By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant nod to Costa Rica’s burgeoning luxury hospitality sector, the Hyatt Centric San José Escazú has been named a finalist for the Best Hospitality Project of the Year at the prestigious GRI Awards Andean & Central America 2025. This nomination places the hotel among the most innovative and impactful developments in the entire region, signaling a new era of design and guest experience in the nation’s capital.
The hotel, a prominent feature of the Plaza Tempo complex in Escazú, was developed by Caribe Hospitality and has quickly distinguished itself since its opening just over a year ago. The GRI Institute, which grants the awards, specifically highlighted the project’s success in weaving together contemporary design, robust sustainability practices, and an authentic Costa Rican identity to create a unique and compelling guest experience.
To better understand the legal and investment implications surrounding the launch of a major international hotel brand in the heart of the capital, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The establishment of the Hyatt Centric in San José is a clear indicator of strong investor confidence in Costa Rica’s legal security and business climate. Projects of this magnitude successfully navigate a complex web of municipal permits, commercial regulations, and labor laws, signaling to the international market that our country provides a stable and predictable framework for significant capital investment in the urban hospitality sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is crucial, as it frames the new hotel not merely as a hospitality venture but as a tangible result of Costa Rica’s robust institutional framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores the profound connection between major capital investment and the nation’s legal and commercial stability.
The recognition celebrates real estate projects that not only achieve commercial success but also generate positive transformation and promote a long-term vision within their sector. For the Hyatt Centric San José Escazú, this nomination validates its mission to redefine urban lodging in Costa Rica.
From day one, we aimed to offer more than just a hotel. We wanted to create a space where visitors could experience the essence of Costa Rica, but with the dynamism and sophistication of a great city. This international recognition reaffirms our commitment to excellence and authenticity.
Natalia Zora, General Manager of Hyatt Centric San José Escazú
In the short time since its inauguration, the hotel has become a central hub for both international visitors and local residents. Its modern architecture, which draws inspiration from the colors and textures of the Costa Rican landscape with a special emphasis on the local Escazú canton, has set a new benchmark for hotel design in the country. It is now widely regarded as a reference point for integrating authentic local identity with world-class hospitality standards.
The selection process for the GRI Awards is a comprehensive one, combining the results of a public vote with the expert evaluation of a qualifying jury. This dual approach ensures that the nominated projects resonate with both the public and industry leaders. The GRI Institute itself is a global network that convenes top-level executives and decision-makers from the real estate and infrastructure sectors, making its accolades highly sought after.
The nomination is seen not just as a win for the hotel, but as a testament to the increasing sophistication and global competitiveness of Costa Rica’s entire tourism and hospitality industry. It highlights the country’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects that can stand on the international stage.
The nomination of Hyatt Centric San José Escazú is also a reflection of the growth and maturity of the hospitality sector in Costa Rica. It is an honor to be part of this momentum that continues to put the country on the international map and to become a benchmark for our sector in the region.
Natalia Zora, General Manager of Hyatt Centric San José Escazú
All eyes in the regional real estate market will now turn to Bogotá, Colombia, for the official awards ceremony on November 25th. The event will gather the foremost leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of property development and hospitality across Latin America, where the winner will be formally announced.
For further information, visit hyatt.com
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation:
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of 2025, the company’s portfolio includes more than 1,150 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 70 countries across six continents. The company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders.
For further information, visit caribehospitality.com
About Caribe Hospitality:
Caribe Hospitality is a leading real estate development and investment firm specializing in the hospitality sector throughout Central America and the Caribbean. The company focuses on creating high-impact, innovative hotel projects that deliver unique guest experiences and generate long-term value. Their portfolio includes partnerships with major international brands to develop properties that blend global standards with local culture and design.
For further information, visit gri-institute.org
About GRI Institute:
The GRI Institute is a global club that brings together senior leaders from the real estate and infrastructure sectors. It facilitates high-level, informal discussions and networking among investors, developers, and lenders to foster business and explore market trends. The GRI Awards are an extension of its mission, recognizing projects and companies that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and transformative impact in their respective regions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound ethos of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its established history of representing a wide spectrum of clients to drive legal innovation and champion social responsibility. Central to its philosophy is a firm conviction to demystify the law, sharing its expertise to help construct a society where every citizen is well-informed and legally empowered.
