Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Costa Rica , Pacific South Coast
BAHIA BALLENA, 7 km al Sur de Uvita
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2026

Edwin

Excelente atención, hermoso hotel

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2026

Walter

The room was spotless, the reception disk polite, the food excellent, the staff attentive and the pool marvelous.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Angie

The family room was very clean and had an outside patio that was excellent for listening for and watching numerous birds, including toucans! The breakfast buffet was delish as well as supper. This hotel has a wonderful pool and area to watch sunsets. Staff was extra courteous, we will be back!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Aug 2025

Neil

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...

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2025

Sara-Lu

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!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2025

ERIC

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

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2025

Debbie

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!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2025

Marisol

Excelente. A lil costly but good. I wish they had more menu options with local food variety.
The pool was amazing. Staff was great.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2025

KATHY

quiet, peace, beautiful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2024

Annette

Beautiful

Great stay. Staff was very helpful and friendly. We even met the owner. Beautiful views and property

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2024

Scott

Lots of wildlife great pool

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2024

James

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2024

Alexander

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

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2024

Wojciech

Wspaniały, pięknie ulokowany hotel z miła obsługa super basenem i wieloma atrakcyjnymi w pobliżu.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

Sofia

Great customer service, and attention to deals!

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

12 Apr 2024

Shirley

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.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2024

Suzanne

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!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2023

Dale

Staff was incredible, view from the room was wonderful. Dining at the restaurant was delicious. I will be staying here again.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Nov 2023

Christopher

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!!!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Nov 2023

Andrew

Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2023

JEREL

Wonderland

Amazing and magical place to stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Sep 2023

Bill

The property is hill side and has amazing views of the mountain and of the Pacific Ocean. The staff is warm and friendly.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2023

Marcia

We had a wonderful weekend! Definetevely a place to go back!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2023

Regina

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 May 2023

Philipp

Unique location. Stunning and well maintained gardens and area surrounding the resort. Great food. Beautiful pool. Nice, friendly staff.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

21 Apr 2023

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2023

Gerard

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2022

James

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2022

Adolf

Excellent hotel, beautiful surroundings and friendly staff

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2022

Maribelle

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jul 2022

Frederic

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2022

Tammie

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

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2022

Luis

Great place for a gateway

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2022

Christine

Fantastic scenery, lovely room, friendly attentive staff, massive pool, great food.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2022

Christine

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.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2022

Theresa

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.

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2022

Carlos

Very kind staff, always willing to deliver a good, friendly service.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jan 2022

Patricia

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2022

Luis

The administration and Staff were great. They resolve every one of our requests in a great way and efficiency.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2022

Harold

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2021

gina

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,

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Nov 2021

Michael

Beautiful grounds. Nice rooms with balcony overlooking the ocean. Traditional tico breakfast but restaurant prices very high a la carte

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Nov 2021

Michael

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

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2021

Kim

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2021

George

This is a beautiful place. The staff was very accommodating and paid close attention to cleanliness at all times.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2021

Keyshuana

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Sep 2021

Oswaldo

Great place to stay!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

31 Aug 2021

Danielle

The whole stay was relaxing and wonderful. The restaurant was great!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2021

Paulette

Beautiful setting

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Aug 2021

Flor Carino

Breakfast, pool pass , open bar all day

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2021

Verified traveler

Beautiful view and friendly staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Great place to stay

Very beautiful area. Nice pool. Great food

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2021

Verified traveler

Beautiful setting with great views in every direction. Staff was limited due to Covid, only a few guests were there, but staff was wonderful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2021

Verified traveler

Great sunsets. Friendly staff. Restaurant is tasty.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Excelente hotel y staff , muy limpio y tranquilo

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2021

Dennis

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2021

nancy

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2021

Verified traveler

This property is out of the hustle and bustle of Uvita and has a beautiful view and delicious food.
A great pool and staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Staff is great. Rooms are clean and comfortable.
Great views, Great Food Quiet and safe.
I will return.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jan 2021

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Nov 2020

James

Cristal Ballena always caters to all of our needs. Beautiful location, relaxing and great service.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2020

Scott

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

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 !

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful property, excellent food, great location, attentive staff.

