Title: Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&selected=1386896&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) # Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa A peaceful oceanside retreat where travelers can enjoy international cuisine with spectacular views and find the perfect setting for complete relaxation ## Photo gallery for Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa ![Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers - Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa (Bahía Ballena)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/7b0fad1e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Beach nearby, free beach shuttle - Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa (Bahía Ballena)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/2881a3c6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Master Suite | Balcony view - Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa (Bahía Ballena)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/536f2acc.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Master Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe - Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa (Bahía Ballena)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9bf9feec.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Banquet hall - Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa (Bahía Ballena)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/22cc4c22.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Rooms - Location - Policies Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil oceanfront experience. Guests start their day with a breakfast buffet on the scenic terrace, enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, and free WiFi. The Pura Vida restaurant serves meals with stunning ocean panoramas. VIP Access ## Reviews 9.6 Exceptional ## Popular amenities - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included - Free Wi-Fi - Restaurant £220 includes taxes & fees 18 Jan - 19 Jan VIP Access ### Get more when you're a member - Save 15% or more on select VIP Access properties when you reach Silver tier or above - Experience top-rated quality and exceptional service - Get an in-stay perk at select properties, plus free room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out when available [Learn more](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/vipaccess) ## Room options ### Check availability for these dates Tonight [Jan 16 - Jan 17](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Tomorrow [Jan 17 - Jan 18](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-17&endDate=2026-01-18&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-17&endDate=2026-01-18&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) This weekend [Jan 16 - Jan 18](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-18&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-18&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) Next weekend [Jan 23 - Jan 25](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-25&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-25&selected=1386896&PinnedHotelID=1386896&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) All rooms 1 bed 2 beds 3+ beds Showing 8 of 8 rooms ### View all photos for Junior Suite ![Junior Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9f3db4d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Junior Suite 9.8 Exceptional 6 reviews ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cots/infant beds Flat-screen TV Ceiling fan Premium bedding Tempur-Pedic bed Private bathroom - 538 sq ft - Ocean view - Sleeps 3 - 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds ### View all photos for Master Suite ![Master Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/9bf9feec.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Master Suite 10.0 Exceptional 2 reviews ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cots/infant beds Flat-screen TV Ceiling fan Premium bedding Tempur-Pedic bed Private bathroom - 969 sq ft - Ocean view - Sleeps 3 - 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds ### View all photos for Family Suite ![Family Suite | Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/4230b17d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Family Suite 10.0 Exceptional 2 reviews ### Highlights Furnished balcony Air conditioning Free cots/infant beds Flat-screen TV Ceiling fan Separate bedroom Tempur-Pedic bed Premium bedding - 807 sq ft - 1 bedroom - Ocean view - Sleeps 4 - 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds ### View all photos for Junior Suite ![Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1386900/1386896/acc7c483.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=800&quality=medium) ### Junior Suite - Sleeps 3 ### Master Suite - Sleeps 3 ### Family Suite - Sleeps 4 ### Master Suite - Sleeps 3 ### Family Suite - Sleeps 4 ![Mod logo](https://a.travel-assets.com/pricing-claim/sparkle_dark.svg) Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures! [Sign in](https://www.expedia.co.uk/login?ckoflag=0&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FDominical-Hotels-Cristal-Ballena-Boutique-Hotel-Spa.h1386896.Hotel-Information)[Sign up, it's free](https://www.expedia.co.uk/signup?enable_registration=true&uurl=e3id%3Dredr%26rurl%3D%2FDominical-Hotels-Cristal-Ballena-Boutique-Hotel-Spa.h1386896.Hotel-Information) ## About the area Located in Bahía Ballena, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is in a national park and near the beach. While the natural beauty of Marino Ballena National Park and Terraba Sierpe National Wetlands can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can head to OSA Golf Course. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours nearby. [Visit our Bahía Ballena travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ballena.dx6047931) [View more Resorts in Bahía Ballena](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Ballena-Hotel-Resorts.d6047931-aaHotelResorts.