Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Location: 7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504, Ballena, CR

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Resorts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

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

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Amenities & Facilities

• Free breakfast
• Full-service spa
• Boat tours nearby
• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• Free beach shuttle
• Books
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Luggage storage
• Designated smoking area
• Concierge service
• Wheelchair accessible
• Picnic area
• Gift shops or newsstand
• Conference space
• Golfing nearby
• Snorkeling nearby
• Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
• Hiking/biking trails nearby
• Kayaking nearby
• Scuba diving nearby
• Library
• Rafting nearby
• Free breakfast
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Free newspapers in lobby
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Full-service spa
• Wedding services
• Pool umbrellas
• Ecotours nearby
• Billiards or pool table
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Area shuttle (surcharge)
• RV, bus, truck parking
• Snack bar/deli
• Free self parking
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Free beach shuttle
• Pool sun loungers
• Free RV, bus, truck parking
• Boat tours nearby
• Free buffet breakfast
• Rock climbing nearby
• Books
• Banquet hall
• Secured parking
• Horse riding nearby

Rooms Available

• Master Suite

  1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

  969-sq-foot room, furnished balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Relax - In-room massage available

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Tempur-Pedic bed, premium bedding, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Safe, iron/ironing board, and desk; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Alarm clock
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • In-room massage available
  • Free WiFi
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Bedsheets provided

• Family Suite

  1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

  807-sq-foot room, furnished balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Layout - Bedroom and living room

  Relax - In-room massage available

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Tempur-Pedic bed, premium bedding, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, bathrobes, and free toiletries

  Practical - Safe, iron/ironing board, and desk; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Alarm clock
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • In-room massage available
  • Free WiFi
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Bedsheets provided

• Junior Suite

  1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

  538-sq-foot room, furnished balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Relax - In-room massage available

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), and room service (limited hours)

  Sleep - Tempur-Pedic bed, premium bedding, and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Safe, iron/ironing board, and desk; cribs (free) available on request

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Satellite channels
  • Alarm clock
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ceiling fan
  • Premium bedding
  • In-room massage available
  • Free WiFi
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

