Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Location: Uvita, Costa Ballena, Uvita, cr

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Amenities & Facilities

• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Family rooms
• Luggage storage
• Safety deposit box
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Ironing service
• Car hire
• Massage services
• Currency exchange
• Darts
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Kid meals
• Outdoor furniture
• Fruits
• Beauty Services
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Invoice provided
• Smoke alarms
• Guest room sealed after cleaning
• Physical distancing in dining areas
• Food delivered to guest room
• CCTV outside property
• Process in place to check health of guests
• Access to health care professionals
• 24-hour security
• Security alarm
• Television in common areas
• Billiards or pool table
• Free wired internet
• Snack bar/deli
• Scuba diving on site
• Snorkeling on site
• Self parking (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Beach umbrellas
• Pool sun loungers
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Internet access
• Games
• Wine release events
• Reception hall
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Covered parking
• Fishing nearby
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Horse riding nearby
• Swimming nearby
• Beach toys
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Paddle boating nearby
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Family Suite

  Decorated in a Mediterranean style, this spacious air-conditioned suite offers a balcony with ocean views. Satellite TV, a mini-bar and a coffee maker are included. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Please note that the room rate is based on 2 guests. Maximum occupancy is 4 guests (see Hotel Policies).

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Satellite channels
  • Additional toilet
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Terrace
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Mobile hotspot device

• Junior Suite

  Decorated in a Mediterranean style, this spacious air-conditioned suite offers a balcony with ocean views. Satellite TV, a mini-bar and a coffee maker are included. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Additional toilet
  • Private entrance
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Terrace
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Mobile hotspot device

• Master Suite

  Decorated in a Mediterranean style, this spacious air-conditioned suite offers a balcony with ocean views. Flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar and a coffee maker are included. The private bathroom comes with a hydromassage shower and a hairdryer.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Additional toilet
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Terrace
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Sofa bed
  • Pool towels
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Adapter
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • Mobile hotspot device

