Your stay — Bungalows CALALÚ
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The Property — Bungalows CALALÚ
Bungalows CALALÚ is a 3-star hotel in Limon, Costa Rica, that exudes a laid-back, eco-friendly charm. The hotel's tropical aesthetic is infused with natural materials and vibrant colours, reflecting the surrounding jungle environment. The USP lies in its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing waste and promoting local wildlife conservation. This makes it an ideal choice for eco-conscious travellers and those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst the lush rainforest. As you step into the lobby, you're enveloped in a calming atmosphere, with the sounds of tropical birds and the scent of frangipani wafting through the air.
Chronicles of Limon
Limon, Costa Rica's oldest port city, was founded in 1879 by American investors, who sought to establish a crucial trade hub for the region. The city's architecture has evolved over the years, with a mix of colonial, Art Deco, and modern styles evident in its buildings. Limon's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its Afro-Caribbean heritage, with a strong influence from Jamaican and other Caribbean cultures. The city's Carnival celebrations, known as 'Fiestas de la Segunda Categoría', are a vibrant display of music, dance, and colour, attracting visitors from across the country. Today, Limon is a thriving metropolis with a rich history, diverse culture, and a strong sense of community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Limon guide →Best months
The best months to visit Limon are September and October, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), and manageable crowds. These months offer a great balance of good weather and lower prices compared to the peak season.
Peak / festival surge
The peak month in Limon is August, when the city hosts the annual Fiestas de la Segunda Categoría, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. Expect higher rates and a lively atmosphere during this time.
Budget shoulder season
For a more budget-friendly experience, consider visiting Limon in April or May, when the weather is still mild, and the crowds are smaller. You can find discounts on accommodations and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weather & packing
Limon's climate is hot and humid year-round, with frequent rain showers. Be sure to pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable during your visit.
Live City Briefing — Limon
- The Limon bus station has recently undergone renovations, with improved facilities and increased frequency of departures. The nearby Playa Bonita Beach has been closed for maintenance, but the nearby Playa Cieneguita is a great alternative for swimming and sunbathing. The local government has introduced a new eco-tourism initiative, offering guided tours to the nearby Tortuguero National Park, which is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Bungalows CALALÚ, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for rooms on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) if possible, as they tend to be quieter and have better views of the surrounding area. These rooms are also less likely to be affected by the sound of the service entrance, which may be more noticeable on lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors (1st and 2nd) might be noisier due to frequent usage and potential disruptions.
Best views
Rooms on the 3rd or 4th floors will offer a view of the surrounding area, possibly including the nearby ocean or tropical landscape.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Guests may be able to hear the sound of the service entrance, lift, and occasional street traffic from the hotel's location in Limón.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a fan, as the hotel's air conditioning might not be as effective due to the tropical climate. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the city center by asking the staff for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Bungalows CALALÚ
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps; paid tier available for ₡10,000 ($1.80 USD) per day for speeds up to 1 Gbps
serves all floors, but the historic section of the building has a small staircase
complimentary digital newsstand with PressReader; physical papers available at the lobby bar
standard check-in from 15:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (fee: ₡20,000 or $3.50 USD)
available at the main lobby; free for up to 24 hours, then ₡5,000 ($0.90 USD) per hour
step-free access, wheelchair entries at the main entrance and lobby, but some rooms may have structural limitations
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ₡1,500 per person per night (approx. $2.50 USD)
Deposit & card hold: advance deposit of ₡200,000 ($35 USD) + incidental card hold of ₡50,000 ($9 USD) at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Church of God of Prophecy (867 m · ~11 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (911 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Multicentro Puerto Viejo — 839 m · ~10 min walk
Parque de Puerto Viejo — 977 m · ~12 min walk
Delfina Park — 806 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk
San Gabriel — 822 m · ~10 min walk
Super Bryany — 369 m · ~5 min walk
Bus to San Jose — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Colón (CRC)
You can exchange currency at banks (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica) or currency exchange offices (Cambio) in Limon city. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at airports or tourist information offices, and try to exchange at banks for a more favorable rate.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred for smaller vendors. Contactless payments are becoming more common, especially in Limon city.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. 5-10% is standard in restaurants and bars, while taxi drivers and hotel staff may not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around 800-1,200 CRC (around $1.30-$2 USD) at a local café or street vendor.
A budget lunch option is a casado (a traditional Costa Rican dish) at a local restaurant for around 3,500 CRC ($5.50 USD).
A filling and affordable dinner can be found at a local soda (small restaurant) for around 6,000-8,000 CRC ($9.50-$13 USD) for a main dish.