• Neil (6/5): - The staff were nice and the bed was comfortable. The view and sunsets are great and you are woken by the sound of the surrounding wildlife. However, you can also hear the traffic from the mai road. Towels in the bathroom were limited. Dining was expensive andcrestaurantvrequired booking after a certain time. We were unfortunately on the ground floor and th noises from the room above was very irritating and the hotel were unable to o anything about it. In my opinion this is not a 4 star hotel, it is not a boutique hotel an does not have the facilities to be called a spa hotel. A small massage room that was never occupie! No gym, no steam room. I was disapointed with the high price I paid for our stay. This hotel does not deserve the high rating that it has. Although our stay was ok and we did appreciate the games room when the rains came...
• CindyBoulanger (10/5): Perfect Getaway with Comfort, Fun, and Great Hospitality - We had a fantastic stay! The room was spacious, clean, and featured a large balcony with breathtaking views. The bed was very comfortable, and we had everything we needed right in the room. One of the highlights was the giant heated pool, which we were lucky to have all to ourselves, a true luxury! The kitchen staff was especially friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home throughout our stay. In the evening, we had a great time playing billiards and darts at the restaurant, it was a lot of fun! Cristal Ballena exceeded our expectations in every way — highly recommended for anyone visiting Uvita! We'll be back.
• Paradise25655895302 (10/5): An oasis of Calm - An oasis of calm in Uvita This hotel is in a beautiful setting between mountains and sea, 5 mins from town. Near to all activities. The staff were all lovely and went over and above for us, when we a medical issue with our daughter. The breakfast food was gorgeous & made to order. Rooms were generous clean and ours had a beautiful view. A very relaxed atmosphere & lovely pool also. Thoroughly recommend.
• Sara-Lu (10/5): - The location of the property is beautiful, set back from the road and elevated for a great view of the Pacific. We particularly enjoyed the Happy Hour each day at 5:00 to enjoy the fabulous sunsets. The pool, the colorful plants, the toucans, tanagers, orapendulas and numerous other birds added so much to our visit. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. Our 5 days spent at Cristal Ballena were top notch!
• ERIC (10/5): - Séjour de 4 nuits Magnifique et très calme Piscine avec vue mer En pleine nature toucans et autres oiseaux présents . Happy hours très sympas Tout était marfait
• silket2014 (10/5): Charming, friendly and beautiful location - This is a very charming place with absolutely stunning grounds and a very large pool. Staff is attentive and very friendly, the restaurant offers very nice food and reasonable prices (compared to some other places we stayed at in Costa Rica). Some of the facilities may need some updating cosmetically, but that did not diminish our stay at all. The rooms were clean, very spacious and the views are enchanting. Really recommend this hotel - it is a relaxing, heart warming place.
• IAIPRES (10/5): Beautiful place in a nice area - Top notch place to stay in Uvita, Costa Rica My wife and I travelled to Uvita for our daughters wedding Getting to this location was challenging, 6am flight from PHL to Mia Mia to San Jose Costa Rica and the... small plane on Sansa a local carrier on a 20 minute flight that was delayed four times and more than three hours to Quepos which was an hour from the hotel. You could rent a car as our other daughter did for a 3 1/2 hour drive that turned into 7 1/2 hours When we got to the hotel it was pitch dark on the roads and beautiful ambient lighting at the hotel which we were too tired to appreciate. We had a lite meal at the restaurant which is next to the beautifully lit pool an then off to bed, The next morning we went back to the restaurant for a delightful buffet breakfast which is included for all guests daily The staff is great, the ambiance of the hotel is terrific The grounds are fantastic with Toucans and other exotic birds flying about and singing My wife and I met the owner, Angelica, as we were dining at the table next to her and she was delightful Our two daughters stayed at two other hotels within 10-15 minutes of this one. WE visited both an resolutely I can say this was by far the best. We strongly recommend this property
• Debbie (10/5): - We loved the grounds, so peaceful and lush. Huge variety of birds, howler monkeys in the distance each morning, incredibly kind, helpful and friendly staff. Delicious food, beverages and the best swimming pool ever!
• Marisol (8/5): - Excelente. A lil costly but good. I wish they had more menu options with local food variety. The pool was amazing. Staff was great.
• KATHY (10/5): - quiet, peace, beautiful.
• Annette (10/5): Beautiful - Great stay. Staff was very helpful and friendly. We even met the owner. Beautiful views and property
• Scott (10/5): - Lots of wildlife great pool
