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Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

3.0 star property
Ballena beach resort with spa and free beach shuttle

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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, sun loungers
Aerial view
Beach nearby, free beach shuttle
Aerial view
Gazebo
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Air conditioning
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Room service
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • Business center
  • Airport shuttle
  • Area shuttle
  • Terrace
Feel at home
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Private bathroom
  • Cable/satellite TV service
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
The price is $213
includes taxes & fees
$188 per night
Dec 1 - Dec 2

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Family Suite

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

Family Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Ceiling fan
  • 807 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Master Suite

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

Master Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
  • 969 sq ft
  • 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

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
  • 538 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504

What's nearby

  • Playa Ballena - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Arco Beach - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Ventanas Beach - 6 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Uvita Beach - 11 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Playa Tortuga - 14 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Drake Bay (DRK) - 28.2 miles/45.4 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free beach shuttle

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is a great choice for your beach stay in Ballena, putting you near activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing/body boarding. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, facials, and mani/pedis. Offering ocean views, Pura Vida serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This Mediterranean resort also features a bar/lounge, a snack bar/deli, and a beach shuttle.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 21 units
  • Arranged over 2 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
  • Contactless check-in available
  • Early check-in subject to availability
  • Late check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
  • Check-out time is noon
  • Contactless check-out available
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions.

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

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Pets

  • No pets or service animals allowed

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free secured, uncovered onsite self parking
  • Onsite RV/bus/truck parking (fees apply)

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Offsite

  • Area shuttle*
  • Free beach shuttle

Other information

  • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

Traveling with children

  • Children's menu

What to do

  • Free beach shuttle
  • Pool table
  • Beach nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Working away

  • Business center
  • Meeting room
  • Conference space (861 square feet)

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Free beach shuttle
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • Built in 2004
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Banquet hall
  • Mediterranean architecture

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Alarm clock
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress
  • Free crib/infant bed

What to enjoy

  • In-room massage
  • Furnished balcony

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

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.

Dining

Pura Vida - This poolside restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A children's menu is available.

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • 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)

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of CRC 105000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Airport shuttle service for children up to age 11 costs CRC 70000 (one-way)

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, there's free self parking. RV/bus/truck parking is available.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is CRC 105000 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa and nearby?
Have fun with activities like boat tours, hiking, and horseback riding, and practice your swing at the nearby golf course. Additional recreation nearby includes ecotours. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa also has a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?
Yes, Pura Vida offers international cuisine, garden views, and poolside dining.
Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished balcony.
What's the area around Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa like?
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is located a short 15-minute walk from Playa Ballena.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Pierre, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very Good

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, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wspaniały, pięknie ulokowany hotel z miła obsługa super basenem i wieloma atrakcyjnymi w pobliżu.
Wojciech, 6-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great customer service, and attention to deals!
Sofia, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

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, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Walter, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Franklynn, 4-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

Ronald, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Christina, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

Andres, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Tiffany, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

John, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Staff was incredible, view from the room was wonderful. Dining at the restaurant was delicious. I will be staying here again.
Dale, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

2/10 Poor

Robert, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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!!!
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean.
Andrew, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderland
Amazing and magical place to stay.
JEREL, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nahum, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Richard, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Richard, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The property is hill side and has amazing views of the mountain and of the Pacific Ocean. The staff is warm and friendly.
Bill, 3-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a wonderful weekend! Definetevely a place to go back!
Marcia, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Regina, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review