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C9.12432%2C-83.69805&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=dk89Ee8h7QfNLVXM8pxHA4ZNEpQ=) 7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504 ### What's nearby - Playa Ballena \- 1 min drive \- 0.9 miles - Uvita Beach \- 7 min drive \- 4.9 miles - Marino Ballena National Park \- 8 min drive \- 2.9 miles - Catarata uvita \- 10 min drive \- 6.6 miles - Playa Tortuga \- 11 min drive \- 5.3 miles ### Getting around - Drake Bay (DRK) - 178 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬9 min drive - ‪La Choza de Alejo - ‬8 min drive - ‪Ballena Bistro - ‬11 min walk - ‪Tagua - ‬17 min drive - ‪Café Vivo - ‬11 min drive ## About this property ### Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Resort by the ocean At Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa, you can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a terrace and a coffee shop/cafe. Indulge in a massage, a manicure/pedicure and a facial at the on-site spa. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Pura Vida, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and ocean views. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a garden and a hair salon. Other perks at this resort include: - An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers and pool umbrellas - Free self-parking - Motorhome/coach/lorry parking, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and a front desk safe - A billiards/pool table, a banquet hall and wedding services Room features All guest rooms at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa include thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and air conditioning. Extra amenities include: - Tempur-Pedic beds and free cots/infant beds - Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries - Flat-screen TVs with cable channels - Coffee/tea makers, ceiling fans and daily housekeeping ## Similar properties ![Exterior detail](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4670000/4665300/4665273/8e4eb850.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Villas Alturas Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.4 Exceptional 183 reviews £134 includes taxes & fees 18 Jan - 19 Jan [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-18&endDate=2026-01-19&selected=4665273&PinnedHotelID=4665273&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Lobby](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1790000/1787600/1787521/4fca81e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Hotel Cuna Del Angel Bahía Ballena - Pool - Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.0 Wonderful 325 reviews £170 includes taxes & fees 18 Jan - 19 Jan [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-01-18&endDate=2026-01-19&selected=1787521&PinnedHotelID=1787521&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor pool, free pool cabanas, pool loungers](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5230000/5225100/5225047/37faf8e9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### El Castillo Boutique Luxury Hotel Ciudad Cortés - 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Breakfast included - Spa - Parking included 9.6 Exceptional 306 reviews £585 includes taxes & fees 14 Feb - 15 Feb [](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15&selected=6042557&PinnedHotelID=6042557&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in all rooms: Free WiFi - Available in some public areas: Free WiFi ### Parking and transport - 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge - Area shuttle (surcharge) - Free beach shuttle - Free secured, uncovered self parking on site - RV/bus/lorry parking on site - Limited on-site self parking ### Food and drink - Free buffet breakfast - A bar/lounge - A coffee shop/cafe - A restaurant - Snack bar/deli ### Restaurants on site - Pura Vida ### Things to do - Billiards/pool table - Books - Full-service spa - Library - Outdoor pool ### Family friendly - In-room cot - Laundry facilities - Outdoor pool - Snack bar/deli ### Conveniences - Free newspapers in lobby - Gift shop/newsstand - Hair salon - Laundry facilities - Limited-hour front desk - Luggage storage - Safe at front desk ### Guest services - Concierge services - Dry cleaning/laundry service - Housekeeping (daily) - Tour and ticket assistance - Wedding services ### Business services - 861 square feet of conference space - Business centre - Meeting room ### Outdoors - Garden - In a national park - Picnic area - Pool loungers - Pool umbrellas - Terrace ### Full-service spa - Facials - In-room massages - Manicures/pedicures - Spa open daily ### Accessibility - No lift ### More - 2 floors - Banquet hall - Built in 2004 - Designated smoking areas - Mediterranean architecture ## Room amenities ### Bedroom - Free cot - Premium bedding - Tempur-Pedic mattress ### Bathroom - Free toiletries - Hair dryer - Private bathroom - Shower - Towels provided ### Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with cable/satellite channels ### 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 and check-out are available Late check-in subject to availability Minimum check-in age - 18 ### Check-out Check-out before noon Contactless check-out 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 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 Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools ### Access methods Front desk (limited hours) ### Pets No pets or service animals allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome Rollaway/extra beds are not available. Free cots are available on request at the property ### Payment types at the property ## Important information ### Fees You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. 