Hilton is ringing in 2008 with three openings in Costa Rica. On January 1, the hotelier reopened two renovated properties: the Doubletree Cariari by Hilton San Jose and Doubletree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas. They are the first full-service Hilton hotels in the country. A third Costa Rica hotel, the Hilton Papagayo, is scheduled to open on January 15 in Guanacaste, on a private bay of the Pacific.
Jose Munoz is the new general manager of the Doubletree Cariari by Hilton San Jose. Munoz most recently served as general manager of the Hilton Caracas in Venezuela. A 34-year veteran of Hilton, he began his career as an assistant controller at the Marbella Hilton in Spain. Ricardo Rodriguez will remain general manager of the Doubletree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas.
Doubletree Cariari's renovations included upgrades to guest rooms, public areas and meeting facilities. Located in Costa Rica's capital, the hotel is just 10 minutes from the city center and features 174 guestrooms and 48 suites. Amenities include a casino, fitness center, two swimming pools, restaurant and pool bar. Visit www.doubletree.com. (DB)