Title: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Beach resort with a full-service spa and free breakfast ![Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/7b0fad1e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Master Suite | Balcony view](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/536f2acc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Beach nearby, free beach shuttle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/f6ed99ef.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Master Suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9bf9feec.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Lobby sitting area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/85340246.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil oceanfront experience. Guests start their day with a breakfast buffet on the scenic terrace, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, and free WiFi. The Pura Vida restaurant serves meals with stunning ocean panoramas. VIP Access 9.6 Exceptional ## Popular amenities - - Bar - Spa - Room service - Breakfast included - Housekeeping VIP Access ### Get more when you're a member - Save 15% or more on select VIP Access properties when you reach Silver tier or above - Experience top-rated quality and exceptional service - Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available [Learn more](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/vipaccess) ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Nov. 7 - Nov. 8](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-07&endDate=2025-11-08&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-07&endDate=2025-11-08&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Nov. 8 - Nov. 9](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Nov. 7 - Nov. 9](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-07&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-07&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Nov. 14 - Nov. 16](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-14&endDate=2025-11-16&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-14&endDate=2025-11-16&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) All rooms 1 bed 2 beds 3+ beds Showing 3 of 3 rooms ![Junior Suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9f3db4d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Junior Suite 9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cribs/infant beds Flat-screen TV Separate bedroom Premium bedding Ceiling fan Tempur-Pedic bed - 538 sq ft - Ocean view - Sleeps 3 - 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds ![Master Suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9bf9feec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Master Suite 10.0 Exceptional 2 reviews ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cribs/infant beds Flat-screen TV Separate bedroom Premium bedding Ceiling fan Tempur-Pedic bed - 969 sq ft - Ocean view - Sleeps 3 - 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds ![Family Suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/4230b17d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Family Suite 10.0 Exceptional 1 review ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cribs/infant beds Flat-screen TV Separate bedroom Ceiling fan Tempur-Pedic bed Premium bedding - 807 sq ft - 1 bedroom - Ocean view - Sleeps 4 - 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. 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[Sign in](https://www.expedia.ca/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FDominical-Hotels-Cristal-Ballena-Boutique-Hotel-Spa.h1386896.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.ca/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FDominical-Hotels-Cristal-Ballena-Boutique-Hotel-Spa.h1386896.Hotel-Information) ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C9.12460%2C-83.69792&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=YPd3ACKvueLtDOZ97R9kwddX7Pg=) 7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504 #### What's nearby - Arco Beach - 2 min drive - 2.9 km - Playa Ballena - 2 min drive - 1.5 km - Uvita Beach - 7 min drive - 7.8 km - Marino Ballena National Park - 8 min drive - 4.6 km - Playa Tortuga - 12 min drive - 8.5 km #### Restaurants - ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬9 min drive - ‪La Choza de Alejo - ‬8 min drive - Tagua - ‪Ballena Bistro - ‬10 min walk - ‪Ballena Beach Club - ‬5 min drive ## About this property ### Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Resort by the ocean At Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. Indulge in a massage, a facial, and a manicure/pedicure at the onsite spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Pura Vida, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ocean views. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a garden and a hair salon. Other perks at this resort include: - An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas - Free self parking - RV/bus/truck parking, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and books - Concierge services, wedding services, and a banquet hall Room features All guestrooms at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa include comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, as well as amenities like free WiFi and air conditioning. More amenities include: - Tempur-Pedic beds and free cribs/infant beds - Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries - Flat-screen TVs with cable channels - Coffee/tea makers, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping ## Similar properties ![View from property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4670000/4665300/4665273/8b070032.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Villas Alturas Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.4 Exceptional 179 reviews CA $202 CA $229 total includes taxes & fees Nov 8 - Nov 9 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=4665273&PinnedHotelID=4665273&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool, free cabanas, sun loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5230000/5225100/5225047/37faf8e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### El Castillo Boutique Luxury Hotel Ciudad Cortés - Pool - Hot tub - Breakfast included - Spa 9.6 Exceptional 197 reviews CA $242 CA $274 total includes taxes & fees Nov 11 - Nov 12 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-11&endDate=2025-11-12&selected=5225047&PinnedHotelID=5225047&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Love Nest in Uvita COLIBRI | 180° Ocean Views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/91000000/90020000/90013800/90013782/fb2f907a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Canavida Villas & Resort Bahía Ballena - Pool - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Parking included 10 Exceptional 60 reviews CA $74 CA $140 total includes taxes & fees Nov 11 - Nov 12 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-11&endDate=2025-11-12&selected=90013782&PinnedHotelID=90013782&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Front of