• James (8/5): - The room was spotlessly clean and the bed was very comfortable. Housekeepers did a great job daily. The porch had a beautiful view where we drank our first cup of coffee daily. The property had many many steps making it very challenging to get to the pool or restaurant. We had to take our car each day for breakfast or dinner. The grounds were very well kept and beautiful. We ate twice in the evening. The food was expensive and mediocre. I recommend the hotel but find another place for meals.
• ameuropeservices (6/5): Dissapointed - We stayed at the hotel for 3 nights in May. The location and views are stunning, but the hotel is far from a 4-star hotel now. The room and bathroom look dated. The bed cover was dusty and after 7pm there was nobody to find at the reception. One day the hotel had people from the local government do life-saving training at the hotel pool so we couldn't use it the whole morning. When we asked the manager about when this would be over, he said we could use a small corner of the pool. The bathroom towels were old and scrubby. I do have to say the food and attention the restaurant was very good. Sorry to say, but I don't think we will come back.
• Alexander (10/5): Toucans galore - This is definitely a 4 star not a 3 star hotel. Pool is really big and great lounging areas and garden around. Toucans are plenty here and easy to spot. Feels like a hidden gem and a truly special place. It is expensive though… particularly drinks and food is definitely a lot higher than in other places. You get what you pay for though and the quality is good. Highly recommend the family suite
• Wojciech (10/5): - Wspaniały, pięknie ulokowany hotel z miła obsługa super basenem i wieloma atrakcyjnymi w pobliżu.
• 762dickyd (6/5): Doesn't live up to its 4-star billing... - This was our last stop in Costa Rica and meant for some R&R before returning home. It is a very nice 4-star hotel with some great facilities (pool, spa/massage, bar), great rooms (size, bed, balcony, storage, etc.), wonderful views/outlook (wildlife in the grounds, and they have their own jungle hike). However, some of the facilites let it down - cold water most of the time, noisy air con for 2 nights out of 4 (which was supposedly fixed after 1 night) which meant we had 2 sleepless nights when we were meant to be relaxing... Drinks are also very expensive (CRC4k for a beer which is CRC2k elsewhere) and Happy Hour is 2 drinks for the price of 1 and a half, whereas it was 2 for 1 in every other hotel we stayed in...!
• Sofia (10/5): - Great customer service, and attention to deals!
• surfhousemoshe (10/5): superb place and ambiance - really enjoyed this place. breathtaking view of the pacific. Big garden and pool right on the edge with the view rooms are big and comfy nice balcony and great breakfast don't miss the hike in the area with birds and lush nature very close to town and parks
• mariannek525 (10/5): Excellent - Overall a great place in beautiful surroundings. From the restaurant you can sit and enjoy the birds in the area. The staff is very friendly and helpful. And the pool area is nice. The restaurant serves very nice food and is reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend this place.
• Shirley (6/5): - We had the villa and the AC was weak. The bedding just made us sweat and pillows were hard. We are not used to sleep in the humid hot room so had a hard time for two nights. I understand it’s next to the jungle but I’m not sure about seeing ants everywhere inside the room. Great birding location. Lots of yellow throated toucans. Unsure about the raving reviews of the restaurant. Basic choices and very high prices. The pool has no shade. Lots of lounge chairs.
• Suzanne (10/5): - What a gem. It’s a stunning property outmatched only by incredible, kind and helpful staff. From a special laundry request, to making sure I got to see the Tucáns, to remembering my drink of choice, they made me feel safe, special and well taken care of. Don’t hesitate to book this!
• Sightseer10641657214 (10/5): . lived up to its 5 * rating without being unfriendly or intimidating . - We visited as part of a small group tour and would have loved to have stayed longer. The room was large well equipped with a huge balcony. The pool area and the pool were wonderful and clean and well maintained. The food was varied and delicious and all the staff were friendly, attentive and helpful. It lived up to its 5 * rating without being unfriendly or intimidating . Highly recommended.
• Smriti2022 (10/5): Fabulous view, great service, awesome pool ! - It is a boutique hotel set in beautiful gardens with a fabulous pool and views of the Pacific. The sunset from the hotel was one of the best we have seen across the world! The food was delicious and the bartenders and wait staff were amazing and always very attentive, offering personalised service. Only thing, the bathrooms were small and a bit dated . The restaurant ‘BALLENA BISTRO’ 2 minutes walk from property was absolutely phenomenal offering delicious, fresh, flavoursome dishes with plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. Overall the hotel views were stunning, the food great , and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Definitely recommend!
