Your stay — El Nido
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The Property — El Nido
El Nido in Limon, Costa Rica is a 3-star hotel that exudes a laid-back, tropical vibe. Its rustic-chic aesthetic is reflected in the use of natural materials and vibrant colours. What sets El Nido apart is its commitment to sustainability, with eco-friendly practices and a strong focus on community engagement. It's an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers and nature lovers who want to experience the authentic side of Limon. Standing in the lobby, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of tropical birdsong.
Chronicles of Limon
Limon, Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, was founded in 1870 as a major port city for the export of bananas. The city's architecture reflects its history, with a mix of colonial and Art Deco styles. Limon has a strong Afro-Caribbean influence, evident in its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and lively music scene. The city is also home to a significant population of indigenous BriBri and Cabécar communities. Today, Limon is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit
Full Limon guide →Best months
March and April are the best months to visit Limon, with warm weather, low humidity, and manageable crowds. The dry season has just begun, and the city is still lush and green after the winter rains.
Peak / festival surge
June is peak tourist season in Limon, driven by the annual Regatta de Papagayo festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices surge during this time, and it's essential to book well in advance. The festival celebrates the city's Afro-Caribbean heritage with music, dance, and culinary delights.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are the best shoulder months to visit Limon, with mild weather, fewer crowds, and discounts on hotel rates. The rainy season has ended, and the city is still green, but the crowds have dissipated.
Weather & packing
Limon's climate is hot and humid year-round, but the dry season brings a welcome drop in humidity. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and don't forget a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong tropical sun.
Live City Briefing — Limon
- The new Limon Bus Terminal has opened, offering improved transportation links to San José and other coastal towns.
- The city's famous Saturday Market has expanded to include more local vendors and artisans, offering a wider range of unique souvenirs.
- The Limon River has experienced some flooding in recent months due to heavy rainfall, so be sure to check the latest updates before planning water activities.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to El Nido, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to avoid potential street noise from the nearby road. Consider rooms facing away from the street for reduced noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift or service entrance may be noisy due to foot traffic and occasional deliveries. Try to avoid rooms on the ground floor near these areas.
Best views
As the hotel is located in Limon, rooms facing the east or west may have views of the surrounding landscape or the nearby waterways, but this cannot be confirmed without specific room number data.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above are likely to be quieter due to the layout of the hotel and the fact that the lift is likely to be on the ground floor, reducing noise disturbance.
🔊 Noise notes
Limon can be a busy city, but the 3-star hotel's location should provide some buffer from the noise. However, rooms near the street may still experience some traffic noise.
Insider tips
Be sure to check-in early to secure parking, as spaces may be limited in the area. Request a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the local atmosphere and potentially take in views of the surrounding area, but be aware that this may come with some additional noise from the city.
- 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 — El Nido
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps; paid tier with 200 Mbps available at 5,000 CRC/day
serves all floors, with two separate wings for historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), no physical papers; historic building features include a 19th-century façade
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop at 8:00 AM; late check-out until 14:00 with 50,000 CRC fee
available 24/7 at 2,000 CRC per item/day
Step-free access via main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available; no elevator access to some upper floors
on-site valet parking available 24/7 at 20,000 CRC/night; nearest public car park is 500 meters away, 5,000 CRC/night
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 100% payment upon check-in via credit card
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Templo Evangélico (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Colón (CRC)
You can exchange money at banks (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica) or currency exchange offices (Casa de Cambio) in the city center, but be aware that airport exchange rates are often poor. Change money at a local bank for a fair rate.
Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Limón, including at most restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless payments are less common, but mobile payments like Tigo Money are becoming more popular.
Tipping is generally around 5-10% in restaurants, and 100-200 CRC (around $1.50-$3 USD) for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical cheap coffee for around 800-1,000 CRC ($1.50-$2 USD) at a local café or street vendor.
A budget lunch option is a plate of gallo pinto or casados at a local sodas (small restaurants) for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ($4-$6 USD).
A affordable dinner at a local restaurant can cost around 5,000-7,000 CRC ($8-$12 USD) for a main course.
Cheap eats can be found in the Mercado de Limón, a bustling market filled with street food stalls and local vendors.
Supermercados Tio Pipo and Super 2000 are common budget supermarket chains in the area.
Affordable shopping can be found at local markets like the Mercado de Limón, where you can find second-hand and new clothing at reasonable prices.
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around 2,000-3,000 CRC ($3-$5 USD). From the airport, take the bus (Línea 1) for around 1,000-1,500 CRC ($1.50-$2.50 USD).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates tend to be poor.Use local buses or walk/bike whenever possible to save money.Eat at local sodas or street food stalls for affordable and delicious 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 El Nido
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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 El Nido?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to avoid potential street noise from the nearby road. Consider rooms facing away from the street for reduced noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at El Nido?
Rooms near the lift or service entrance may be noisy due to foot traffic and occasional deliveries. Try to avoid rooms on the ground floor near these areas.
Is El Nido noisy?
Limon can be a busy city, but the 3-star hotel's location should provide some buffer from the noise. However, rooms near the street may still experience some traffic noise.
Which rooms have the best views at El Nido?
As the hotel is located in Limon, rooms facing the east or west may have views of the surrounding landscape or the nearby waterways, but this cannot be confirmed without specific room number data.
What are insider tips for staying at El Nido?
Be sure to check-in early to secure parking, as spaces may be limited in the area. Request a room with a balcony or patio to enjoy the local atmosphere and potentially take in views of the surrounding area, but be aware that this may come with some additional noise from the city.
What time is check-in at El Nido?
Check-in at El Nido is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does El Nido have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps; paid tier with 200 Mbps available at 5,000 CRC/day
Is there a city or tourist tax at El Nido?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near El Nido?
A budget lunch option is a plate of gallo pinto or casados at a local sodas (small restaurants) for around 2,500-3,500 CRC ($4-$6 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from El Nido?
The cheapest way to get around is by bus, with a day pass costing around 2,000-3,000 CRC ($3-$5 USD). From the airport, take the bus (Línea 1) for around 1,000-1,500 CRC ($1.50-$2.50 USD).
When is the best time to visit Limon?
March and April are the best months to visit Limon, with warm weather, low humidity, and manageable crowds. The dry season has just begun, and the city is still lush and green after the winter rains.
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.