7 Km Al Sur de Uvita Playa Ballena, Uvita 60504 Costa Rica
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Lowest prices for your stay
US$224
Fully refundable before 26/03/23
No prepayment needed
US$224
Fully refundable before 26/03/23
No prepayment needed
US$249
US$194
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PricelineUS$249
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About
#8 of 14 hotels in Uvita
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
GreenLeaders Platinum level
The Hotel Resort Cristal Ballena is located in the midst of its own 12-hectare grounds, very close to the unique "Marino Ballena" Marine National Park and mountains covered in rainforest. The hotel features 14 Junior Suites, 3 Master Suites, along with 2 Family suites. Due to its excellent location, our guests can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the big balcony. Our stylish, spacious Suites are equipped with four-poster bed, AC, ceiling fan, WLan, TV, telephone, minibar, safe, coffee maker and hairdryer.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Car hire
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Poolside bar
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Massage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Ocean View
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Hotel links
Location
Contact
7 Km Al Sur de Uvita Playa Ballena, Uvita 60504 Costa Rica
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419Reviews6Q+A45Room tips
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We enjoyed our two nights here, especially the giant pool, great drinks (some of the best we had in all of Costa Rica), equally great food and comfortable room (a foosball table an added bonus for our teenager!). Staff was very friendly and helpful, and would definitely return if we are ever on this coast again.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Hotel's Favourite
This past week we celebrated the wedding of our son at Cristal Ballena. The staff and manager were above and beyond helping us with everything. The staff was extremely friendly, cordial, and always willing to serve and help us. The place is amazing. As an animal lover we were able to enjoy seeing so many beautiful animals in their natural habitat. The views are fantastic and the food exceptional. Our son had the opportunity to have the wedding of his dreams thanks to this wonderful people, and the guests were able to enjoy a high class experience. We highly recommend this place and we can’t wait to come back.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 28 Jun 2022
We are so happy that your son´s special milestone was so successful and that everyone had a wonderful time. Wedding´s are about creating that unforgettable moment surrounded with love and beauty and we are so pleased that Cristal Ballena was able to be part of it. We hope to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I just returned from a 2 week stay at the Cristal Ballena hotel and spa. It was absolute perfection! Check in was a breeze. I had emailed the hotel a week prior with flight information and they arranged transportation from San Jose. Upon arrival they also had the day trips I had requested booked with all the information we needed. Damien and Raquel were behind helpful throughout the entire stay! They booked cabs for us as well as handling our spa reservations. The spa was amazing! We had a stress relieving massage and facial. It was truly blissful. Not only were the treatments amazing they were also very affordable. Housekeeping did a fabulous job at keeping everything nice and neat and stocked with towels and coffee. They always had a smile on their faces. The waitstaff/bartenders were the best! Minor and Herberth took impeccable care of us. They were super friendly and made us feel as if we were at home. They were a huge part in making our trip so memorable. The pool was perfect and had plenty of loungers and umbrellas around the pool! And the waitstaff did a great job of keeping our drinks full! And constantly checking to see if there was anything we needed. The food was perfection. From the beautiful (included) breakfast each morning to dinner each night. The cooks were friendly and willing to accommodate us at needed. Everyone in the restaurant wore a giant smiles the entire 2 weeks! The rooms were well furnished with comfortable beds and bedding. Each room has an ocean front balcony. Uvita has the most gorgeous sunsets each night. I would highly recommend this property to anyone wanting top notch service from a friendly staff! We will be returning to this lovely hotel in the future. Thank you all for your kindness and hospitality!…
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 28 Jun 2022
Thank you very much for your stellar review of the property. We are so pleased that you had such an amazing stay at Cristal Ballena and that our amazing team was able to make it that much better. Those sunsets truly are spectacles, aren´t they? We hope to see you back again soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Two things will prevent us from ever returning to this hotel again. First of all, this is a bug country, so don’t serve a buffet breakfast. The flies are feasting on the food even before you arrive. Secondly, if you cater for large groups of teenagers, make sure the rooms of your other guests are far away from the groups. In our case, it were the chaperones who were seriously misbehaving and not the teenagers. This is simply very poor management. Finally, the views are great, however, the hotel needs serious refurbishment. Management did change our rooms for which were thankful.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: If your budget allows, there are many places which are far better.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 16 Jun 2022
Hola, Karibu2006 Greetings from Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa...!!! Thank you very much for your comments. Regarding the refurbishment, the Hotel has clear that the infrastructure needs a refresh but due the pandemic situation most of the works had to stop but they hope that things get better soon and that way continue with all the pendings. About the group, indeed for those dates there was a group of students; however, the hotel always tried to locate them in rooms away from the rest of the guests to avoid any inconvenience. In this case it was like that, but as mentioned, the situation did not occur with the group directly. And finally, about the insects, they are not flies, they are called Meliponini bees and during this time they look for honey, that is why they approach where they smell food. They are harmless and a bit difficult to control, but we can assure you that the hotel staff try as much as possible that these bees are not to be a nuisance to the host. Hopefully, they will change their minds later and give us a second chance, here the doors are always open. Kind regards, Pura Vida...!!!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for two nights as part of a two week organised tour. Of the 9 hotels we stayed in over the two weeks, this was definitely one of our favourites! The location and views are stunning, the food was beautiful, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. Definitely recommend!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 16 Jun 2022