Didn't like bugs in outdoor eating restaurant.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

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.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2019

Rodney

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2019

Will

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!!!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2019

Amy

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2019

Monique

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.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2019

Jocelin

Fantastic

Beautiful hotel in beautiful grounds with an amazing amount of bird life. Wish we had been there longer

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

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!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

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!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

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

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Location up in the mountains with a fantastic view of the ocean.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2018

Luis

Great location, friendly staff, delicious food the breakfast was awesome

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2018

Tom

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.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2018

Elaine

Amazing

perfect location. 😊 wonderful views, lovely staff

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2018

AESH

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.

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2018

Beautiful hotel

Beautiful place to relax and get away from it all with helpful staff and excellent food. Plenty of wildlife.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Great experience! Excellent location. Great Food.

I recomendad for families, couple or everyone who wants to relax

10/10

Exceptional

12 Feb 2018

Melissa

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.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2018

Ed and Denise

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!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2017

terry

A stop over while on a motorcycle tour of costa ri

Great choice for a day’s rest
Great pool
Goog restaurants
Cold beer

4/10

Poor

23 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

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.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Sep 2017

Maria

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.

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2017

laya

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

10/10

Exceptional

23 Aug 2017

Sonia

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.

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2017

malecr

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.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2017

Michael

Forest and sea

Excellent spot for wildlife, forest, and swimming. Great food too.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Beautiful, relaxing, great room and staff!

The most relaxing part of our vacation was our 3 nights at Cristal Bellena.
Gorgeous views, wonderful hiking trail w/ lots of wildlife, quiet rooms, HUGE and mostly empty pool, good food at the restaurant....what more can u ask for? OK maybe softer linens on the beds... :)

Thanks to Gorge and Melena for everything!!

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2017

Retired Travler

Somewhat quirky hotel with dynamite views & pool

A beautiful site with a wonderfully-large pool and amazing sunset views. Excellent bird watching on the grounds and nearby. Cristal Ballena makes a great base for exploring the mid-coast. We took two trips to Sierpe (one for the river and one for Cano Island snorkeling) and one to Hacienda Baru for birdwatching. Also convenient to Ojochal, which has several nice restaurants. Hotel staff was very helpful in making arrangements for us.

The on-site restaurant rates 4/5. We were disappointed by seafood and fish entrees, but very happy with meat dishes. US-sized portions and prices. Wines here (and throughout Costa Rica) are not worth drinking unless you like sweet fruit bombs. Breakfasts are great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2017

Stay here

Location is amazing and so is the staff. I can't say enough good things about this place owners. I highly recommend this place. If you're looking for a loads of good vibes this is the place.

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Nice Hotel with quirks

Hotel was clean for the most part. Had some type of bug infestation at bathroom the first night. Eco friendly hotel so don't expect to take hot showers in the morning. Solar heating for hot water. They will turn off your AC when are gone so expect a hot room to come back to. Bed were not comfortable at all.
Hotel Restaurant was on the expensive side. Meals for 2 were $60 plus. Drinks were $10 plus. If you are looking to do nothing but relax this is the place for you. There is very little else except a nature trail walk.

This hotel is close to Uvita so there is a grocery store and other restaurant choices. No real view of the beach due to rain forest but there is a beautiful view of the ocean and Rock Island. Sunsets are great.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2017

Kate

Our room went beyond expectation. Views, lovely. Pool great. Food pretty good. Reasonable pricing. Service great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

Beautiful hotel, it is very confortable.

My family felt very well in this hotel. The food was good. It has a beautiful pool. The place is very nice and quiet.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2017

vanessa

Paradise

The staff was so friendly and kind. This hotel is beautiful. Huge pool overlooking the ocean with the bar and restaurant. Lots of bird and beautiful grounds. Food was good. Free breakfast. We loved our trip here.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2016

Gorgeous mountain setting overlooking ocean

Nestled in the hills, this charming and romantic hotel lives up to its romantic resort ambitions. Walking around the lovely paths between rooms and other buildings, you gaze on manicured gardens, lush mountaintops, and a gorgeous stretch of ocean.

Being up in the hills, this hotel does not provide immediate access to the beach. It is a 7km drive down to the beach park which frankly is not particularly beautiful by Costa Rica standards, but which does provide superb surfing in amazing water. And if you've never surfed before, the instruction company the hotel will set you up with is top-notch: dedicated to making sure that even a rank novice will have a great experience riding the waves.

There are plenty of other great activities in this area, but frankly we were happy to spend a lot of time just languishing in this stunning setting. If you are looking for a great place to unwind and enjoy, this hotel and its charming staff will not let you down.

Partner