Above: the pool at the new Sheraton San Jose

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sheraton has returned to Costa Rica, following the opening of the Sheraton San Jose this week.

The property, which is managed by GHL Hoteles, has 172 rooms. It is located in San Jose’s Escazu business district.

“We are proud to welcome the Sheraton San Jose Costa Rica to Sheraton’s growing portfolio of more than 400 hotels around the world,” said Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, in a release. “Sheraton is an iconic brand in Latin America with a strong and growing portfolio. Today, it continues to be one of the most sought-after brands in the region with upcoming openings in key countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Colombia in the next 12 months.”

Sheraton plans to reach a total of 500 hotels worldwide by 2015, and a Latin American push is part of that strategy.

Starwood now operates 12 hotels in Central America, with five brands in Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala.

“We are proud to open this new hotel under the Sheraton flag. The world-recognized, five star brand positions us in the top segment of the competitive market in San Jose,” said Johnathan Raineau, Principal, EXT Promociones SA. “The greatest benefits of being part of the Starwood system are worldwide brand recognition, combined with guaranteed excellence and commitment to global standards of service.”