• Kindness763 (8/5): Lovely Chill Resort with Gorgeous Sunsets - Lovely place to stay. We had a corner room and enjoyed lounging on our large balcony to read, nap, and watch the sunset. The rain shower was fantastic. The service was excellent and the large portions of food very good. The sunset from the restaurant/pool area was stunning every evening. This is a “chill” place to stay. Big pool.
• Dale (10/5): - Staff was incredible, view from the room was wonderful. Dining at the restaurant was delicious. I will be staying here again.
• chrisbX1777FC (10/5): Absolutely EXCELLENT experience!! Definitely recommend - My gf and I booked a last minute stay at Cristal Ballena while visiting Costa Rica and could not be happier with our entire experience. We had decided to extend our stay in Costa Rica an additional 7 days to enjoy the costal area, choosing this boutique hotel from the reviews, which turned out to be an excellent choice. Everything from the location, the property, the Staff, the food and the overall amenities were absolutely excellent. The Staff and owners made us feel very comfortable and were very personable the entire time. The bartenders and wait staff were amazing and always very attentive, even remembered our names, which is always a nice touch. We had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the owners, enjoyed hearing the stories of their long time ownership and pride in the experience they were providing for people from all over the world for so many years. The room was very clean and had an excellent view from the balcony of the pool, the jungles below and all the way to the ocean. My gf was actually able to see a whale from our balcony! The Food was absolutely 5 star meals every night, such amazing flavors and professional presentation. The location was perfect for visiting the beach/ocean, waterfalls and several small towns within driving distance. We had a rental car, which I highly recommend. Needless to say, we will definitely be returning some day to revisit Cristal Ballena!!!
• Christopher (10/5): - My gf and I booked a last minute stay at Cristal Ballena while visiting Costa Rica and could not be happier with our entire experience. We had decided to extend our stay in Costa Rica an additional 7 days to enjoy the costal area, choosing this boutique hotel from the reviews, which turned out to be an excellent choice. Everything from the location, the property, the Staff, the food and the overall amenities were absolutely excellent. The Staff and owners made us feel very comfortable and were very personable the entire time. The bartenders and wait staff were amazing and always very attentive, even remembered our names, which is always a nice touch. We had the privilege of meeting and getting to know the owners, enjoyed hearing the stories of their long time ownership and pride in the experience they were providing for people from all over the world for so many years. The room was very clean and had an excellent view from the balcony of the pool, the jungles below and all the way to the ocean. My gf was actually able to see a whale from our balcony! The Food was absolutely 5 star meals every night, such amazing flavors and professional presentation. The location was perfect for visiting the beach/ocean, waterfalls and several small towns within driving distance. We had a rental car, which I highly recommend. Needless to say, we will definitely be returning some day to revisit Cristal Ballena!!!
• Andrew (10/5): - Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean.
• JEREL (10/5): Wonderland - Amazing and magical place to stay.
• Bill (10/5): - The property is hill side and has amazing views of the mountain and of the Pacific Ocean. The staff is warm and friendly.
• Marcia (10/5): - We had a wonderful weekend! Definetevely a place to go back!
• Regina (10/5): - The room was spacious with a beautiful view. The staff was very friendly and professional. The pool was also beautiful and pleasing. Very close to the beach.
• Philipp (10/5): - Unique location. Stunning and well maintained gardens and area surrounding the resort. Great food. Beautiful pool. Nice, friendly staff.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Very cool setting. Got to see a couple of Toucans near the pool. The room had issues with the shower and the mattress was very hard and uncomfortable.
• Gerard (10/5): Great experience - The property is quite lovely with beautiful vegetation and great views. Staff was very responsive and resolved any issue quickly. Food was very good and we would stay there again.
• James (10/5): Best place i have ever encountered - Truely an all inclusive top rated 5 star resort. The staff, the food, the room, the property layout, the vistas, the rain forest paths and walks were all that anyone could ever hope for when experiancing CR. Art work, stone sculptures, flowers, birds and forest rivers made you feel that you were in a adult wonderland. A special thanks to Herbert for his engraciating personality, and to the owner Andreis who was so sweet and and so down to earth. Our lives have changed from this experiance. We are already planing our next stay there and will be bringing family.
