Welcome to Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa – Uvita

Save money—book now
up to 10%
lower than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From200US$ /night
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a beautiful four-star Mediterranean-style hotel that rests on a rainforest-covered hill overlooking the famed Ballena Marine National Park, a crucial site for the world's Pacific Humpback Whales to reproduce and give birth.

Ocean View Accommodations

Mediterranean-styled suites at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa feature spacious balconies with ocean views. Each air-conditioned accommodation includes flat-screen satellite TV, minibar, coffee maker, and private bathrooms with hydromassage showers.

Tropical Dining Experience

The Pura Vida restaurant offers a wonderful way to start the morning with the song of the clay-colored robin and the overflight of parrots. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the gourmet restaurant or refreshments at the pool bar.

Adventure and Relaxation

Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, bird-watching, whale-watching, hiking, horseback riding and boat tours are available during your stay at Hotel Cristal Ballena. The Jungle Trail is an excellent place to see birds and animals of the rainforest, while the large swimming pool provides relaxation opportunities.

Scenic Natural Setting

From its exclusive setting on a lushly forested hill, the hotel overlooks the magnificent beach of Playa Ballena and the Ballena Marine National Park by the town of Uvita. Guests can walk to the famous "Whale's Tail" - a sandy isthmus with a natural rock formation that creates a protected bay in the shape of a giant whale's tail at low tide.

View all

Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Junior Suite
Max:
2 persons
50 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
Check Prices
Master Suite
Max:
2 persons
90 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
Check Prices
Family Suite
Max:
2 persons
75 m² 
Bed options:
2 Single beds
Shower
Bathtub
Check Prices

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre
Uvita 5.8 km
Airports
Aeropuerto de Palmar Sur (PMZ) 38.3 km
Aeropuerto La Managua (XQP) 63.1 km

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind

General

  • Smoking allowed in designated areas
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Currency exchange
  • Hairdresser
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Billiard tables
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Room service
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Facial
  • Beauty treatment
  • Massage
  • Pool with view

Room features

  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
Show more

Location

7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000
Map view
7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000
Restaurants
Pura Vida Bar & Restaurant
40 m
Playa Ballena

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
80%
said they enjoyed their stay and plan to return.
8.0/10
Great
Rooms
7.7
Location
8.7
Service
9.0
Dining
6.7
Guest reviews
8.0/10
based on 3 reviews
9.0
9.0/10 based on 463 reviews
Tim
United States, September  2023
7.6/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The rooms, although dated, were equipped with everything we needed and had amazing sunset views but were under construction during my entire 48-hour stay. The service was excellent, with staff available whenever needed and respecting guests' privacy. The location, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the jungle, was truly special, although subpar compared to other aspects. The dining experience, while average, fell short considering the hotel's high quality. Overall, a stay with both delights and inconveniences.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms, with crisp AC and stunning sunset views, were beautiful and had all the necessary amenities. However, they felt a bit outdated, resembling a south Florida motel, complete with linoleum floors and dated plumbing.
Service
9.0
The staff was gracious, interesting to talk to, and provided top-notch service throughout my stay. Additionally, they were accommodating and even arranged a birthday cake for a special celebration.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by a wild jungle setting, was truly remarkable. It was within walking distance to Playa Ballena, a perfect spot for nature lovers, although it wasn't the most convenient for other activities.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience was a bit of a letdown compared to the hotel's high standards. While the food was delicious, the slightly peculiar system of ticket allocations for pool towels felt excessive for a hotel of this caliber, and the breakfast options were somewhat limited.
Facilities
8.0
Despite the slight inconvenience of the construction works during my stay, the hotel offered various facilities, such as room service, car hire, laundry service, and tours ticket assistance, enhancing the overall experience.
Keith
United States, May  2023
8.8/10

My stay at the hotel was truly delightful. The rooms were spacious and had a wonderful sunset orientation, with a very comfy bed that provided a lovely restful night. The service was exceptional, with friendly and accommodating staff that made me feel right at home. The location was superb, offering beautiful surroundings and great ocean views. The dining experience was good, although the system of ticket allocation for pool towels felt a bit excessive. Overall, a great stay with minor drawbacks.

Rooms
9.0
The room I stayed in was very spacious with a master and two single beds. The orientation towards the sunset added a special touch, and the bed was incredibly comfortable.
Service
9.0
The hotel staff, particularly at the restaurant, were extremely friendly and accommodating. Their relationship with the indigenous Boruca people was evident in the helpful service they provided.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location on a mountain overlooking the ocean was truly beautiful. The lovely gardens and the great views from my room made my stay even more enjoyable.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was generally good, although the system of ticket allocation for pool towels felt a bit out of place for a hotel of this level. The food was delicious, with a standout dish being the Manchego ratatouille.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities at the hotel were well-maintained and provided everything I needed for a comfortable stay.
Steve
United States, April  2023
7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The rooms, though spacious and comfortable with a stunning jungle and ocean view, felt a bit dated like a south Florida motel. The service was top-notch with incredibly friendly and helpful staff. The location was superb, surrounded by beautiful gardens with great ocean views from the room. However, the dining experience, while offering fresh dishes, could be improved compared to the high quality of the hotel. Overall, a pleasant stay with a few areas for enhancement.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were spacious and comfortable with amazing sunset views, but they felt a bit dated like a south Florida motel.
Service
9.0
The staff, including the owners, were all very friendly and accommodating, making sure we felt welcome despite the language barrier.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was superb, surrounded by beautiful gardens and offering great views of the ocean from our room.
Dining
6.0
The dining experience, though providing fresh dishes, was average and slightly below expectations considering the hotel's quality.
Facilities
The hotel boasts an array of facilities from room service to car hire, ensuring a convenient and comfortable stay.
Looking for special rates when booking early?
Explore them with us!
Check Rates

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room