17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
What's nearby
Catarata uvita - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
Secret Lau Pool - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
Marino Ballena National Park - 9 min drive - 5.5 km
Uvita Beach - 11 min drive - 5.4 km
Playa Hermosa - 13 min drive - 3.8 km
Getting around
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 64.3 miles/103.5 km
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Pizzeria La Fogata - 5 min drive
Scala - 13 min drive
Sibu - 3 min drive
Pizza Time - 5 min drive
Restaurante Marino Ballena - 4 min drive
About this property
Vista Ballena
Vista Ballena is a great choice for a stay in 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.
Languages
English, Spanish
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 and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
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
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 cots (infant beds)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Free on-site valet parking
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
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 does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Also known as
Whales Dolphins Hotel Dominical
Vista Ballena Inn Dominical
Whales Dolphins Dominical
Vista Ballena Inn Uvita
Vista Ballena Inn
Vista Ballena Uvita
Whales & Dolphins Ecolodge Hotel Uvita
Vista Ballena Costa Rica/Uvita
Vista Ballena Inn
Vista Ballena Ballena
Vista Ballena Inn Ballena
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 during the warmer months with activities nearby such as 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.
Vista Ballena Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
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 informationOpens in a new window
8.8/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
8.6/10
Amenities
8.4/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
20 December 2024
Ernest
Ernest, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
29 October 2024
Renee
Renee, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 October 2024
Worth
Worth, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
6 September 2024
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 business trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
19 August 2024
Love this place!! Would definitely stay again
Said Raffeeth
Said Raffeeth, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 August 2024
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 family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 July 2024
Excellent place which very kind people and the most beautiful nature that you can imagine
Carlos
Carlos, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 June 2024
Highly recommend for an enjoyable, tranquil stay with an owner and employees who are incredibly welcoming.
RC
RC, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
25 May 2024
Hilary
Hilary, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
19 May 2024
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 family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
8 March 2024
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 with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
1 March 2024
Marvin
Marvin, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 February 2024
The view of the sunset
Alan
Alan, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
11 December 2023
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 family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 December 2023
We had an amazing stay! The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the view is amazing!
Molly
Molly, 4-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
30 November 2023
william
william, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
16 November 2023
Randall
Randall, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
13 November 2023
Scott
Scott, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
6/10 Good
25 June 2023
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 romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
9 March 2023
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 romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
12 February 2023
The morning coffee at the restaurant needs improvement.
There are a lot of stairs.
Nice pool.
Simon
Simon, 5-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
20 November 2022
Gary
Gary, 15-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
22 May 2022
Everyone at Vista Ballena was welcoming and friendly the pool area/restaurant bar area was so relaxing. Definitely a must go to place!
Davina
Davina, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 May 2022
Amazing food, views and service. Nice clean rooms with a great view from the balconies. Will go back next time.
Boris
Boris, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
3 April 2022
What a beautiful place and such a find! We absolutely loved this place. The common pool/dining/bar area was the highlight and is as gorgeous as all the photos. It has a two-level infinity pool that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, Uvita townsite below, the national marine park and is the best view of the Whale Tail Sandbar. The adjacent bar places great ambient grooves perfect for the place, has a great selection of drinks and same games to borrow if desired. Plenty of lounge chairs as well as tables/chairs if you want to eat, play games, etc. Restaurant offers a great mix of all sorts of dishes, and BIG portions. The rooms all offer the same beautiful view of the ocean and each has its own patio with table and chairs. Rooms are of a good size and the bathroom too. Mini fridge available. The only drawback to the rooms is no in-room safe. The road to get up to the property is STEEP and very narrow, and there are many, many stairs within the property, between the main restaurant/pool/reception area building and the two room buildings. We didn't even make it down to the lowest one to check out the yoga platform. There is some handicap parking available but I imagine that driving between main building and rooms would be the only way to get around.