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Vista Ballena

3.5 star property
Inn with outdoor pool, near Catarata uvita

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Photo gallery for Vista Ballena

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine
Yoga
Spa
Aerial view
Interior entrance
Perched near the picturesque Playa Hermosa and Uvita Beach, Vista Ballena is a tranquil oasis. Unwind with a massage or cocktail at the bar, then indulge in a cooked-to-order breakfast on the sun-kissed terrace. Guests rave about their stay.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Free breakfast
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Children's pool
  • Room service
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Self-serve laundry

Feel at home (6)

  • Children's pool
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
$132 nightly
The total price is $149
Jul 24 - Jul 25
Total includes taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Deluxe Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Free parking
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, 218 reviews
The price is $182
$161 nightly
$182 total
Total includes taxes and fees
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
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About the neighborhood

Map
17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Uvita Beach - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 11 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 14 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Punta Uvita - 17 min drive - 6.0 km

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 64.3 miles/103.5 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Scala - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Vista Ballena

Vista Ballena is a great choice for a stay in Ballena. Guests indulge in massages, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. An outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a children's pool are other features.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

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 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
DONE

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
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Free onsite valet parking
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast each morning 7 AM–9:30 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

Traveling with children

  • Children's pool

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Snorkeling nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • 2 buildings/towers
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Mosquito nets
  • An outdoor pool

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Cable TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker

Sleep well

  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Balcony

Freshen up

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

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Special features

Dining

Onsite venue - This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of USD 70 per person
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 20 (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Airport shuttle service for children costs USD 70

Policies

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.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International

Also known as

Whales Dolphins Hotel Dominical
Vista Ballena Inn Dominical
Whales Dolphins Dominical
Vista Ballena Inn Uvita
Vista Ballena Inn
Vista Ballena Uvita
Whales & Dolphins Ecolodge Hotel Uvita
Vista Ballena Costa Rica/Uvita
Vista Ballena Inn
Vista Ballena Ballena
Vista Ballena Inn Ballena

Frequently asked questions

Does Vista Ballena offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Vista Ballena 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 Vista Ballena?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Are pets allowed at Vista Ballena?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at Vista Ballena?

Yes, there's free self and valet parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Vista Ballena?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is USD 70 per person.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Vista Ballena?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 20 (subject to availability). Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Vista Ballena and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like fishing and snorkeling. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the inn's other amenities, which include a picnic area and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Vista Ballena?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant that offers Mediterranean cuisine.

Does Vista Ballena have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony.

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Vista Ballena Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

View
Room
Food
Bathroom
Restaurant
Shower
Drinks
Service staff

What guests liked

  • The pool area offered stunning views, a beautiful infinity pool, and a great selection of drinks and games. (6 reviews)
  • The restaurant offered a great mix of dishes with big portions and a lovely atmosphere. (3 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Love this place!! Would definitely stay again
Said Raffeeth, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Highly recommend for an enjoyable, tranquil stay with an owner and employees who are incredibly welcoming.
RC, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

We had an amazing stay! The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the view is amazing!
Molly, 4-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice view

We walked into our room there was no toilet paper or towels. Everything seemed clean. Just makes you wonder. The restaurant was pricey but very good and efficient.
Gilles, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The hotel was a wonderful stop along the way from San Jose to Drake Bay. Hotel and pool were beautiful with amazing views toward the ocean. Staff was friendly and professional. Rooms were clean and well amenitized. Be ready for a rocky road up but well worth it. Perfect stop.
Dennis, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The view of the sunset
Alan, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

The views were amazing, the food was delicious but the rooms were very outdated can use some remodeling and the road to the place is bad very steep not paved and not wide enough for two cars to pass...
Edwin, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

I trully enjoyed the stunning views, the pool and lovely restaurant and bar area. The staff was welcoming and eager to assist. However our room was dated and the shower area was moldy and could use some attention. We had to request towels, (we had 1 for 3 ppl) someone to refill up the coffee pods etc. The drive to the property is challenging and you could literally lose a tire on the way there. It only takes a bit of effort to cover these holes. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Overall with a few little improvements this could be a trully remarkable experience! I booked 2 standard rooms for 2 nights, my friends received an upgrade as their AC was not working and the presence of geckoes and other insects disrupted their sleep in the first night.
Simona, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Don’t throw toilet paper in the toilet but in the trash can? Ridiculous, that happened in Costa Ric sin the 1980s but not in 2024. The hotel is very outdated, and there is no parking near the rooms so you must walk in incredible amount of stairs. Not for older people or with bad lunch. The staff is incredibly helpful and the food is pretty decent. That makes up for a lot. The view at the pool, terrace, bar, and rooms is to die for.
Carl, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Rooms are down several steep staircases from the tiny common area perched atop the hill. Aversive muzak played nonstop in the bar/restaurant area which permeated the whole place. Not a peaceful costa rican environment.
Jill, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice place to relax near the end of our visit

The view from the pool is amazing! We spent an entire day there. The view from the room patio was also nice. We saw lots of birds every day. Get ready for the stair master to get to and from your room. Our room had a sketchy hole in the ceiling above the shower and we had quite a few bugs in our room, but no big deal when you're in paradise. The bathroom was a lil small and dated, but we hardly spent any time in there. Drinks at the pool were reasonably-priced even thigh they didn't have any prices listed... food was on the more expensive side... so we just drank more. Really enjoyed our stay here overall and it was a great place to unwind before heading back home. I would stay here again!
Amy, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Ericka, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Michael T, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Linda vista

El lugar es bonito, ya he estado en otras ocasiones
Mario, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

Ich habe das Hotel gebucht wegen des Blicks auf die Walflosse, was Quatsch war, denn die Walflosse sieht man eh nur in weiter Ferne und auch nur bei Ebbe und auch nur, wenn das Zimmer höher gelegen ist, was bei uns nicht der Fall war. Das Zimmer, die Möbel, das Bad ist total abgeranzt und es ist eine Frechheit dafür so viel Geld zu nehmen. Der Balkon ist winzig und aus der Scheibe war ein Stück heraus gebrochen. Der Pool ist ganz nett, die Frühstücksauswahl sehr begrenzt. Nie wieder!
Linda, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Hermoso lugar

El lugar es precioso, el servicio muy bueno, la comida muy rica y bastante.
Cinthya, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Ernest, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Renee, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Worth, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Una vista espectacular

Un lugar con una vista espectacular, aunque el acceso es por una calle de una sola vía y muy empinada. El área de las piscinas, bar y restaurante es la que tiene la mejor vista, la comida es deliciosa y a buen precio. El único problema es que ir a las habitaciones puede ser cansado por lo empinado del terreno, pero el total da transporte si es necesario.
Federico, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent place which very kind people and the most beautiful nature that you can imagine
Carlos, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Hilary, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Los baños presentaron problemas y faltan muebles y decoración en los mismos
miguel, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Marvin, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Super rico el lugar.
Jose Luis, 2-night trip