Oct. 05, 2011--The Gran Hotel Costa Rica is changing its name to The Gran Hotel Costa Rica Ascend Collection. The change is part of the classic hotel's new affiliation with the Choice International and Real Hotels and Resorts chain.

The Gran Hotel Costa Rica, which was designated a Historical and Architectural Heritage Site in 2004, first opened in downtown San Jose in 1930 beside the National Theater.

The Ascend Collection is a line of historical boutique hotels, according to a press release issued by Real Hotels and Resorts, "designed especially for those who appreciate the luxury of a hotel that at the same time gives a little taste of local flavor."

"For the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, pioneer of the Costa Rican tourism industry, founded in 1930 and operating continuously since then, it is an honor to join the group of Choice hotels under the prestigious Ascend Collection brand, which has recognized an iconic hotel of San Jose. This affiliation represents an important opportunity to introduce a new chain of renowned hotels that will oblige us to improve even more our standard of quality," said Eric Gutierrez, general manager and owner of the Gran Hotel Costa Rica.

The acquisition of the Gran Hotel Costa Rica is part of a plan, announced in February 2011, by Grupo Real Hotels and Resorts to expand its line of hotels in the region. Choice Hotels owns 12 hotels in Central America operated by Real Hotels and Resorts.

The release did not specify an exact date for changing the Gran Hotel's name.

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