Guest Reviews

• thierry (10/5): -
• Linda (10/5): -
• Holding LINARUN (10/5): Top - Le personnel, la piscine, le calme enfin j’ai adoré Rien
• Juliette (8/5): Un lieu magnifique mais - La piscine, le cadre splendide, la tranquillité, l’entretien de la propriété, la propreté, wifi rapide. Les lits sont un peu durs, j’ai eu mal au dos. Notre chambre soi disant familiale petite pour deux adultes et un enfant et nous étions enclavés au rez de chaussée avec la climatisation comme vue sur la terrasse. Dommage, j’aurais aimé être en haut, l’hôtel était quasiment vide en plus ils auraient pu nous faire cette gentillesse. Le petit déjeuner n’avait rien d’exceptionnel, voire complètement banal par rapport à d’autres endroits: le gallo Pinto réchauffé sec, pas de choix, quelques morceaux de bacon, toujours les mêmes fruits les sempiternels ananas et pastèque (alors que j’allais dans un commerce à côté m’acheter de superbes mangues, granadilla ou fruits de la passion), il y a des restaurants magnifiques à Uvita on sent que le petit déjeuner était à l’économie. On attend à plus raffiné dans un endroit de ce type. Trop fonctionnel. Dîner idem mangé une seule fois assez cher pour la proposition pas terrible. Douche un peu vieillotte. Mobilier joli mais basique.
• Randy Bast (9/5): -
• Jo (10/5): A fabulous hotel with great views, staff and amenities. You need a car if you stay here to get around but worth the effo - Everything! It was clean, comfortable. The pool was lovely and the staff were very helpful. There were lots of birds and wildlife around the pool and grounds. We did not like having to leave
• Sven (8/5): -
• Malcolm (10/5): - Location Restaurant Prices
• Monica (10/5): Relaxing stay w beautiful views. - The beautiful views from my room were outstanding. Loved the beach down the road, so incredibly beautiful. I didn’t swim there mind. But a nice walk down there and on it. It was a little bit remote from anywhere else.
• Salas Hernández (10/5): -
• Johannes (9/5): Phantastisch - Wirklich tolles Hotel mit großem Pool in Parkumgebung und phantastischer Lage mit tollen Sonnenuntergängen. Wir hatten ein sehr schönes Zimmer mit Balkon und Ausblick. Faultier und Schlange in direkter Lage zum Pool gesichtet. Unglaublich!!! Frühstück als Buffet gut, Abendessen mit Happy Hour vorab. Haben alles wirklich sehr genossen!
• Roland (9/5): -
• Eric (10/5): Magnifique ! - Très bel hôtel, avec une vue magnifique sur la forêt et l’océan Pacifique. Les chambres sont très confortables et bien décorées, très spacieuses. Le petit déjeuner est excellent, le restaurant aussi d’ailleurs. La piscine est gigantesque. C’est très calme et très bien placé. Rien
• Roberto (10/5): Very pleasurable stay. - Perfect location to the Ballena Park and other amenities. Excellent food. Staff very attentive. Perfect sunsets! For birdwatchers it is a paradise! More than 20 different species in less than one minute, and a brand new jungle hiking trail within the property of the hotel.
• JACQUES (9/5): -
• Roger (8/5): -
• Barbara (10/5): Stunning views and beautiful pool - Here’s the updated review: A Lovely Stay with Beautiful Views We only stayed one night, but it was a very pleasant experience overall. The 350° panoramic views are genuinely impressive, and the sunset in the evening was a nice highlight to wind down after the day. The star of the property is without a doubt the immense pool — it’s spectacular, and the view from it is simply unbeatable. We could have spent hours there, and it alone makes the stay worthwhile. Our room was spacious with high ceilings that gave it a nice, airy feel. The layout worked perfectly for our family — a king bed for us and two twin beds for the kids. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel genuinely welcome throughout our stay. Overall, a great choice for our family to end the Holliday, especially if you’re after stunning views and a magnificent pool. The property is a bit dated in terms of decor and style, but it is very well maintained and everything was spotlessly clean, which we appreciated. One thing to keep in mind: the on-site restaurant is on the pricier side, so it may be worth budgeting for that or exploring dining options nearby.
• Suzy (8/5): - Pool and the view of ocean was great! Little out dated facilities, noise from air conditioner was little annoying.
• Bueti (7/5): Great staff but the facility was average and the breakfast, as mentioned above, wasn't very good. - A young woman at the reception desk helped me with a passport and airline ticket problem. She was incredibly kind, patient and knowledgeable. The breakfast was very ordinary. The pool is enormous and uninviting. If they want to make the experience of staying there more intimate, they should decrease the pool by half and surround it with shade structures and comfortable seating.
