Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

3.0 star property
Beach resort with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa

Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Master Suite | Balcony view
Lobby sitting area
Master Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar
Beach nearby, free beach shuttle
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.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 13 - Sep 14
Check availability for tonight Sep 13 - Sep 14

Tomorrow

Sep 14 - Sep 15
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 14 - Sep 15
Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar

Family Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 75 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Master Suite

Master Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar

Master Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 90 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar

Junior Suite

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 50 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Ballena, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa is in a national park and near the beach. Marino Ballena National Park and Punta Uvita reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Topolandia and Parque Reptilandia are also worth visiting. 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 rock climbing nearby.
Visit our Ballena travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Resorts in BallenaOpens in a new window
Map
7 km al Sur de Uvita, Costa Ballena, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504

What's nearby

  • Arco Beach - 3 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Playa Ballena - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 9 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 9 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Playa Tortuga - 13 min drive - 5.5 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Kinsu - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Que Tuanis Café - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mirador Don Roger - ‬7 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 facial, a manicure/pedicure, and a massage at the onsite 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 sun loungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self parking
  • RV/bus/truck parking, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and a front-desk safe
  • Free newspapers, books, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa include comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, as well as amenities like free WiFi and air conditioning.
More amenities include:
  • Tempur-Pedic beds and free cribs/infant beds
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Coffee/tea makers, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

Property amenities

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

Restaurants on site

  • Pura Vida

Things to do

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

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • 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 center
  • 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 elevator

More

  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2004
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mediterranean architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • 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 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 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

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 cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: CRC 37000
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) 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

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, 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
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?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?

Self parking is free at this property.

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. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa?

Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of CRC 105000 per vehicle applies.

Where is Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa located?

Situated by the ocean, this spa resort is 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Playa Ballena and within 3 mi (5 km) of Arco Beach and Marino Ballena National Park. Pinuela Beach is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) away.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.