Hola aelw93 Greetings from Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa…!!! Wow, thank you very much for your comments. We are more than happy that you enjoyed your time with us and that Crista Ballena has been one of your favorites places. We work very hard every day in order to offer all our customers a wonderful time here. We definitely hope you can visit us again in the future, our doors are always open. Pura Vida...!!! Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved this hotel - small but with great facilities - amazing pool and grounds overlooking the Pacific. The staff couldn’t be more helpful. Food good too. The rooms were quite small for a family of four and basic but adequate.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 16 Jun 2022
Dear SGSKent1 Greetings from Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa…!!! We really appreciate your comments. We are more than happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We work very hard every day in order to offer all our customers a wonderful time here. We hope you can visit us again in the future, our doors are always open. Pura Vida...!!! Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OK the rooms need refurbishment, but the rest of the experience here was very good. Food in the restaurant was excellent, pool huge, and the views in all directions are fantastic. Good spot to stay and do the whale watching, Uvita Point bit of the west coast,
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 24 Feb 2022
Dear Steve: Greetings from Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa…!!! Thank you very much for your comments. We are more than happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We work very hard every day in order to offer all our customers a wonderful time here. Regarding the refurbishment, the Hotel has clear that the infrastructure needs a refresh but due the pandemic situation most of the works had to stop but they hope that things get better soon and that way continue with all the pending. We hope you can visit us again in the future, our doors are always open. Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Absolutely loved this hotel. We are on a multi centre holiday and this is the third hotel and by far the best. We had a junior suite with a beautiful balcony consisting of a table and chairs, sun bed and rocking chair. The room itself was beautiful with a massive bed complete with insect netting. The room also has air conditioning. The bathroom was a decent size with nice complementary toiletries. We had dinner on our second night and it was really nice. They also have a happy hour between 5 and 6.30, where cocktails are two for the price of one. What could be better than a gin and tonic while watching the amazing sunset. All the staff were lovely and can’t do enough for you. Sorry that we weren’t staying longer here.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Maria Fernanda Gonzalez, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 24 Feb 2022
Dear Murton68, Greetings from Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa...!!! We are so happy your stay at Cristal Ballena was such a success and we appreciate your review. It is great to know that the property was accommodating for you. What a fantastic combination; enjoying a Gin Tonic while watching the amazing sunset. Very delightful. We hope that you can visit us soon and stay for longer..! Kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nice hotel with nice room, Breakfast is served with 4 options to chose. The restaurant offer lunch and diner. Not far from the beaches. Nice poll and spa. Friendly stuff. The entrance road to the hotel is unpaved and the road inside the resort is very nearow
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Date of stay: December 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 18 Jan 2022
Thank you for your kind review of your stay at Cristal Ballena. We are so happy you had a pleasant time and that you were able to enjoy the spacious pool and the great spa! Those breakfast choices are always a hit. We hope you had a wonderful time in Corcovado too, one of the most biodiverse places in the world and not far from Cristal Ballena. Wishing you a wonderful 2022!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nice rooms, good food, friendly staff, great views and amazing sunsets at this Old World classic hotel on the Southern Pacific Coast. Easy access to both Playa Ventanas and Playa Ballena, As well as the gastronomic capital of Costa Rica, Ojochal!
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Guest Services, Guest Services / Front Office at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Responded 18 Jan 2022
Thank you for your lovely review of Cristal Ballena. Aren´t the sunsets truly amazing? After a great day at the nearby beaches, like the ones you mention. That hidden gastronomical treasure of Ojachal is certainly a fantastic find and thanks for mentioning it! The combination of Ojachal and the Cristal Ballena restaurant works perfectly. Thanks again and have a wonderful 2022!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$213 - US$257 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hotel cristal ballena osa peninsula
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasUvita
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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Claim Your ListingCRISTAL BALLENA BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA: UPDATED 2023 Reviews, Price Comparison and 506 Photos (Costa Rica/Uvita) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Which popular attractions are close to Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Uvita Waterfall (6.9 km), Uvita Beach (7.1 km), and Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (6.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Conveniently located restaurants include Bagel Time Bakery, Bar Restaurant Los Laureles, and Pizza Time.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.