guest rooms, a gift shop and a modest café, the striking property quickly gains local and international recognition for its unique character and the attentive hospitality of its staff. The hotel becomes a landmark within San José. A true beacon of calm amid the city’s sometimes chaotic daily life. A stately property for guests to experience San Jose — a rarity in the simple lodgings available at the time.
In August 1994, French Chef Francis Canal joins the team as Restaurante Grano de Oro begins to take on an identity of its own. Chef Canal’s tropical-inspired French Mediterranean dishes and elegant, sophisticated menus bring a new point of view to the traditional dining options available in San José.
Locals flock to the restaurant, raising its reputation as one of the finest dining rooms in the city.
In December, another Pozuelo family home, formerly The American-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, becomes available. Its proximity to the original building makes it the perfect addition for Hotel Grano de Oro's first expansion. The total number of guest rooms increases to 34.
The charming Jacuzzi terrace and signature Vista de Oro Suite with its breathtaking views are introduced.
The commitment to excellence and sustainability make Hotel Grano de Oro a shining example for small, luxury boutique hotels in the country.
Over the next 10 years the hotel continues to stand strong as one of the best hotels in San José. The personalized attention and thoughtful details bring travelers back again and again.
The fame of its Restaurant makes it impossible to serve all of the customers, especially the large number of local patrons.
The growing needs and renown of the restaurant usher in another expansion. Restaurante Grano de Oro settles into its newly constructed home next door to the original Pozuelo property and 4 more guest rooms are added.
The tropical Victorian architecture of the original residence is preserved. The restaurant’s elegant dining room, beautiful inner courtyard, indoor-outdoor bar and extensive wine cellar further solidify the restaurant as the ultimate destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Hotel Grano de Oro joins another group of hotels and becomes a member of The Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Luxury Hotels & Lodges with a continued focus on an elevated level of hospitality, exceeding the expectations of both patrons and guests.
Today, the hotel and restaurant are led by second generation family member Michelle and her husband Ciro De Angelis.
“ The Grano De Oro is certainly the most luxurious establishment in San Jose, and travelers will find it well worth the few extra dollars to stay in its restful, relaxing environment. “
-Christian, Pennsylvania
Stay at San José’s most-cherished Heritage Hotel
Hotel Grano de Oro is a small, luxury boutique hotel, converted from a 100-year-old Tropical Victorian mansion. Beautiful, pristine, well-preserved. Let us take you back in time to the elegance of Old San José.