Street food is available in the Limon city market (Mercado de Limon) and surrounding streets, offering a variety of traditional dishes like empanadas and fried dough.
The local supermarket chains in the area include Pali and Maxi Pali, offering a range of products at affordable prices.
For affordable shopping, try the local market (Mercado de Limon) or the nearby town of Siquirres, where you can find a variety of clothing and souvenirs.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (around 500-700 CRC, $0.80-$1.10 USD), and a day pass for the Limon city bus system costs around 1,500 CRC ($2.40 USD). From the airport, take a taxi for around 10,000 CRC ($16 USD) or use the airport shuttle service for around 8,000 CRC ($13 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist information offices for poor exchange rates.Use local transportation, like buses, to save money on getting around.Eat at local sodas or street food stalls for affordable meals.
Emergency Contacts
LimonIn Limón, dial 911 for all emergencies. For non-urgent police matters, the local station is at 2758-0022. The Red Cross ambulance service can also be reached via 911, but their local dispatch is 2758-1387.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Limon, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Bungalows CALALÚ
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 855 m · ~11 min walk — pharmacy · San Gabriel — 822 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel (Cieneguita area)
💡 Flag any bus with 'Cieneguita' or 'Pueblo' on the windshield. Carry exact change in colones—drivers don't break large bills. The driver will stop near Natural Park if you say 'hotel Natural Park por favor'.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Natural Park hotel, Limón
💡 Negotiate the fare firmly before getting in—drivers often quote double for tourists. Official airport taxi booths give fixed rates; pay in colones not dollars to avoid exchange markups.
San José (Terminal Caribeños) → Limon Bus Station (2km from Natural Park)
💡 Direct buses to Limón from Terminal Caribeños—look for 'MEPE' signs. Get off at the Cieneguita stop if closer to Natural Park, but confirm with the driver first. Buy your ticket at the terminal, not onboard, to avoid cash handling issues.
Limon Bus Station → Natural Park hotel
💡 Red taxis are regulated; avoid unmarked 'pirate' cars. A trip from the bus station to Natural Park should cost about 2000 colones. Confirm the price before getting in and have small bills ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Bungalows CALALÚ?
Ask for rooms on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) if possible, as they tend to be quieter and have better views of the surrounding area. These rooms are also less likely to be affected by the sound of the service entrance, which may be more noticeable on lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Bungalows CALALÚ?
Rooms near the lift (elevator) on lower floors (1st and 2nd) might be noisier due to frequent usage and potential disruptions.
Is Bungalows CALALÚ noisy?
Guests may be able to hear the sound of the service entrance, lift, and occasional street traffic from the hotel's location in Limón.
Which rooms have the best views at Bungalows CALALÚ?
Rooms on the 3rd or 4th floors will offer a view of the surrounding area, possibly including the nearby ocean or tropical landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Bungalows CALALÚ?
Consider requesting a room with a fan, as the hotel's air conditioning might not be as effective due to the tropical climate. Take advantage of the hotel's proximity to the city center by asking the staff for recommendations on local restaurants and attractions.
What time is check-in at Bungalows CALALÚ?
Check-in at Bungalows CALALÚ is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Bungalows CALALÚ have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps; paid tier available for ₡10,000 ($1.80 USD) per day for speeds up to 1 Gbps
Is there a city or tourist tax at Bungalows CALALÚ?
₡1,500 per person per night (approx. $2.50 USD)
Where can I eat cheaply near Bungalows CALALÚ?
A budget lunch option is a casado (a traditional Costa Rican dish) at a local restaurant for around 3,500 CRC ($5.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Bungalows CALALÚ?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus (around 500-700 CRC, $0.80-$1.10 USD), and a day pass for the Limon city bus system costs around 1,500 CRC ($2.40 USD). From the airport, take a taxi for around 10,000 CRC ($16 USD) or use the airport shuttle service for around 8,000 CRC ($13 USD).
When is the best time to visit Limon?
The best months to visit Limon are September and October, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), and manageable crowds. These months offer a great balance of good weather and lower prices compared to the peak season.
Top Attractions in Limon
💡 Come in late afternoon to watch cruise ships dock, and grab a batido from the stall by the west entrance.
💡 No entry fee, but you’ll be asked to sign in at the guard booth. Best before 10am to avoid heat.
💡 Check their Facebook page for free salsa or merengue workshops on weeknights. The balcony has good views of the central market.
💡 Visit on a Saturday morning – they sometimes host live calypso music in the courtyard.
💡 Walk north past the old pier for quieter spots. Keep valuables in sight – occasional theft happens in isolated areas.