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) We have included all charges provided to us by the property. ### Optional extras - 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) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. ### You need to know This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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, a smoke detector and a first aid kit This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention This property does not have any lifts Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property ### 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 a pool? ### How much does it cost to stay at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? ### Is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa pet-friendly? ### How much is parking at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? ### What time is check-in at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? ### What time is check-out at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa? ### Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa provide a shuttle to the airport? ### Where is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Reviews ## Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa Reviews 9.6 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) ### 9.8 Cleanliness ### 9.4 Location ### 9.8 Staff & service ### 9.4 Property conditions & facilities 10 - Excellent 177 8 - Good 33 6 - Okay 6 4 - Poor 1 2 - Terrible 3 ## Reviews ### 10/10 Excellent #### Debbie 12 Feb 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort We loved the grounds, so peaceful and lush. Huge variety of birds, howler monkeys in the distance each morning, incredibly kind, helpful and friendly staff. Delicious food, beverages and the best swimming pool ever! ##### Debbie Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Scott 12 Nov 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Lots of wildlife great pool ##### Scott Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### KATHY 6 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities quiet, peace, beautiful. ##### KATHY Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Annette 4 Dec 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Beautiful Great stay. Staff was very helpful and friendly. We even met the owner. Beautiful views and property ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/ugc/hotel-reviews/6080B940F84A4F53146B0F371BD580117274C1851733309691881.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=204&ra=fit&q=high) ##### Annette Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dale 5 Dec 2023 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. ##### Dale Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Andrew 26 Nov 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Lovely grounds, large swimming pool, nice room and room balcony, good views of forest and ocean. ##### Andrew Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sara-Lu 17 Apr 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities The location of the property is beautiful, set back from the road and elevated for a great view of the Pacific. We particularly enjoyed the Happy Hour each day at 5:00 to enjoy the fabulous sunsets. The pool, the colorful plants, the toucans, tanagers, orapendulas and numerous other birds added so much to our visit. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. Our 5 days spent at Cristal Ballena were top notch! ##### Sara-Lu Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Marisol 2 Feb 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Excelente. A lil costly but good. I wish they had more menu options with local food variety. The pool was amazing. Staff was great. ##### Marisol Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Sofia 23 Jun 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Great customer service, and attention to deals! ##### Sofia Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Bill 28 Sept 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities The property is hill side and has amazing views of the mountain and of the Pacific Ocean. The staff is warm and friendly. ##### Bill Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Suzanne 14 Mar 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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 Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alexander 13 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### 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 Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024 ### 6/10 Okay #### Neil 30 Aug 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service Disliked: Property conditions & facilities The staff were nice and the bed was comfortable. The view and sunsets are great and you are woken by the sound of the surrounding wildlife. However, you can also hear the traffic from the mai road. Towels in the bathroom were limited. Dining was expensive andcrestaurantvrequired booking after a certain time. We were unfortunately on the ground floor and th noises from the room above was very irritating and the hotel were unable to o anything about it. In my opinion this is not a 4 star hotel, it is not a boutique hotel an does not have the facilities to be called a spa hotel. A small massage room that was never occupie! No gym, no steam room. I was disapointed with the high price I paid for our stay. This hotel does not deserve the high rating that it has. Although our stay was ok and we did appreciate the games room when the rains came... ##### Neil Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025 ### 6/10 Okay #### Shirley 12 Apr 2024 Liked: Staff & service 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 Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Christopher 1 Dec 2023 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!!! ##### Christopher ### 10/10 Excellent #### Adolf 14 Dec 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Excellent hotel, beautiful