• Debbie (10/5): Absolutely perfect - Absolutely perfect in every way. The rooms and balconies are large and clean with everything you could need. The grounds are spectacular - huge pool area with bar and restaurant and beautifully maintained gardens with so much wildlife. There is even a forest trail on the hotel property which is open to guests day and night and the beach is just across the road. The staff are incredibly helpful and friendly and, quite simply, made our 9 day stay here even more marvellous. Helbert, Minor, Pablo and Orbis who look after the bar/restaurant area are such beautiful people and Dina and Damian in reception were always there to help and give recommendations. The breakfast and restaurant options are incredible. I can't praise this hotel enough. Simply beautiful. It's impossible to criticise the Cristal in any way.
• Maj (8/5): Dejligt ophold - Virkelig god mad og venligt personale. Stort tak til den sødeste receptionist der gjorde alt for at hjælpe med at bestille kørsel til San Jose på hjemrejse dagen. Som vi endte med ikke at få brug for alligevel. Tak til de søde tjenere i restauranten. Dejligt poolområde med en vidunderlig solnedgang. Sengen var ikke så behagelig. Billederne af værelset vi havde booket var ikke de rigtige men viste et værelse fra etagerne over med en langt bedre udsigt. Det tænker jeg ikke er hotellets skyld men booking.com.
• Warner Cordero (9/5): - Las almohadas estaban un poco incómodas
• Thomas (9/5): -
• ladislav (10/5): - Vse
• Walter (9/5): Fin de semana en Uvita. - El servicio al cliente. Personal muy amable. La ubicación y el paisaje del hotel es maravilloso.
• Maria Fernanda (6/5): -
• Le Petitcorps (10/5): Fabuleux - Hôtel magnifique, cuisine excellente et superbe piscine, personnel accueillant , parfait
• Sonja (10/5): Ein herrlicher Platz zum Entspannen und Vögel aus nächster Nähe zu beobachten - Die Lage auf dem Hügel mit Blick auf den Pazifik, das äußerst geschmackvoll errichtete Boutique-Hotel, der großzügige Poolbereich, die wunderbare Gartengestaltung, die herzliche Gastfreundschaft der Besitzer, das großartige Restaurant… Da fällt mir absolut nichts ein.
• Remi (8/5): -
• Joyce (8/5): Prima hotel op mooie locatie. - De ligging met uitzicht op de oceaan is geweldig, het grote zwembad heerlijk en Pura Vida is een goed restaurant. Het is allemaal netjes maar wel wat gedateerd.
• Sylvan Pascal (10/5): Aussicht und Hotelsnlage top, freundliches Personal rundum zufrieden - Die Lage und die Aussicht ist sehr schön, die Zimmer sind sehr gross und sauber. Parkplatz vor dem Hotel und ein sehr gutes Restaurant im Hotel Nichts zu beanstanden
• Andrea (10/5): Paz garantizada - La vista tan espectacular al mar Todo estuvo bien
• Philippe (7/5): - Emplacement jardin, piscine merveilleux Un peu vieillot
• Melissa (9/5): Beatiful hotel not too far from playa ballena. - Beatiful hotel not too far from playa ballena. The facilities are lovely and clean. The staff was very helpful and kind, and aimed to take into account food intolerances at the restaurant, which I appreciated. I defintetely recommend it. N/A
• Brigitte (8/5): - La piscine la vue et le restaurant L'emplacement est un peu loin de Uvita et on a demandé à changer de chambre malgré une super vue car le bruit de la chaufferie au dessus du restaurant était trop forte et la chambre vue sur le jardin est très bien pour voir un peu des oiseaux.
• Elise (8/5): Super mooie plek - Het uitzicht De matrassen waren echt oud en slecht.
• THOMAS (9/5): -
• FRANCISCO MANUEL (10/5): -
• Georges (9/5): 3 nuits dans un hôtel parfait - L’accueil La vue La beauté du site La bonne cuisine La piscine Le massage Rien c’est un endroit parfait
• Iolanda (9/5): Estança meravellosa - Hotel molt ben situat, a 15” del parc de Marino Ballena i a 5” de varies platges molt boniques. Ens vam allotjar a la suite de 4 persones que era espectacular, amb vistes al oceà i amb una terrassa on a hores punta veies desfilar infinitat d’ocells. Llit molt còmode. La piscina és molt bonica i el restaurant està molt bé ( arroz de palma). També tenen un sendero per anar a caminar al mig de la selva, a dins la propietat. Tot fantàstic
• Glenda (10/5): We will return and in the meantime tell all our friends about you. - More than exceptional. This whole organization was one of beauty in surrounding, comfort, accessibility and contact, with all staff and owners present attentive respectful and considerate. Best holiday ever. Thank you.
• Robert (9/5): Great view, so much wildlife all around the property. - Great view, so much wildlife all around the property. They've just built some new trails on the grounds which will be a nice addition. Lovely sunsets, and close to one of the quietest stretches of the Parque Nacional Ballena.
