Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotels
9 (195 reviews)
Uvita, Costa Ballena , Uvita , cr

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Free
Children allowed

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
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Beautiful views
Clean facilities
Good amenities
Cons:
High food prices
Noise from air conditioning
Distance from beach

Categories

Cleanliness
8.89
Guests generally found the hotel clean and well-maintained.
Service
9.86
Staff were consistently described as friendly and attentive.
Location
9.4
Beautiful views and accessible to nature, but some mention of distance from the beach.
Room Quality
8.35
Rooms were spacious and clean, but some complaints about noise and air conditioning.
Amenities
8.88
Good facilities and beautiful gardens, but some minor issues with refurbishment.
Value for Money
8.84
Generally good value, but some food prices considered high.
Food and Beverage
8.39
Good restaurant options, but some high prices mentioned.
Overall Experience
9.36
Guests have expressed strong loyalty and enjoyment of their stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-06 05:00

Property Description

Luxurious Mediterranean-Style Suites
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa offers spacious suites with ocean views, four-poster beds, and balconies. Each suite is equipped with modern amenities including satellite TV, a minibar, and a coffee maker for a comfortable stay.

Relaxing Spa and Outdoor Pool
Guests can unwind at the on-site spa or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool while enjoying the serene surroundings of Costa Ballena. The private rainforest hiking trail provides a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the area.

Gourmet Dining with Ocean Views
Indulge in Costa Rican and international cuisine at the poolside Pura Vida bar-restaurant, offering stunning ocean views. Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast featuring home-baked bread and fresh fruit, setting the tone for a memorable stay.

Experience luxury and relaxation at Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort & Spa. Book now for an unforgettable getaway!

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 4 years old to 11 years old stay for US$40 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 195 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.89
Service: 9.86
Location: 9.4
Room Quality: 8.35
Amenities: 8.88
Value for Money: 8.84
Food and Beverage: 8.39
Overall Experience: 9.36
D
Debbie • family_with_children • gb
10
Absolutely perfect
Pros:

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.

Cons:

It's impossible to criticise the Cristal in any way.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • de
9
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
W
Warner Cordero • couple • cr
9
Cons:

Las almohadas estaban un poco incómodas

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
M
Maj • family_with_children • dk
8
Dejligt ophold
Pros:

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.

Cons:

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.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
L
ladislav • family_with_children • cz
10
Pros:

Vse

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
W
Walter • couple • cr
9
Fin de semana en Uvita.
Pros:

El servicio al cliente. Personal muy amable. La ubicación y el paisaje del hotel es maravilloso.

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
M
Maria Fernanda • extended_group • cr
6
2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
L
Le Petitcorps • family_with_children • fr
10
Fabuleux
Pros:

Hôtel magnifique, cuisine excellente et superbe piscine, personnel accueillant , parfait

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
S
Sonja • couple • at
10
Ein herrlicher Platz zum Entspannen und Vögel aus nächster Nähe zu beobachten
Pros:

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…

Cons:

Da fällt mir absolut nichts ein.

2026-03-01 • via Nuitee
R
Remi • couple • us
8
2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
J
Joyce • couple • nl
8
Prima hotel op mooie locatie.
Pros:

De ligging met uitzicht op de oceaan is geweldig, het grote zwembad heerlijk en Pura Vida is een goed restaurant.

Cons:

Het is allemaal netjes maar wel wat gedateerd.

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
S
Sylvan Pascal • couple • ch
10
Aussicht und Hotelsnlage top, freundliches Personal rundum zufrieden
Pros:

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

Cons:

Nichts zu beanstanden

2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • cr
10
Paz garantizada
Pros:

La vista tan espectacular al mar

Cons:

Todo estuvo bien

2026-02-10 • via Nuitee
P
Philippe • family_with_children • fr
7
Pros:

Emplacement jardin, piscine merveilleux

Cons:

Un peu vieillot

2026-01-24 • via Nuitee
M
Melissa • couple • de
9
Beatiful hotel not too far from playa ballena.
Pros:

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.

Cons:

N/A

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
B
Brigitte • couple • ch
8
Pros:

La piscine la vue et le restaurant

Cons:

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.

2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
E
Elise • couple • nl
8
Super mooie plek
Pros:

Het uitzicht

Cons:

De matrassen waren echt oud en slecht.

2026-01-16 • via Nuitee
T
THOMAS • solo_traveller • fr
9
2026-01-15 • via Nuitee
G
Georges • family_with_children • fr
9
3 nuits dans un hôtel parfait
Pros:

L’accueil
La vue
La beauté du site
La bonne cuisine
La piscine
Le massage

Cons:

Rien c’est un endroit parfait

2026-01-10 • via Nuitee
F
FRANCISCO MANUEL • family_with_children • es
10
2026-01-10 • via Nuitee