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Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

3.0 star property
3-star beach resort with free buffet breakfast

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Aerial view
Family Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; international cuisine, pool views
Lobby sitting area
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • SpaSpaSpa
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
  • Popular LocationPlaya Ballena15 min walk
  • Popular LocationArco Beach4 min drive
  • Popular LocationUvita Beach11 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Family Suite

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

Family Suite

  • 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

  • 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

  • 538 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Front of property
El Castillo - Adults only
Pool
Hot Tub
Breakfast included
Spa
4.8 out of 5, Exceptional, (155)
The price is $404
per night
$456 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
El Castillo - Adults only

About the neighborhood

Ballena

Oceanside stay.Within 3 miles (5 km) of this Ballena resort, you'll find Playa Ballena and Marino Ballena National Park. Pinuela Beach and Arco Beach are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Resorts in BallenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Playa Ballena - 15 min walk
  • Arco Beach - 4 min drive
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 5 min drive
  • Uvita Beach - 11 min drive
  • Catarata uvita - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • La Choza de Alejo - 8 min drive
  • Restaurante Marino Ballena - 9 min drive
  • Sibu - 10 min drive
  • Pizzeria La Fogata - 10 min drive
  • Uvita Beer Garden - 13 min drive

About this property

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

3-star beach resort with free buffet breakfast
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 like 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.

  • 21 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 861 sq ft of conference space
  • 80 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 2004
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Dining venue
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers 21 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to furnished balconies. Tempur-Pedic beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Ballena resort provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is offered daily and in-room massages can be requested.

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.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Free crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

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

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

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

Outdoor space

  • Furnished balcony

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 staff will greet guests on arrival
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

Staffed front desk

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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have an airport shuttle?

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of CRC 105000 per vehicle, one-way.

How much does it cost to stay at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?

As of May 13, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa on May 26, 2024 start from $171.4, 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 for more accurate prices.

How close is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa to the beach?

This resort is 1.4 mi (4-min drive) from Arco Beach and 2.9 mi (7-min drive) from Pinuela Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offer free breakfast?

Yes, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?

No, there is no casino at this resort.

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.

Is there free parking at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?

This resort offers free self parking.

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have a pool?

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa features an outdoor pool.

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have a restaurant?

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is home to Pura Vida, which features international cuisine, ocean views, and a poolside location.

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa have a spa?

This resort has a spa, which features facials, massages, and mani/pedis.

How close is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa to downtown Ballena?

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is 0.8 mi away from Ballena.

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 197 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 197 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 197 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 197 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 197 reviews" "

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

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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