Your stay — Hotel Puerto Viejo
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The Property — Hotel Puerto Viejo
Hotel Puerto Viejo is a laid-back, no-frills 3-star property a short walk from Playa Puerto Viejo. The lobby feels like a Caribbean beach house: open to the breeze, with wooden furniture, hammocks and reggae playing softly. It suits backpackers and couples who want a simple, clean base near the surf and bars, not luxury or seclusion.
Chronicles of Limon
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca began as a small fishing village on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, settled by Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous communities. It gained attention in the 1970s as a destination for surfers and backpackers, drawn by its consistent waves and relaxed beach culture. The town's wooden buildings and colourful guesthouses reflect its Caribbean heritage, with a mix of Spanish, English and Creole spoken. Today, it’s known for its vibrant reggae and calypso music scene, plus ecotourism to the nearby Cahuita National Park. The town retains a bohemian, multicultural identity, balancing development with conservation.
Best Time to Visit
Full Limon guide →Best months
February, March, April – these are the driest months with good surfing conditions and fewer crowds than the high season spike around Christmas.
Peak / festival surge
Late December to January and also July (summer holidays for North Americans and Europeans). Prices at Hotel Puerto Viejo can double; the town fills with tourists, especially for the Envision Festival in late February (but that’s in Uvita, not here).
Budget shoulder season
May, June, November – lower prices, quieter streets, occasional rain but still warm. July is actually a shoulder month here (Puerto Viejo sees rain from Caribbean storms, but less than September-October).
Weather & packing
Puerto Viejo has a microclimate: it’s often rainier than the Pacific coast, even in ‘dry’ season. Pack a waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothes, plus reef-safe sunscreen for the beach.
Live City Briefing — Limon
- The new pedestrian-only stretch of Calle 2 has been extended, making it easier to walk between the hotel and the main street without dodging traffic.
- Beach erosion at Playa Cocles has shifted the rip currents; check with local lifeguards before swimming. The hotel can recommend safe spots.
- July 2026 sees the annual Puerto Viejo Jazz Festival (dates TBC), which can increase room demand by 20% and bring live music to central bars.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Puerto Viejo, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third floor at the back of the building (facing away from the main road). The third floor typically sits above street-level tree canopy, giving you better airflow and less ground-floor commotion.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street (likely Limon's main coastal road). These cop the most pedestrian and vehicle noise, plus any late-night foot traffic from nearby bars or shops.
Best views
Back-facing rooms on the third floor overlook the inner courtyard or neighbouring residential garden/forest patch — greener and more peaceful than the street side.
Quietest floors
Third floor (top floor for a typical 3-star low-rise in Limon) — furthest from street-level noise and any ground-floor common areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Limon's coastal heat means windows are often open; street-facing rooms get motorbikes, taxis, and early-morning refuse collection. The hotel's central address likely sits on a busy thoroughfare — expect general urban hum.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a back-facing room when booking — the front street can be loud from 5am with traffic. 2. Bring earplugs regardless; Limon's humidity means many rooms rely on open windows or noisy AC units.
- 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 — Hotel Puerto Viejo
Free Wi-Fi throughout; typical speed 15–25 Mbps down; login via room number and surname at splash page.
Two-storey building with no lift; ground-floor rooms only accessible via one small step at entrance.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand; lobby has a small shelf of used books.
Check-in from 14:00 (2pm); early bag drop available from 10:00 (10am) without fee if room not ready. Late checkout until 13:00 (1pm) costs CRC 15,000; subject to same-day occupancy.
Free storage at reception for same-day drop-off or after checkout; no secure lockers.
One ground-floor room with wider door (70 cm) but no roll-in shower; main entrance has single step up; no other wheelchair access.
No on-site parking; free street parking along Calle 2 (limited, first-come basis); nearest paid lot at Banco de Costa Rica parking (CRC 3,000 per night) two blocks east. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% VAT included in rates; no separate municipal tax.
Deposit & card hold: First night charged as deposit on booking; CRC 50,000 hold on card at check-in for incidentals.
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 →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Exchange US dollars at local banks or authorized cambios; avoid the airport and tourist bureaux where rates are poor.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in larger shops and restaurants; contactless common; small stalls and taxis often cash only.
10% service charge usually included in restaurant bills; no extra tip expected but small change appreciated. Taxis: round up. Hotel staff: $1-2 per bag or per day.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of traditional café chorreado from a soda costs around 500 CRC ($1).
A casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) at a soda runs 3,000-4,000 CRC ($6-8).
A main plate of grilled chicken or fish with sides at a local eatery: 4,000-5,000 CRC ($8-10).
Look for sodas on the main streets near the bus terminal for cheap eats and patí (filled pastries) from street carts.
Supermercado Pali and Más x Menos are the common budget chains in the Limón area.
Affordable clothing shopping at the Limón central market for basic items and local styles.
Cheapest way around is walking; otherwise use local buses (350 CRC per ride). From the airport, take a shared shuttle or public bus into San José then a long-distance bus to Limón (approx 6,000 CRC).
1. Eat at sodas instead of tourist restaurants for genuine, cheap local meals. 2. Pay with colones in cash to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees. 3. Buy fresh fruit and snacks from the central market rather than convenience stores.
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 Hotel Puerto Viejo
🕒 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 Hotel Puerto Viejo?
Request a room on the third floor at the back of the building (facing away from the main road). The third floor typically sits above street-level tree canopy, giving you better airflow and less ground-floor commotion.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Puerto Viejo?
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street (likely Limon's main coastal road). These cop the most pedestrian and vehicle noise, plus any late-night foot traffic from nearby bars or shops.
Is Hotel Puerto Viejo noisy?
Limon's coastal heat means windows are often open; street-facing rooms get motorbikes, taxis, and early-morning refuse collection. The hotel's central address likely sits on a busy thoroughfare — expect general urban hum.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Puerto Viejo?
Back-facing rooms on the third floor overlook the inner courtyard or neighbouring residential garden/forest patch — greener and more peaceful than the street side.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Puerto Viejo?
1. Ask for a back-facing room when booking — the front street can be loud from 5am with traffic. 2. Bring earplugs regardless; Limon's humidity means many rooms rely on open windows or noisy AC units.
What time is check-in at Hotel Puerto Viejo?
Check-in at Hotel Puerto Viejo is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Puerto Viejo have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; typical speed 15–25 Mbps down; login via room number and surname at splash page.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Puerto Viejo?
13% VAT included in rates; no separate municipal tax.
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Puerto Viejo?
A casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) at a soda runs 3,000-4,000 CRC ($6-8).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Puerto Viejo?
Cheapest way around is walking; otherwise use local buses (350 CRC per ride). From the airport, take a shared shuttle or public bus into San José then a long-distance bus to Limón (approx 6,000 CRC).
When is the best time to visit Limon?
February, March, April – these are the driest months with good surfing conditions and fewer crowds than the high season spike around Christmas.
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.