• Klaus (9/5): Schöne Anlage über dem Meer - Sehr schöne, gepflegte Anlage. Sehr freundliches Personal. Geräumige Zimmer, schöne Balkons. Geräusch der Klimaanlage des Restaurants ist sehr deutlich hörbar bei dem von uns gebuchten Zimmer. Wir sind dann umgezogen. Die Zimmer sind eher hellhörig. Zudem sind die Klimaanlagen auf den Balkonen deutlich hörbar.
• Peter (9/5): -
• Yvonne (10/5): Schöne Aussicht, viele Vogelarten zu beobachten, toller Pool, die Hauskatze Quitschi wurde geliebt, nette Menschen. - Es war alles sehr schön und alle waren sehr freundlich. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt. Vielen Dank!
• Luis R. (10/5): -
• Ramirez (10/5): -
• Bastian (8/5): - - Large and clean pool - Great family room layout - Room service with full restaurant selection - Yoga and meditation pavillon - Beautiful location. Well maintained garden and lots of birds on the property - Restaurant is expensive (fish fillet USD 31, spaghetti pomodoro USD 17) but there are good alternatives in Uvita - Facilities and furniture need some refurbishing - Spotty wifi signal in family room #1
• Thomas (9/5): -
• Johann (10/5): -
• Gudrun (9/5): - Alles top und super freundlich!
• Pierre-Yves (9/5): -
• Stella (10/5): Was good - Super friendly staff and a comfortable bed, highly recommended!
• Deanna (10/5): - Perfect for a short getaway — clean, quiet, and excellent service.
• heredia (10/5): -
• Carolina (9/5): Excelente ubicación e instalaciones - Un hotel muy bien ubicado, con excelentes instalaciones y super buen servicio al cliente -
• Mike (10/5): Good value and great views with friendly staff - Room was vewry spacious and clean. The restaurant and pool were a perfect palce to eat and relax. Loved all the birds and views of the ocean. Everything was fine.
• Rodriguez (9/5): -
• Juanita (9/5): -
• Diana (9/5): - El entorno del hotel, zonas verdes, vistas desayuno, habitaciones poco insonoras
• Yuly (9/5): Una estancia agradable con vistas increíbles - El hotel cuenta con hermosas vistas, el personal es muy amable. La habitación era muy bonita y limpia. El baño era un poquito estrecho, pero estaba muy limpio y bonito. No está tan cerca de la playa, pero tiene vistas increíblemente hermosas.
• Aletorcha (10/5): -
• Alexander (10/5): - We love this hotel and stay here every year on our way to Pavones
• Diana (8/5): Ein schönes Hotel in schöner Lage & schönem Außenbereich, aber die Spa-Erfahrung hat enttäuscht. - Das Zimmer war groß & schön, insbesondere die Terrasse und vor allem der Ausblick! Das Badezimmer war ok. Insgesamt war die Hotelanlage sehr schön, Essensbereich, Ausblick, schön in der Natur gelesen und auch der Außenbereich inkl. Poolanlage. Die Lage war nicht die allerbeste wenn man viel unternehmen möchte. Wir haben pro Person eine Massage gebucht, die war schlecht. Nicht mal so gut wie gewöhnlich Thai Massagen zu Hause, da hätte ich in dem Hotel und zu dem Preis mehr erwartet. Und die Preise im Restaurant sind selbst für Costa Ricanische Verhältnisse überzogen, durch die Lage ist man aber natürlich geneigt, nicht noch außerhalb zu essen.
• Henning (10/5): Fantastisk hotel med dejlig atmosfære - Fantastisk hotel med rummelige værelser og et meget hjælpsomt personale. Smuk udsigt til Stillehavet og en have med papegøjer og tukaner. Restaurant ved poolside kan virkelig anbefales. Kommer gerne her igen.
• Jasmina (9/5): -
• THIERRY (9/5): Calme et repos dans un cadre magnifique. - Localisation et cadre magnifique. Vue imprenable sur l’océan et la forêt. Beaucoup d’oiseaux et quelques singes. Chambre confortable et très bon petit déjeuner (simple et goûteux). Service attentionné. Rien
• BBaxx (8/5): - L’hotel è isolato ed immerso in un giardino lussureggiante. Dalla terrazza vicino alla piscina si vede il mare, così come dalle camere da letto. Molto accogliente E gentile il ragazzo della reception L’arredo è un po’ datato, Così come la struttura… Indubbiamente ha il suo fascino un poco retrò, Ma mentre eravamo lì è saltata la corrente e c’è voluto una buona mezz’ora perché riuscissero a ripristinarla
• Chiara (10/5): -
• Artur (9/5): -
• Pamela (10/5): Lugar de descanso - Excelente desayuno, hermosas vistas habitación muy amplia
• JeanMarc (10/5): Excellente base pour découvrir la région en famille - Emplacement exceptionnel, dans un environnement naturel et plein de vie sauvage Staff très sympa, avec mention spéciale pour l’équipe du restaurant Très jolie piscine Situation très proche d’Uvita, du parc Marino Ballena et des nombreuses plages de la région Rien à mentionner
• Artur (10/5): -