property](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111700000/111695700/111695632/7edc9db9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Jungle River Resort Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews CA $263 CA $298 total includes taxes & fees Nov 8 - Nov 9 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=111695632&PinnedHotelID=111695632&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Lobby](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1790000/1787600/1787521/4fca81e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Hotel Cuna Del Angel Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.0 Wonderful 319 reviews CA $218 CA $247 total includes taxes & fees Nov 8 - Nov 9 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1787521&PinnedHotelID=1787521&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/11000000/10620000/10617900/10617842/2919ee7a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Vista Ballena Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Kids pool - Parking included 8.4 Very good 108 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-21&endDate=2025-11-22&selected=10617842&PinnedHotelID=10617842&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/7000000/6050000/6042600/6042557/3bd72f6b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.6 Exceptional 304 reviews CA $511 CA $597 total includes taxes & fees Nov 11 - Nov 12 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-11&endDate=2025-11-12&selected=6042557&PinnedHotelID=6042557&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Sundeck](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/21000000/20960000/20957100/20957042/5ac88688.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Hotel Three Sixty - Adults Only Ciudad Cortés - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 10 Exceptional 72 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-21&endDate=2025-11-22&selected=20957042&PinnedHotelID=20957042&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Villa, 1 King Bed, Private Pool, Ocean View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19810000/19807400/19807376/9b178bb1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Golden Pineapple Villas Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.8 Exceptional 103 reviews CA $654 CA $740 total includes taxes & fees Nov 8 - Nov 9 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=19807376&PinnedHotelID=19807376&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Luxury Tree House, 1 King Bed, Balcony, Ocean View](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1340000/1331000/1330912/85972809.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Rancho Pacifico Bahía Ballena - Pool - Hot tub - Breakfast included - Spa 9.6 Exceptional 36 reviews CA $907 CA $1,025 total includes taxes & fees Nov 8 - Nov 9 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-08&endDate=2025-11-09&selected=1330912&PinnedHotelID=1330912&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in all rooms: Free WiFi - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge - Area shuttle (surcharge) - Free beach shuttle - Free secured, uncovered self parking on site - RV/bus/truck parking on site ### Food and drink - Free buffet breakfast - A bar/lounge - A coffee shop/cafe - A restaurant - Snack bar/deli ### Restaurants on site - Pura Vida ### Things to do - Billiards/pool table - Books - Full-service spa - Library - Outdoor pool ### Family friendly - In-room crib - Laundry facilities - Outdoor pool - Snack bar/deli ### Conveniences - Free newspapers in lobby - Gift shop/newsstand - Hair salon - Laundry facilities - Limited-hour front desk - Luggage storage - Safe at front desk ### Guest services - Concierge services - Dry cleaning/laundry service - Housekeeping (daily) - Tour and ticket assistance - Wedding services ### Business services - 861 square feet of conference space - Business center - Meeting room ### Outdoors - Garden - In a national park - Picnic area - Pool loungers - Pool umbrellas - Terrace ### Full-service spa - Facials - In-room massages - Manicures/pedicures - Spa open daily ### Accessibility - No elevator ### More - 2 floors - Banquet hall - Built in 2004 - Designated smoking areas - Mediterranean architecture ## Room amenities ### Bedroom - Free crib - Premium bedding - Tempur-Pedic mattress ### Bathroom - Free toiletries - Hair dryer - Private bathroom - Shower - Towels provided ### Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels ### Food and drink - Coffee/tea maker - Limited room service - Minibar ### More - Air conditioning - Ceiling fan - Desk - Iron/ironing board - Phone - Safe ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM Early check-in subject to availability Contactless check-in available Late check-in subject to availability Minimum check-in age: 18 ### Check-out Check-out before noon Contactless check-out available Late check-out subject to availability A late check-out fee will be charged ### Special check-in instructions This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation The front desk is open daily from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation ### Access methods Front desk (limited hours) ### Pets No pets or service animals allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Rollaway/extra beds are not available Free cribs are available on request at the property ### Property payment types ## Important information ### Fees You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes: - Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: CRC 37000 - Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: CRC 37000 (from 4 to 11 years old) We have included all charges provided to us by the property. ### Optional extras - Airport shuttle fee: CRC 105000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3) - Airport shuttle fee per child: CRC 70000 (one-way), (up to 11 years old) - Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. ### You need to know Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room ### We should mention This property does not have elevators Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property ### Property is also known as Cristal Ballena Hotel Resort Cristal Ballena Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel Cristal Boutique Hotel Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel Cristal Ballena Osa Peninsula Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Costa Rica/Uvita Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel Spa Hotel Resort Spa Cristal Ballena Cristal Ballena & Spa Ballena Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel Spa Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Resort Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Ballena Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Resort Ballena ## Frequently asked questions ### Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have a pool? > Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. ### How much does it cost to stay at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? > As of Nov 7, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa on Nov 8, 2025 start from CA $317.93, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. [Choose your dates](https://www.expedia.ca/Dominical-Hotels-Cristal-Ballena-Boutique-Hotel-Spa.h1386896.Hotel-Information?rfrr=HOT.HIS.question.link.click) for more accurate prices. ### Is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### How much is parking at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? > Self parking is free at this property. ### What time is check-in at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? > Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours. ### What time is check-out at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? > Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability). ### Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa provide a shuttle to the airport? > Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of CRC 105000 per vehicle applies. ### Where is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa located? > Situated by the ocean, this spa resort is within 3 mi (5 km) of Playa Ballena, Arco Beach, and Marino Ballena National Park. Pinuela Beach is 3.1 mi (4.9 km) away. ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Reviews 9.6 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 177 8 - Good 33 6 - Okay 6 4 - Poor 1 2 - Terrible 3 ### 9.8/10 Cleanliness ### 9.8/10 Staff & service ### 9.4/10 Amenities ### 9.4/10 Property conditions & facilities ### 9.6/10 Eco-friendliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### KATHY Jan 6, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities quiet, peace, beautiful. ##### KATHY Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Annette Dec 4, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Beautiful Great stay. Staff was very helpful and friendly. We even met the owner. Beautiful views and property ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/6080B940F84A4F53146B0F371BD580117274C1851733309691881.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ##### Annette Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alexander Aug 13, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### 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 ##### Alexander Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024 ### 6/10 Okay #### Neil Aug 30, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service Disliked: Property conditions & facilities 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... ##### Neil Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### James Aug 29, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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. ##### James Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### James Dec 17, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### 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. ##### James Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller Jul 11, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Tar gjerne et opphold til. Vi hadde seks supre døgn på hotellet. Flott bassengområde og veldig hyggelige, og behjelpelige, ansatte. God mat i restauranten, vi fikk prøvd både frokost, lunsj og middag. Hotellet ligger perfekt til for å få med seg mange fuglearter i området. Vi reiser veldig gjerne tilbake. ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/20f77503-d9bc-43ae-8c5f-a3452671aae8-1752193647916.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/a2151f56-184a-441f-98f4-5aaf595eae67-1752193648343.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ##### Verified traveller Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Fabrizio Apr 26, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities Wir hatten eine wunderbare Zeit! Die Lage hat für uns gepasst und die Aussicht war traumhaft. Wir würden jederzeit wiederkommen – und das sagt wohl alles. Wir können das Hotel wirklich aus Überzeugung weiterempfehlen. Wir nehmen uns nur für Hotels Zeit für eine Bewertung, die es auch wirklich verdient haben. ##### Fabrizio Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sara-Lu Apr 17, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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! ##### Sara-Lu Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### RODRIGO Mar 29, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Un lugar muy tranquilo y bonito. La pasamos muy bien. ##### RODRIGO Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### ERIC Mar 27, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort 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 ##### ERIC Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Debbie Feb 12, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort 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! ##### Debbie Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Marisol Feb 2, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Excelente. A lil costly but good. I wish they had more menu options with local food variety. The pool was amazing. Staff was great. ##### Marisol Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Scott Nov 12, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Lots of wildlife great pool ##### Scott Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Wojciech Jul 7, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Wspaniały, pięknie ulokowany hotel z miła obsługa super basenem i wieloma atrakcyjnymi w pobliżu. ##### Wojciech Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sofia Jun 23, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Great customer service, and attention to deals! ##### Sofia Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024 ### 6/10 Okay #### Shirley Apr 12, 2024 Liked: Staff & service 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. ##### Shirley Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Suzanne Mar 14, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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! ##### Suzanne Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dale Dec 5, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Staff was incredible, view from the room was wonderful. Dining at the restaurant was delicious. I will be staying here again. ##### Dale Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Christopher Dec 1, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andrew Nov 26, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean. ##### Andrew Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### JEREL Nov 3, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Wonderland Amazing and magical place to stay. ##### JEREL Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jorge Oct 13, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Es un hotel maravilloso por la conservación de la naturaleza, las hermosas vistas del mar, el bosque y las aves. La habitación excelente, amplia y con una vista maravillosa . ##### Jorge Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Bill Sep 28, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities The property is hill side and has amazing views of the mountain and of the Pacific Ocean. The staff is warm and friendly. ##### Bill Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marcia Sep 25, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities We had a wonderful weekend! 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