surroundings and friendly staff ##### Adolf ### 10/10 Excellent #### Frederic 29 Jul 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Memorable stay for our family. The surroundings provide countless opportunities to explore the rain forest and the hotel provides a great place to unwind and relax. Great pool and restaurant. ##### Frederic Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### JEREL 3 Nov 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Wonderland Amazing and magical place to stay. ##### JEREL Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023 ### 8/10 Good #### PABLO 5 Feb 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities Nice place. ##### PABLO Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Marcia 25 Sept 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities We had a wonderful weekend! Definetevely a place to go back! ##### Marcia Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Philipp 12 May 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities Unique location. Stunning and well maintained gardens and area surrounding the resort. Great food. Beautiful pool. Nice, friendly staff. ##### Philipp Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Regina 31 Jul 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities 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 Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Gerard 16 Feb 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort #### Great experience The property is quite lovely with beautiful vegetation and great views. Staff was very responsive and resolved any issue quickly. Food was very good and we would stay there again. ##### Gerard Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023 ### 6/10 Okay #### Verified traveller 21 Apr 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service Disliked: Room comfort Very cool setting. Got to see a couple of Toucans near the pool. The room had issues with the shower and the mattress was very hard and uncomfortable. ##### Verified traveller Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Maribelle 19 Sept 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities We arrived late and the security guard gave us our key to the room. Too bad we only went to stay for the night and continue our road trip in the morning. Will definitely plan to stay a couple of days next time to be able to enjoy all facilities and upgrades. Wonderful service. Excellent breakfast. ##### Maribelle Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022 ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Wyndham Tamarindo](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tamarindo-Hotels-Wyndham-Tamarindo.h10356916.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Heliconias Nature Inn & Hot Springs](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Penas-Blancas-Hotels-Heliconias-Nature-Lodge.h8386216.Hotel-Information) > > [Cloud Forest Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monteverde-Hotels-Monteverde-Cloud-Forest-Lodge.h2050850.Hotel-Information) > > [Casa Luna Hotel & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Fortuna-Hotels-Casa-Luna-Hotel-Spa.h2305532.Hotel-Information) > > [Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Fortuna-Hotels-Arenal-Observatory-Lodge-Spa.h11820519.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotels with Indoor Pools in Marbella](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Marbella-Hotels-Hotels-With-Indoor-Pools.0-0-d5776-tHotelswithIndoorPools.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Jersey Farm Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Barnard-Castle-Hotels-Jersey-Farm-Hotel.h8115294.Hotel-Information) > > [Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel - Adults Only](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Tamarindo-Hotels-Jardin-Del-Eden-Boutique-Hotel-Adults-Only.h2818928.Hotel-Information) > > [Adults Only Resorts & Hotels in Agadir](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Agadir-Hotels-Adults-Only-Resorts.0-0-d305-tAdultsOnlyResorts.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Villa Lapas Jungle Village](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Jaco-Hotels-Villa-Lapas-Jungle-Village.h1330482.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Magic Mountain SPA & Conference center](https://www.expedia.co.uk/La-Fortuna-Hotels-Hotel-Magic-Mountain-SPA-Conference-Center.h1636277.Hotel-Information) > > [Cubanito Ibiza](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sant-Antoni-De-Portmany-Hotels-Cubanito-Ibiza.h19292149.Hotel-Information) > > [El Remanso Rainforest Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Puerto-Jimenez-Hotels-El-Remanso-Lodge.h11640675.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Belmar](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monteverde-Hotels-Hotel-Belmar.h37178213.Hotel-Information) > > [Makanda by the Sea](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Quepos-Hotels-Makanda-By-The-Sea.h2328562.Hotel-Information) > > [Azura Beach Resort - All Inclusive - Adults Only](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Samara-Hotels-Azura-Beach-Resort-All-Inclusive-Adults-Only.h20586535.Hotel-Information) > > [5 Star Hotels in Polperro](https://www.expedia.co.uk/5Star-Polperro-Hotels.s50-0-d602735.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) > > [Koora Hotel by Sandglass](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monteverde-Hotels-Hotel-Aguti-Lodge-Reserve.h33594530.Hotel-Information) > > [Poas Volcano Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Vara-Blanca-Hotels-Poas-Volcano-Lodge.h5259118.Hotel-Information) ### Flights ### Activities > [Things to do in Bellano](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Bellano.d6150859.Travel-Guide-Activities) ### Packages > [Spain](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/theme-holidays/kid-friendly-holidays/166/Spain) ---