10/10 Exceptional
Highly recommend for an enjoyable, tranquil stay with an owner and employees who are incredibly welcoming.
RC
RC, 1-night trip
Vista Ballena
Inn with outdoor pool, near Catarata uvita
Choose dates to view prices
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.
8.4
Very good
Popular amenities
- Free breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
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
$195 nightly
$220 total
May 1 - May 2
Total with taxes and fees
Room options
Check availability for these dates
Showing 3 of 3 rooms
Deluxe Room
8.8Excellent
3 reviews
- 194 sq ft
- Sleeps 2
- 1 King Bed
Standard Room
10.0Exceptional
2 reviews
- 194 sq ft
- Sleeps 3
- 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
Superior Double Room
8.0Very good
3 reviews
- 194 sq ft
- Sleeps 3
- 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
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About the neighborhood
17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
What's nearby
- Catarata uvita - 6 min drive - 2.5 km
- Uvita Beach - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
- Playa Colonia - 6 min drive - 4.6 km
- Secret Lau Pool - 7 min drive - 3.2 km
- Arco Beach - 8 min drive - 8.4 km
Getting around
- Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 64.4 miles/103.6 km
- Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
- Sibu - 4 min drive
- Restaurante Marino Ballena - 4 min drive
- La Choza de Alejo - 6 min drive
- The Bakery - 4 min drive
- Café Vivo - 5 min drive
About this property
Vista Ballena
At Vista Ballena, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Catarata uvita and Playa 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.
At a glance
Hotel size
- 20 rooms
- Arranged over 2 floors
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
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
- Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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
Children
- No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
- Pets not allowed
- Service animals welcome
Internet
- Free WiFi in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
- Free onsite self parking
- Free onsite valet parking
Transfers
- Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
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
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.
Have a question?
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Vista Ballena Reviews
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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 informationOpens in a new window
8.8
Cleanliness
9.4
Location
9.2
Staff & service
8.2
Property conditions & facilities
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)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.Popular mentions
ViewRoomFoodBathroomDrinksShowerRestaurantService staff10/10 Exceptional
Love this place!! Would definitely stay again
Said Raffeeth
Said Raffeeth, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
The hotel is extremely beatiful, a wonderfull view of the ocean and a excellent restaurant.
The staff is super friendly, all the amenities you can need.
The pool is too deep, just for swiming, not for relaxing.
Beside the little detail of the pool, 100% recomended.
Fabian
Fabian, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
We had an amazing stay! The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the view is amazing!
Molly
Molly, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Excellent place which very kind people and the most beautiful nature that you can imagine
Carlos
Carlos, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Villa Ballena is a tucked away gem. About 10 minutes up a narrow and steep road off Hwy 34 you end up a jungle setting. Edgar is bar/restaurant was fabulous
Zenon
Zenon, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
The view of the sunset
Alan
Alan, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Amazing view but the hotel has some flaws.
My stay was good overall, this hotel is located in a rough place to get to which caught me off guard. It’s up a hill with terrible roads. The hotel itself however has the best view I’ve ever had. The rooms are decent. It’s a bit older construction. The breakfast is ok it didn’t fill me up. All the service was great, the employees were nice. However the communication between myself and the hotel for tour information and pricing was a bit weird/not really clear.
Angel
Angel, 4-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
Dennis, 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
Edwin, 1-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
Gilles, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
The morning coffee at the restaurant needs improvement.
There are a lot of stairs.
Nice pool.
Simon
Simon, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
I did not like the drive up to the property. The road is in terrible shape. I see why some driver's refused to take us up there.
Esteban
Esteban, 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
Jill, 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
Carl, 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
Amy, 3-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
Simona, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
The view from the restaurant is breathtaking. The restaurant's food is delicious. But the room we stayed in, the toilet had issues. First, it had no cold water going into the bathroom sink, shower and toilet. The maintenance team resolved as the main line was turned off. Then the toilet was howling every time you flushed for 20 seconds. Sounded like you were at a sports arena with foghorns. They said it was trapped air in piped. The howling/screeching sound lasted the entire time we stayed (one/night). I explained and showed a video to the receptionist and she just gave me a blank stare and said that there is air in the pipes.
wendy
wendy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Linda vista
El lugar es bonito, ya he estado en otras ocasiones
Mario
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
Linda, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Hermoso lugar
El lugar es precioso, el servicio muy bueno, la comida muy rica y bastante.
Cinthya
Cinthya, 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
Federico, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Los baños presentaron problemas y faltan muebles y decoración en los mismos
miguel
miguel, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Super rico el lugar.
Jose Luis
Jose Luis, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
muy bonito y su personal atiende muy bien
Gerald
Gerald, 1-night trip