Uvita, Uvita, OSA, Costa Rica9.185072,-83.743891(Show on Map)
8.5
Very Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout datesWed, 26 Aug - Thu, 27 Aug26 Aug - 27 Aug
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Summarized by AI
Vista Ballena is a stunning hilltop retreat offering guests unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Whale's Tail formation in Marino Ballena National Park. Known for its exceptional vistas from rooms, the infinity pool, and the restaurant, the hotel provides an ideal setting for relaxation, bird watching, and sunset gazing—a true paradise for nature lovers. Guests appreciate the serene atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and the attentive staff, making it a dreamy destination for a peaceful retreat.
The dining experiences at Vista Ballena are generally well-received, especially breakfast, which wins praise for its delicious options and quality service amidst beautiful surroundings. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant combines delectable dishes with breathtaking views, making dining during sunset exceptionally romantic. Though occasional remarks about portion sizes and simplicity exist, the food quality and reasonable pricing satisfy most guests.
Guests highlight the spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds, and pleasant staff interactions, which contribute to an enjoyable stay. Though some rooms require updates, the stunning views and essential comforts are appreciated. Cleanliness throughout is satisfactory, though improvements in certain areas would be beneficial.
The staff at Vista Ballena receive high praise for their friendliness and professionalism, contributing significantly to guest satisfaction. From attentive service in the restaurant to friendly bar staff, the team's exceptional care enhances the hotel's charm. Though challenges exist with wifi connectivity and parking, the overall experience remains one of delight and relaxation.
The pool area is a highlight with its remarkable infinity design and spectacular ocean views, consistently captivating guests. With thoughtful amenities and attentive service, it stands as a perfect spot for creating unforgettable memories.
While there are accessibility challenges due to the steep approach and numerous steps, the hotel's family-friendly atmosphere and pet-friendly policies make it a favored destination for families. Guests seeking romance will find Vista Ballena's breathtaking views and tranquil setting ideal for a memorable experience.
Categories
Pool
Infinity Pool
Panoramic View Pool
Outdoor Pool
Questionnaire
Answers last updated by Vista Ballena
Number of pools2
Pool 1 information
Location of the pool:Outdoor pool
Is it a pool of special type?
Infinity pool
Separate shallow children's pool
In the pool there is also:
an area designated for children
Pool minimum depth:1,00 m
Pool maximum depth:1,70 m
When is the pool open?All year
Opening hours:07:00 - 21:30
Around the pool, there are also available:
Showers
WC
Changing facilities
Towels
Sunbeds
Umbrellas
The water of the pool is sanitized using:
Chlorine
Are there written rules guests should follow before entering the pool?Yes
Is the pool accessible to persons with disabilities?Yes
Pool 2 information
Location of the pool:Outdoor pool
Is it a pool of special type?
Infinity pool
Separate shallow children's pool
In the pool there is also:
an area designated for children
Pool minimum depth:1,00 m
Pool maximum depth:1,70 m
When is the pool open?All year
Opening hours:07:00 - 21:30
Around the pool, there are also available:
Showers
WC
Changing facilities
Are there written rules guests should follow before entering the pool?Yes
Is the pool accessible to persons with disabilities?Yes
Show more...
Infinity Pool
AI-generatedVista Ballena offers a 2-tiered infinity pool with panoramic views of the Whale Tail coastline and picturesque sunsets. The pool area provides a relaxing spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the Uvita area.
Spa
AI-generatedThis hotel features an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness center. It offers views of the ocean and is located close to Playa Hermosa Beach.
Family
AI-generatedThis hotel offers stunning views and comfortable accommodations. The location provides easy access to local attractions and activities, making it a convenient base for exploring Uvita with family. The hotel is known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Romantic
AI-generatedThis hotel provides comfortable accommodations with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The tranquil setting and attentive service create a relaxing and romantic experience.
Free Wi-Fi
AI-generatedVista Ballena provides free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to enjoy connectivity while taking in the views. This service is essential for travelers wanting to share their experiences or stay in touch.
Parking
AI-generatedThis hotel includes parking and is well-regarded for its views and location in Uvita.
Accessible
AI-generatedVista Ballena is listed as an accessible hotel in Uvita and features an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness center.
Small
AI-generatedOffers comfortable accommodations with excellent views. Pet-friendly and provides a relaxing environment.
4 Star
AI-generatedThis hotel offers comfortable rooms with sea, garden, or mountain views and features an outdoor pool and spa. Guests can enjoy the restaurant, bar, and various activities. The hotel is praised for its amazing views, attentive staff, and relaxing pool area.
Outdoor Pool
AI-generatedLocated in Uvita, this hotel provides an outdoor pool and comfortable accommodations. Its location offers easy access to the Marino Ballena National Park and other local attractions.
Panoramic View Pool
AI-generatedLocated in Uvita, Vista Ballena offers beautiful panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape from its pool area. The hotel's design maximizes the scenic vistas, providing a relaxing and visually stunning experience.
Yoga
Room Types
Superior Double RoomThis double room features a infinity pool. This air-conditioned double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe RoomThis air-conditioned double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a terrace with sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Review Summaries
Summarized by AI
Location
Nestled on a hilltop, Vista Ballena offers guests breathtaking and unparalleled views that leave a lasting impression. The hotel's strategic position provides sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Whale's Tail formation in Marino Ballena National Park. Visitors praise the exceptional views available from every corner of the hotel, including the rooms, pool, restaurant, and balconies. The serene location allows for bird watching and perfect sunset gazing, making it an ideal setting for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
The hillside location ensures a tranquil atmosphere while also providing easy access to the beach for activities like surfing. Although a little distance from the main town, it offers a unique, peaceful retreat. Guests appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the attentive staff who enhance the overall experience. Vista Ballena stands out as a dream destination with its stunning panoramic views, comfortable accommodations, and delicious breakfasts.
