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Reviews of Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa 4 stars

Uvita, Costa Ballena, 85-1000 San Jos Uvita, Costa Rica

#17 of 52 hotels in Uvita

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 148 hotel reviews

9.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.2

  • Comfort

    9.2

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    9.1

  • Staff

    9.4

  • Value for money

    8.5

  • Free WiFi

    7.4

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 30 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We love this hotel and stay here every year on our way to Pavones

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The rooms could have been a bit better since the walls were thin and other guests from different rooms could be heard

    The views were mesmerizing and the food was great

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2025

    9.0
    Beatiful place
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Nothing

    We liked this place's vibes and its location surrounded by a rainforest. The swimming pool is amazing—big and clean—and the view is breathtaking. The restaurant is also nice. I felt that it was built with soul.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    What a gem. A beautiful spot with lovely grounds and a pool. A perfect location for watching birds and the sunset. Close to several towns and beaches so great if you have a car but want a quiet spot to come back to.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2025

    10
    Perfect Staff was fabulous
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Everything was great

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2025

    9.0
    Classic hotel choice with wonderful sunsets
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Slightly dated building- but location gardens and view make up for this.

    Beautiful location set up high on the hillside overlooking the Ballena Coast. Amazing view from room with great sunsets. Had dinner one evening and menu choice/food was excellent. Beautiful large pool.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 January 2025

    9.0
    Great location to explore the Osa peninsula.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Road leading to the property could be paved. Property is getting a little dated and could use a face lift.

    A fine resort facility with a great swimming pool and restaurant. Views from our room and the terrace were awesome to watch the sunset. Great staff everywhere. Close to beaches in the area.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2025

    10
    Would definitely return. Sorry we only had one night stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night

    Pillows

    Grounds are beautiful. Friendly. Staff and delicious food. Room very nice

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    n/a

    Very comfortable, upscale hotel near Uvita and Marino Ballena national park. Room was very comfortable, well equipped and a great outdoor garden featuring plenty of animals and superb beaches nearby.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2024

    10
    Great stay, incredible view, delicious food and drink. A great place to relax!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Just the rain and that’s just Osa.

    Amazing view and pool! The massage was one of the best I’ve had.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 November 2024

    10
    Splendid pacific environment
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Master Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Incredible view

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2024

    10
    Treat yourself to a beautiful experience in Costa Rica. Stay at Cristal Ballena ! Pura Vida !
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The views, the architecture, and the landscaping were outstanding ! All the staff, from reception to housekeeping to the restaurant, were highly professional and gracious to guests.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 October 2024

    9.0
    Good resort and easy access to Marino Ballena NP / Uvita.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It seems that the hotel /rooms need some renovation & updates after many years: e.g. not the newest standard on furniture, lamps, bath, etc.

    Very nice resort with huge garden and perfect view towards the sea. We only stayed 1 night, however, the service & staff was very good (we got a later check-out on request without any problem/charge). The rooms are very big with lots of space and a nice balcony. All is very clean and professional managed.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2024

    9.0
    Nice getaway
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Yo can't walk in or out of the hotel itself because of the road conditions. Not so close to the beach

    Beautiful views, very polite and welcoming staff. Very good breakfast with a large selection.

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 August 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Average breakfast

    Beautiful hotel. The pool.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 August 2024

    8.0
    Would consider staying here again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Beds were definitely older and needed to be replaced.

    Beautiful location, friendly staff.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 July 2024

    9.0
    Nice hotel with a wonderful pool
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Breakfast selection could be improved.

    Wonderfull pool to relax at the end of the day. Not in the center of Uvita, but they have a shuttle to take you down to the beach. Staff was very helpfull in arranging a tour we wanted.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 July 2024

    10
    Perfecto
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had to leave

    Just simply amazing. Beautiful views

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 May 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Noise from A/C on balcony. Price of drinks

    Beautiful location and lovely clean rooms. Great to sit and watch sun go down and bird watch. Lovely x

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 May 2024

    10
    What a great place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Food was awesome, drinks were awesome, staff was awesome, and views were awesome!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 April 2024

    10
    beautiful beyond what I expected
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    the actual food at the restaurant wasn't the best -- I would suggest the staff cut down on the menu size and prioritise quality over quantity of options. Having a one page menu with ~5 main course options that are refined, fresh, and focused is always better than 10 pages of 30+ options that will be poorer in quality.

    beautiful views, total tranquility, architecture is lovely, big pool with beautiful views, large breakfast buffet selection, nice to have a restaurant and bar on site, wait staff was very vigilant and accommodating, beautiful big rooms with great A/C

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 April 2024

    10
    Excellent stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Everything was excellent: value for money, view from the room (forest, toucans, many birds), pool, restaurant, etc.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 April 2024

    10
    Excellent hotel. Works well for couples and families.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Expand vegetarian options at the restaurant. .

    This is a great hotel. Rooms are large and well appointed. The pool is exceptional (very large with many special features). The location is close to a number of National Park Beaches. Restaurant was very good for the few meals we ate there. My favorite feature for this hotel was the exceptional Nature Trail they carved into the jungle. The trail is about a mile long and is very well done. Gives you a close up look at the jungle with minimal effort.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 April 2024

    10
    Astounding views, comfortable bedrooms, lovely outside spaces and unforgettable sunsets.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No complaints at all. If the pool is too warm you can’t really get too upset. Can you!

    Amazing views of the ocean and the grounds overlook the forest. Close to nature with all manner of bird life… stunning. Everything was very clean, the staff were fabulous. The owners stay here and they are very friendly. I would highly recommend a stay.

    Stayed in April 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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