• Oren (8/5): Very good - The views were mesmerizing and the food was great The rooms could have been a bit better since the walls were thin and other guests from different rooms could be heard
• Tatiana (9/5): Beatiful place - We liked this place's vibes and its location surrounded by a rainforest. The swimming pool is amazing—big and clean—and the view is breathtaking. The restaurant is also nice. I felt that it was built with soul. Nothing
• Kara (9/5): Superb -
• Katherine (10/5): Exceptional -
• Randy (9/5): Superb -
• Vicky (8/5): Very good -
• Jennifer (8/5): Very good - What a gem. A beautiful spot with lovely grounds and a pool. A perfect location for watching birds and the sunset. Close to several towns and beaches so great if you have a car but want a quiet spot to come back to.
• Nathalia (7/5): Good -
• Greg (7/5): Nice location but expensive - Wonderful pool, sea views, lots of birds in the gardens. Breakfast choice was poor, restaurant expensive for average food. Room furniture a bit tired. Very noisy air conditioning for the restaurant/kitchen all but ruined the experience of sitting on the balcony overlooking the sea.
• Patrick (10/5): Perfect Staff was fabulous - Everything was great Nothing
• Jonathan (6/5): Nice location and lovely staff but hotel needs a refresh - Location was great as were the views Property generally old and in need of an update Bathrooms old, around the pool area , patios all could be improved.
• Chris (10/5): Exceptional -
• Laura (9/5): Classic hotel choice with wonderful sunsets - Beautiful location set up high on the hillside overlooking the Ballena Coast. Amazing view from room with great sunsets. Had dinner one evening and menu choice/food was excellent. Beautiful large pool. Slightly dated building- but location gardens and view make up for this.
• Sajid (9/5): Great location to explore the Osa peninsula. - A fine resort facility with a great swimming pool and restaurant. Views from our room and the terrace were awesome to watch the sunset. Great staff everywhere. Close to beaches in the area. Road leading to the property could be paved. Property is getting a little dated and could use a face lift.
• Xavier (5/5): Passable -
• Ron (10/5): Would definitely return. Sorry we only had one night stay - Grounds are beautiful. Friendly. Staff and delicious food. Room very nice Pillows
• Hannes (9/5): Superb - Very comfortable, upscale hotel near Uvita and Marino Ballena national park. Room was very comfortable, well equipped and a great outdoor garden featuring plenty of animals and superb beaches nearby. n/a
• Giedre (6/5): Not a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ experience. Unfortunately. - It’s actually a simple hotel with a big pool. The nature around is great but basically that’s it what was special about the property. We celebrated our love anniversary in this hotel but there was nothing nothing from the staff side. Also our 4yo daughter was charged 90$ for the stay (2nights). This was the only hotel within our 3 weeks of traveling that charged the small child.
• Jennifer (10/5): Great stay, incredible view, delicious food and drink. A great place to relax! - Amazing view and pool! The massage was one of the best I’ve had. Just the rain and that’s just Osa.
• Boris (5/5): Not for famlilies and people who are alive. - Jungle and the pool was ok. It was ok also to have te restavrant on the location. 1. Place do not have spirit. 2. Noone help you with the laguage. 3. No welcom drink. 4. Extra expensive restavrant.
• Ian (9/5): excellent -
• Jean (10/5): Splendid pacific environment - Incredible view
• Susan (10/5): Treat yourself to a beautiful experience in Costa Rica. Stay at Cristal Ballena ! Pura Vida ! - The views, the architecture, and the landscaping were outstanding ! All the staff, from reception to housekeeping to the restaurant, were highly professional and gracious to guests.
• Claudi (8/5): Very good -
• Riccardo (9/5): Good resort and easy access to Marino Ballena NP / Uvita. - Very nice resort with huge garden and perfect view towards the sea. We only stayed 1 night, however, the service & staff was very good (we got a later check-out on request without any problem/charge). The rooms are very big with lots of space and a nice balcony. All is very clean and professional managed. It seems that the hotel /rooms need some renovation & updates after many years: e.g. not the newest standard on furniture, lamps, bath, etc.
• Cinthia (9/5): Nice getaway - Beautiful views, very polite and welcoming staff. Very good breakfast with a large selection. Yo can't walk in or out of the hotel itself because of the road conditions. Not so close to the beach
• מר (10/5): Exceptional - Beautiful hotel. The pool. Average breakfast

Photos