• Adolf (10/5): - Excellent hotel, beautiful surroundings and friendly staff
• Maribelle (10/5): - We arrived late and the security guard gave us our key to the room. Too bad we only went to stay for the night and continue our road trip in the morning. Will definitely plan to stay a couple of days next time to be able to enjoy all facilities and upgrades. Wonderful service. Excellent breakfast.
• Frederic (10/5): - Memorable stay for our family. The surroundings provide countless opportunities to explore the rain forest and the hotel provides a great place to unwind and relax. Great pool and restaurant.
• Tammie (10/5): - The staff was wonderfully professional and courteous. We were taken care of from the beginning of our 14 day stay. I will return to this beautiful hotel with the gorgeous people from Costa Rica. I simply loved it. T. McRae
• Luis (10/5): - Great place for a gateway
• Christine (10/5): - Fantastic scenery, lovely room, friendly attentive staff, massive pool, great food.
• Christine (10/5): - Great friendly staff. Took granddaughter to spa for a nail "treat" but only had gel so they sent someone shopping to purchase regular nail polish that can be used on a child. Fantastic scenery, loads of birds, huge pool, great food & service. Would recommend to anyone.
• Theresa (10/5): - The grounds on this property are just gorgeous view and pool are amazing. The staff was very friendly and all-around wonderful. We had wonderful massages and women were so nice. The facility is very clean. The only thing that could have been better was the beds are a bit hard but some people may like that.
• Carlos (10/5): - Very kind staff, always willing to deliver a good, friendly service.
• Patricia (10/5): Paradise, wish we could have stayed longer - Lovely hotel in the most beautiful setting. Staff and food were excellent. Excellent whale watching tour organised by hotel with dolphin tours. Very good bird watching from the hotel grounds.
• Luis (10/5): - The administration and Staff were great. They resolve every one of our requests in a great way and efficiency.
• Harold (10/5): - Excellent service, always giving very good customer service, clean, food delicious, gorgeous swimming pool, nice location, surround of nature, close to the beach, highly recommended.
• gina (10/5): - Very beautiful location, great hike through rain forest from the property. Great views, toucans seen from balcony. Staff super friendly and place was impeccably clean,
• Michael (8/5): - Beautiful grounds. Nice rooms with balcony overlooking the ocean. Traditional tico breakfast but restaurant prices very high a la carte
• Michael (10/5): - The hotel has a large property with hiking trails around it. From the balcony in my room, I could see toucans in the morning. On the hiking trails, there were monkeys in banana trees. The reception desk has a video to show what types of animals visit the property. The room had an ocean view. The large pool was perfect after a long day
• Kim (10/5): We've already booked to go back!! - Absolutely perfect stay. From check-in, to the pool, to the fantastic restaurant we have nothing negative to say.
• George (10/5): - This is a beautiful place. The staff was very accommodating and paid close attention to cleanliness at all times.
• Keyshuana (10/5): - Super beautiful spacious patio view of the lush green trees and the ocean from our room. We saw a couple of baby tucons from our room. Rooms are well taken care of and are big. Perfect for a family of 4!
• Oswaldo (10/5): - Great place to stay!
• Danielle (10/5): - The whole stay was relaxing and wonderful. The restaurant was great!
• Paulette (10/5): - Beautiful setting
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Our stay was very nice. The pool is great! The restaurant service was very friendly and prompt and food was good. The room was nice and clean although a little outdated. Parking was very convenient and close to our room. The staff at front desk was also very courteous and helpful.
• Flor Carino (10/5): - Breakfast, pool pass , open bar all day
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful view and friendly staff.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great place to stay - Very beautiful area. Nice pool. Great food
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff was incredible. They were very friendly and accommodating. The grounds were beautiful, with incredible ocean views and lush forests. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful setting with great views in every direction. Staff was limited due to Covid, only a few guests were there, but staff was wonderful.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great sunsets. Friendly staff. Restaurant is tasty.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Excelente hotel y staff , muy limpio y tranquilo
• Dennis (10/5): Extremely pleased - Crystal Ballena is a fantastic and beautiful place. Great location in the south of CR. Service is excellent. We could not have been more.pleased. we definitely will be back.
