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Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

3.0 star property
VIP Access

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Aerial view
Gazebo
Beach nearby, free beach shuttle
Aerial view

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
  • Playa Ballena
    15 min walk
  • Marino Ballena National Park
    5 min drive
  • Pinuela Beach
    7 min drive
  • Drake Bay (DRK)
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members
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Room options

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe

Family Suite

  • 75 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Master Suite

Master Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe

Master Suite

  • 90 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe

Junior Suite

  • 50 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Exterior detail

Villas Alturas

Pool
Breakfast included
Spa
Parking included
4.7 out of 5, Exceptional, (162)
The price is CHF 263
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
1 Jan - 2 Jan
Villas Alturas

About this property

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Beach resort with outdoor pool
Hop on Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa's free shuttle to the beach or pamper yourself at the resort's full-service spa.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers 21 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and a safe. Rooms open to furnished balconies. Tempur-Pedic beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Ballena resort provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and in-room massages can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the resort include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa. Services include facials and manicures and pedicures. The spa is open daily.
During your stay at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, you'll be within walking distance of Playa Ballena. Enjoy features like free breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking.
  • Free buffet breakfast offered
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy international cuisine and ocean views while dining at Pura Vida
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Indulge with massages, facials or manicures and pedicures at the spa
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • 15 minutes on foot from Playa Ballena and a 4-minute drive from Arco Beach
  • Free beach shuttle service
You'll be playing in the surf in no time with a free ride on the resort's complimentary beach shuttle. At Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, pamper yourself with a treatment at the full-service spa and enjoy amenities such as an outdoor pool.

Free breakfast is served. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. This Mediterranean resort also offers a garden and a terrace. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Ballena resort.

Guests are served a free buffet breakfast.
Pura Vida – This poolside restaurant specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A children's menu is available.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry 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

Family friendly

  • Free cot
  • 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 centre
  • 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 lift

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2004
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mediterranean architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free cot
  • 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 and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out
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

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per adult: CRC 37000
  • Christmas Eve (24 December) Gala Dinner per child: CRC 37000 (from 4 to 11 years old)

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and a first aid kit
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers transfers from the airport (fees may apply). Please contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation with your arrival details prior to travel. The front desk at this property is open daily from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 48 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests arriving after 8:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the resort before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

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

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 165 out of 205 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 205 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 205 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 205 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 205 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

James

Travelled with group
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Travelled with family
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
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wojciech

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wspaniały, pięknie ulokowany hotel z miła obsługa super basenem i wieloma atrakcyjnymi w pobliżu.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great customer service, and attention to deals!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Shirley

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Walter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Franklynn

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ronald

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Andres

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Travelled with partner
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.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Travelled with partner
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!!!

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

JEREL

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderland
Amazing and magical place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nahum

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill

Travelled with family
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful weekend! Definetevely a place to go back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hazel

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023