A much-anticipated new convention center, the National Congress and Conventions Center, is set to open in 2018, near the international airport in the capital city of San Jose, according to Tourism Minister Mauricio Ventura. As of press time, the government was ready to receive bids from companies interested in working on the project, which will have a capacity for 4,600 people.
The 129-room Parador Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio has completed a $1 million upgrade, including an expanded tour desk and renovated guest rooms, restaurants, pool terraces and lobby.
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, in Guanacaste, has renovated its Royal Beach Club area for adults, with new suites and decor by local artists.
Naraya Springs, an adults-only hotel located in the Arenal region that is a member of Virtuoso Preferred and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is set to finish an expansion in early 2016, debuting 19 new villas, a reception area with an espresso bar, a new restaurant and a new yoga pavilion. The company partnered with Luxury Frontiers, a design firm that creates tented camps in Africa, for the new accommodations.
Starting in April, Southwest Airlines will launch new daily nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia/Guanacaste.
New developments in the works include the 50-acre Monte del Barco Hotel and Private Residences, in the Guanacaste region. The property will have a 130-room luxury hotel, an 8,400-square-foot spa and facilities for banquets and conferences, as well as sporting venues. An exact opening date has not yet been announced.
The Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose, near San Jose's airport, recently refurbished its meeting space and restaurants.
Auberge Resorts Collection, which owns and operates a variety of hotels and resorts, took over management in 2015 of the Hacienda AltaGracia in the southern region of Costa Rica. The upscale property features suites and casitas and offers special packages for meetings and incentive groups.