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From200US$ /night
Check-in
18Jan2026Select date
Check-out
19Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Puntarenas,, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000
-
Near Marino Ballena National Park
Perfect
9.1
9.4
/10
4.5
4.5
/5

Mediterranean-style suites

Hotel Cristal Ballena features spacious, air-conditioned suites decorated in a Mediterranean style. Each suite has a balcony with ocean views, a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar, and a coffee maker. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and a hydromassage shower. Garden furniture, ironing facilities, and tea/coffee facilities are provided. Some rooms have mountain or pool views. The maximum occupancy is 4 guests.

Pura Vida Restaurant

Guests can start the morning at the Pura Vida restaurant, listening to clay-colored robins and parrots. The hotel offers onsite restaurants.

Activities and tours

Hotel Cristal Ballena offers various activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, bird-watching, and whale-watching. Hiking, horseback riding, and boat tours are available. The Jungle Trail is an excellent place to see birds and animals of the rainforest. The hotel's colorful gardens, invite you to take a stroll and watch the birds. Guests can walk to the 'Whale's Tail,' a sandy isthmus with a natural rock formation. Osa Canopy Tours offers a zipline tour.

Location and Surroundings

Cristal Ballena is near the town of Uvita, Costa Rica and Playa Ballena (2.5 km). Arco Beach is 2 km away, Pedregosa and Isla Ballena are 3.5 km away, and Playa Pinuelas is 3 km from the Hotel. The hotel is near the Ballena Marine National Park, a refuge for humpback whales. The hotel is surrounded by the forests of the Fila Costeña mountains. The entrance is at Km 169, near a bus station house on the left. The small beach town of Dominical is nearby.

Hotel Services

Hotel Cristal Ballena is 40 km from Aeropuerto de Palmar Sur.

“This boutique hotel places you close to Uvita's natural highlights. Its Mediterranean style and rainforest setting create a distinct atmosphere. I found the rainforest trail and the proximity to whale-watching opportunities especially appealing.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Junior Suite
2 persons
540 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
Master Suite
2 persons
970 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Bathtub
Family Suite
2 persons
810 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Bathtub

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Smoking allowed in designated areas
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • 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

  • 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
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Dining Onsite

Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, the dining options at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa reflect a blend of local authenticity and international flair. Restaurant Pura Vida invites guests to indulge in a range of flavors in a setting that captures the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Uvita Restaurant photo
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Uvita Restaurant photo
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Uvita Restaurant photo

Restaurant Pura Vida

Australian, International, and European fare, with a focus on dairy-free options.
Ambiance
Set in a family-friendly environment with modern touches, Pura Vida creates a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings, romantic dinners, or cozy family meals.
Key Offerings
Start the day with delicious breakfasts accompanied by the melodic songs of clay-colored robins and the flutter of parrots overhead. Signature dishes highlight fresh, local ingredients with an inspired twist.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Hours vary; often open for meals throughout the day.

Location

7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Puntarenas,, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000
Map view
7 Km Al Sur De Uvita, Costa Ballena, Puntarenas,, Uvita, Costa Rica, 00000
Restaurants
Pura Vida Bar & Restaurant
200 ft
Playa Ballena
Explore Uvita
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arco Beach
25 minutes' walk
Arco Beach offers stunning scenery and pristine sands, ideal for relaxation and family outings.
Playa Ballena
10-minute drive
Playa Ballena, part of the Ballena National Marine Park, features beautiful coastline and opportunities for whale watching.
Pinuela Beach
10-minute drive
Pinuela Beach is known for its calm waters, making it perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports.
Isla Ballena
10-minute drive
Isla Ballena is a picturesque island with rich biodiversity, accessible via boat tours offering guided excursions.
Whale Watching Tours
10-minute drive
Whale watching tours run during migration seasons, providing thrilling encounters with nature's giants in their habitat.
Yoga Retreats
10-minute drive
Local yoga studios offer tranquil classes in stunning environments, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst nature.
Hiking at Ventanas Beach
10-minute drive
Hiking the trails near Ventanas Beach offers breathtaking views and encounters with local wildlife and marine life.
Snorkeling Adventures
10-minute drive
Snorkeling excursions provide vibrant underwater experiences alongside coral reefs and diverse tropical fish.
Pura Vida Bar & Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Casual atmosphere with local Costa Rican dishes, including fresh seafood and hearty casados, highly recommended.
El Patio
10-minute drive
Charming eatery with a cozy feel, featuring international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients, making for unique flavors.
La Parcela
10-minute drive
Fine dining experience with a focus on gourmet dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal produce, reservations recommended.
Soda El Chacón
10-minute drive
Authentic local sodas offering traditional Costa Rican meals at a budget-friendly price, catering to various dietary needs.
Café Del Mar
10-minute drive
A vibrant bar known for live music events and a lively atmosphere, great for mixing with locals and enjoying the nightlife.
La Casona
10-minute drive
This restaurant hosts cultural events and live performances, perfect for families and travelers seeking entertainment.
Uvita Saturday Market
10-minute drive
Local market filled with crafts, fresh produce, and live music, offering a lively environment for family fun and cultural immersion.
Night Market at Dominical
10-minute drive
Weekly market featuring food stalls, live entertainment, and shopping opportunities, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
Uvita9 min  ·  3.6 mi
Airports
Palmar (PMZ)58 min  ·  23.8 mi
Quepos (XQP)95 min  ·  39.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
from 07:00-12:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Cristal Ballena Boutique & Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
German, Spanish
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
19
Former name
Hotel Resort Cristal Ballena
Questions of the users
About Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Is a 4x4 vehicle necessary for reaching the hotel?
12 January 2024
No special vehicle is needed; regular cars can easily access the hotel.
Are private bathrooms available in all guest rooms?
18 February 2024
Every room features a private bathroom for guests' convenience.
Can I get laundry services during my stay?
25 March 2024
Yes, laundry services are available at the hotel.
Will tour operators provide pickup services from the hotel?
10 April 2024
Yes, various tour operators commonly pick guests up from the hotel.
Is breakfast included in the room rate? Also, is there a safe available?
5 May 2024
Breakfast is included, and all rooms are equipped with a safe for valuables.
Are there nearby restaurants accessible by walking or taxi, and is parking available?
22 June 2024
There are multiple dining options within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Parking is also available on-site.
What types of beds can be found in the junior suites?
30 July 2024
Junior suites come with either two queen beds or a single king bed, depending on availability.
How far is the nearest beach from the hotel, and do I need transportation to get there?
15 August 2024
The closest beach, Marino Ballena, is 6 kilometers away by car and about a 25-minute walk from the hotel.
Do you provide shuttle services to the nearby beaches?
12 September 2024
Yes, a complimentary shuttle service to Bahia Ballena Beach is offered upon request during your stay.
What activities and tours are available nearby?
24 October 2024
Guests can enjoy whale watching, boat tours, snorkeling, and kayaking among other exciting activities in the area.

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