• nancy (10/5): - This was our favorite hotel on our trip to Costa Rica. The location and staff were just fabulous. Helped us with all of our excursions. Can't wait to return.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - This property is out of the hustle and bustle of Uvita and has a beautiful view and delicious food. A great pool and staff.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Staff is great. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Great views, Great Food Quiet and safe. I will return.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We had a great stay at Cristal Ballena. It has a great location. Great restaurants close by. The free breakfast is super yummy and very filling. The staff is very friendly and eager to help with anything you need. The property does need some updating but everything was very very clean.
• Verified traveler (6/5): Superb setting, Service let us down - We had a conflicted experience with this hotel, on one hand the setting was brilliant, the nature, the pool, the sunset, the service at the restaurant was just superb. On the other hand we had issues with hot water, or the lack of it. We reported it as soon as we arrived and this got temporarily resolved so we were both able to have hot showers. This was particularly important for my husband as he was having a sciatic episode and required the heat to relax his back muscles. The following day we had no hot water, when we reported it in the evening the reception staff checked came to run the shower and check but then disappeared. My husband had to find him again and we were informed that he had to go off to deal with something else! This was pretty unbelievable but to add insult to injury we were informed that we had hot water now when we clearly didn’t, when this was challenged he stated that maintenance staff would be around from 0600hrs the following day so we didn’t have a shower that day. The following day we reported it and it was looked out over a one hour period but to cut a long story short - we had lukewarm showers and checked out. I had to carry all of my husband’s luggage as well as my one to the taxi as his back had seized up. I have requested a partial refund through hotels.com but the hotel is not being responsive. It’s a shame that this experience has been disappointing as it had a potential to be great.
• James (10/5): - Cristal Ballena always caters to all of our needs. Beautiful location, relaxing and great service.
• Scott (10/5): Perfect get away - It was just as good or better than our stay there 9 year’s ago. We will be back next year or sooner.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This place is amazing! Perfect for couples or travellers looking for a relaxing trip! Grounds and hotel is beautiful. Service was great throughout the entire hotel, especially Helbert in the restaurant. Owners were nice and gave us a smile each morning. Would highly recommend !
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Beautiful property, excellent food, great location, attentive staff. Didn't like bugs in outdoor eating restaurant.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We've been to Costa Rica several times over the past 2 years. This hotel is one of the best family-friendly hotels in the area. The family suite has a master bed, and a twin bed. It had a HUGE wrap around balcony that was safe enough for our almost 3 yr old. The breakfast every morning at the restaurant was perfect. The coffee is amazing. The views? SICK. Toucans every morning outside our window. Monkeys howling. The property is expansive. Infinity pool, it has its own hiking trail, a yoga studio, spa, etc. But, the VIEWS are truly amazing. The 3 sisters rock formation is right in the view. Anyways, I'm rambling. We were so happy with this hotel. It is right on the main highway. If you don't already know, ALWAYS RENT A CAR IN SAN JOSE. We always use Alamo. But, don't be afraid of driving in CR. The roads are safe. Getting to this hotel from San Jose is SUPER EASY. Rent a car. Get one with 4x4. Mandatory for CR in general. Enjoy!! This hotel is awesome. We were very happy.
• Rodney (10/5): Stay here. You won’t regret it. - This is a beautiful hotel with spectacular grounds great staff and an amazing view. Stay here if in Uvita.
• Will (10/5): - Amazing hotel, incredible views, great management and staff. Hard to beat this hotel for the price anywhere in the mid Pacific. Lots of birds and amazing sunsets at the restaurant. Definitely memorable..oh and by the way..our 6th time here!!!
• Amy (10/5): - We loved the clean beautiful hotel, the mountain setting with a spectacular view of the ocean, the pool, the procimity to lots of great places to visit, the helpful and kind staff, the Costa Rican breakfast each day and the sunsets!
• Monique (10/5): - Great staff. Very helpful and nice. The property was gorgeous and very entertaining. You could spend the day taking a walking tour through the jungle, relax by the pool and so much more. We will stay at the Crystal Ballena again. Loved it.
• Jocelin (10/5): Fantastic - Beautiful hotel in beautiful grounds with an amazing amount of bird life. Wish we had been there longer
