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The world changed dramatically in the 1940's with the advent of WWII and the atomic bomb. That decade also launched a new wave of immigrants to the western hemisphere.....many of which came with no money and little personal effects that they carried by hand. Two men of European descent were among them and found their way to Costa Rica, Mr. Samuel Gudes and Mr. Estanislao Scriba. These men had nothing.....at least nothing of monetary value. What they did have was a work ethic and capitalist talents which eventually would give birth to several of the most successful businesses in CR.
The late forties brought radical change to this country with the 1948 Costa Rican Civil War at hand. Through this decade and into the next Mr. Gudes and Mr. Scriba sold clothing door to door by living very frugally and saving every colone they could. After years of hard work and dedication these two businessmen built a 4-story business building to house the Dama Elegante clothing store and offices. With superb maragement and marketing, the store quickly became widely known as the most exclusive address for women's clothing in the country.
In 1963, a second building adjacent to the Dama Elegente was constructed by Mr. Gudes and Mr. Scriba. When the 7-story building was nearly completed, the owners decided to change their original plans and turn the structure into a hotel. During this time on March 19, 1963 the Irazu volcano came to life after a 20 year sleep and erupted. The volcano made known it's presence to welcome the arrival of U.S. President John F. Kennedy who visited Costa Rica and motorcaded down Avenue Central that same day. Many people crowded around Avenue Central cheering the President's visit with vocal applauses of "el Presidente, el Presidente", which inspired the building's owners and accordingly became the hotel's name. Presidente.
In 1974, a 4-story building was added to the complex and housed an applicance store on the lower floors and the Dama Elegante in the top two floors. Because of growing demand for the hotel's services, an 8- story tower addition was begun in 1991. Another historical moment arose as this project would be the first building in Costa Rica to be built using a steel frame structure. This new wing housed 65 new suites, a restaurant, tanning deck with hot tub, suana and steam room. Unfortunately, Mr. Gudes died while the new wing was under construction and Mr. Scriba died a few years after its completion. The new management group took over operations in 1996. Since that time, the Presidente renovations have been an ongoing project and will continue as clientele needs require change. Remodeling of the suites, updating of all electric and mechanical systems, the addition of a 4000 square foot, marble finished front desk and lobby. Perhaps one of the most visual new landmarks of San Jose.....The News Cafe restaurant and bar offering a delightful menu of food right there on the sidewalk of the busiest pedestrian boulevard in the country.
In the areas where the Dama Elegante and the appliance store once stood, the 3- story Fiesta Casino, a KFC restaurant and a Sports Lounge now exist. Soon to be ready, a new remodeled section of rooms including 29 junior suites.
As a traveler to Costa Rica for many years and as guest in a number of hotels and inns, I have found the Presidente to have one of the finest staffs with customer service and satisfaction regimented by employees and managers. The owner's continuous investment in improving the facilities is unparalleled to my knowledge in that city. Mr. Mikowski, the general manager, is a true visionary with his sense of the hotel's needs and his business approach. And, by the way, he is the grand-nephew of Samuel Gudes. It's inspiring to know the baton has been passed and that this prominent hotel and properties flourish into the 21st century. Two men, Europeans, who arrived in Costa rica with nothing.......would be very proud.
I would like to express my thanks to Mr. Mikowski and the staff for providing information that made my article possible. Okay......even old Circus gets serious once every couple of years.
Last edited by Circus on Sat Jun 11, 2005 5:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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