As the city has taken shape and built up around it, the Gran Hotel, facing onto the National Theater and Plaza de la Culture in downtown San José, has held on to its style

The hotel closed in June of 2016 to begin the major overhaul that is being directed by OBP architectural firm, and under guidelines for historical buildings so that the main characteristics of the building will be preserved, said the builders. The building was declared a national historical site in 2004.

Built in 1930, the hotel hosted former United States President John F. Kennedy on his visit to the country in March 1963. The room he stayed in has remained intact since then.

The renovation, which builders say will be complete by Christmas, will include a completely revamped fifth floor which will house the reception area, a bar, an executive area, and a meeting room.

The hotel operates through a franchise with Hilton Worldwide under the Hilton’s Curio Collection brand. The changes will bring a decrease in rooms from 106 to 79.

A new restaurant will be installed on the ground level under the arcades, said William Monge, director of the Heritage Center of the Ministry of Culture, which will not be altered in the remodeling.