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Le site de l'hôtel est très beau, magnifique vue sur la mer du Parc Marino Ballena, végétation luxuriante bien entretenue, jolis espaces amménagés... Le diner au restaurant est de qualité, mais les tarifs élevés, Un peu déçue par la salle de bains, ancienne et étroite!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The 29 acres this hotel sits on are beautiful and filled with birds and wildlife. The pool is huge and refreshing. The included breakfast was very satisfying and the restaurants food was very good. The ocean view is breathtaking. Would not hesitate returning!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a boutique hotel which was ideal for a relaxing stop. The gigantic pool was great for swimming and just enjoying views of ocean and lush landscape. Rooms are large with
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Location up in the mountains with a fantastic view of the ocean.
• Luis (10/5): - Great location, friendly staff, delicious food the breakfast was awesome
• Tom (10/5): Stunning views of the Pacific Ocean - Stayed here 2 nights and we thought the hotel was incredible. Our room had truly amazing views of the Pacific and we saw humpback whales all the time. The pool was a great size. The gardens were stunning and we had an excellent guided bird watching tour one morning seeing 25 different species of bird and a three-toed sloth! The hotel arranged a great day scuba diving for us where we dived with sharks, manta rays and turtles.
• Elaine (10/5): Amazing - perfect location. 😊 wonderful views, lovely staff
• AESH (10/5): - This is a lovely hotel with a lovely staff. The room was spacious with a beautiful view. The breakfast was very good and complimentary. The pool was very large and clean. The views of the ocean and then of the rainforest behind you are amazing. There are some short trails on the property as well, which are worth checking out, and a yoga studio on the top of the hill. Parking was easy and close to the room. All the staff were welcoming and helpful.
• Ak (10/5): Beautiful hotel - Beautiful place to relax and get away from it all with helpful staff and excellent food. Plenty of wildlife.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great experience! Excellent location. Great Food. I recomendad for families, couple or everyone who wants to relax
• Melissa (10/5): Amazing & Gorgeous Property! - We booked this hotel through Expedia on our first trip to Costa Rica. What we experienced was nothing short of fantastic! I've never been so pleasantly surprised by a hotel that I knew nothing of before booking. I can honestly say our trip was made better by staying here. This is a family run property with an absolutely amazing story behind it. The property just couldn't be any prettier. The food at the restaurant was wonderful. The staff felt like old friends by the end of our week, and the owners made us feel so very welcome. I highly recommend this hotel. This is a property we will absolutely recommend to friends and family, and we will for sure return.
• Ed and Denise (10/5): Perfect - Everything from the friendly owners and staff to the food, beaches and cleanliness, not a single complaint!! I travel every week for my job but this was vacation for wife and I. An A+ all the way around. Where else do the owners meet and chat with guests every breakfast? Thanks for a wonderful get away!
• terry (10/5): A stop over while on a motorcycle tour of costa ri - Great choice for a day’s rest Great pool Goog restaurants Cold beer
• Verified traveler (4/5): - Nice place, nice location; not so nice food and overpriced. Will be nice to have a map about the rainforest trails, and more nature hiking options.
• Maria (6/5): Has seen better days - This hotel is completely overpriced, I'm sure at some point it was really good but everything looks outdated and it needs a major remodel. The bedspread was full of dust and caused my husband allergies. The room had a jacuzzi but it looked dirty and I didn't want to use it, it had some privacy doors that were almost falling and also looked dirty. I was about to request a refund and move to another place, we just stayed because we already had a tour reservation with other company and the rest of the nearby hotels were full. It's not a VIP hotel and I'm very dissapointed.
• laya (8/5): Beautiful location and view. - We enjoyed the room, the view, the service, the people. Beaches and reserves around are spectacular!!! Restaurant is good. We recomend the hotel and vecinity. Good attractions like bird watching. Reptiles, whales and dolphins
• Sonia (10/5): Treated like family - Customer service is always excellent, food is great, rooms always clean, spacious and inviting. Close to the ocean and tours available to book through reception staff, area has walking trails, every morning there are lots of birds and wildlife to watch. I feel safe and pampered.
• malecr (8/5): Good option close to Ballena bay - Stayed here with family for 2 nights and were pleased by good service, hotel condition and nature. If you're looking for a good option to visit the area you won't regret. Hotel is great option for relaxing, silent ambiance and spend time with yourself, reading, good drink, etc. Not a place to go for party or night entertainment.

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