Breakfast
Vista Ballena offers a generally positive breakfast experience for its guests, with numerous reviews highlighting its delicious nature and quality service. Many visitors appreciated the range of options, describing the food as very delicious, plentiful, and excellent. Although the breakfast has a variety of choices, some found it to be relatively simple, with a few commenting on the limited selection at times. Guests were also pleased with the attentive service, copious coffee, and the scenic setting, which adds to the overall dining experience. Some did note room for improvement regarding the variety and complexity of the breakfast offerings, with particular mention of the à la carte menu not meeting everyone's expectations. Despite these few criticisms, the breakfast is largely seen as a good start to the day, complemented by the beautiful surroundings of Vista Ballena.
Dinner
Tucked away in a scenic locale, the dining experience at Vista Ballena offers a mixed bag, though it leans towards the positive. Many guests commend the hotel’s restaurant for its delectable dishes and reasonable pricing, with particular highlights being the tuna special and the ceviche prepared by their skilled chef, Jorge. Diners frequently appreciate the excellent service, particularly from staff members like Jason Calderon, and enjoy the combination of good food and breathtaking views, making dinner during sunset a notably romantic experience.
The menu features a variety of well-prepared dishes crafted with excellent quality ingredients, satisfying most palates with its tasty offerings. The restaurant's ambiance and service further enhance the dining experience, leading many to recommend dinner as a must-try during their stay. However, some guests have noted that while the food is generally good, it can occasionally fall short, with criticisms of portion sizes and pricing surfacing now and then. Nonetheless, for a culinary outing in such a picturesque setting, Vista Ballena largely delivers an enjoyable dining experience amid the challenges posed by its remote location.
Rooms
Vista Ballena offers a mixed bag of experiences for its guests when it comes to the hotel rooms. On the positive side, numerous reviews highlight the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and pillows, and some rooms come equipped with thoughtful amenities like small fridges. A standout feature is the breathtaking views from the balconies, with many rooms offering stunning sea vistas and beautiful sunsets. The staff receives praise for being friendly and accommodating, even allowing early check-ins when possible.
However, there are consistent mentions that the rooms are outdated and could benefit from renovation. Some guests find the bathrooms particularly in need of an upgrade, citing issues like mustiness and insufficient cleaning. Accessibility issues are noted, with rooms in certain blocks being challenging to reach and requiring a vehicle suitable for rough terrain. Despite these drawbacks, the room's basic yet functional nature satisfies most guests looking for essential comforts paired with a fantastic view. Overall, while the charm of the Vista Ballena's views remains undeniable, a few updates could enhance the guest experience significantly.
Beds
The beds at Vista Ballena are frequently praised for their comfort and accommodating size, providing guests with a restful night's sleep. Most reviews highlight the beds as very comfortable, with some noting the super large bed sizes that contribute to a pleasant stay. Guests appreciate the variety of pillow options, which adds to the overall comfort of the sleeping arrangements. While a few reviews mention the mattresses and pillows as being quite firm, the majority focus on the satisfaction derived from the spacious and comfortable bedding. Alongside the comforting accommodations, the hotel offers beautiful views and inviting amenities, creating an enjoyable experience for guests.
Cleanliness
Vista Ballena offers guests a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness and maintenance at their establishment. Many visitors praise the hotel for its clean and tidy environment, highlighting the rooms as neat and well-organized with superb views. The comfort and cleanliness of the sleeping quarters are frequently noted, with some reviews expressing satisfaction with the clean facilities and well-maintained areas. Guests appreciate the fresh flowers provided daily, which contribute to a sense of care and attention to detail.
However, there are recurring comments about areas that need attention. Several guests mention issues with bathroom cleanliness and functionality, citing dusty rooms, insufficient maintenance, and dated appearances. Concerns include shower curtains that require better cleaning and bathrooms that could benefit from renovation. Some visitors have found traces of previous guests in the form of hairs and crumbs, and a few have noted that while the rooms appear clean at first glance, a deeper level of cleaning might be necessary.
Overall, while many aspects of the hotel's cleanliness are appreciated, there remains an evident need for improvement in certain areas to ensure a consistently positive guest experience.
Staff
Vista Ballena is a hotel where the staff truly shine, consistently providing guests with an exceptional experience marked by friendliness and professionalism. Reviews overwhelmingly highlight the extraordinary attentiveness and dedication of the staff, who go above and beyond to ensure that guests feel welcome and well-supported during their stay. From the front desk to the restaurant, personnel are praised for their empathy, kindness, and accommodating nature.
The team at Vista Ballena impresses with their proactive approach, always on the lookout to meet guest needs and provide excellent service. Notable mentions include the standout service from individuals like Jason at the restaurant and the exceptionally friendly bar staff, Yuri and Esteban. Guests are particularly appreciative of the top-notch customer service and the helpful, obliging nature of the reception staff, who make communication seamless even before arrival via WhatsApp.
Whether it’s enjoying a delectable meal at the restaurant or relaxing by the pool with a delicious cocktail, the consistently friendly and attentive service adds to the enjoyment of the breathtaking views and fine atmosphere. Despite a few isolated instances where the friendliness didn't hit the mark or the reception phone went unanswered, the overwhelming sentiment is one of praise, defining Vista Ballena as a place with spectacular attention to guest needs, largely driven by the incredible staff.
Wi-Fi
Vista Ballena's wifi service has room for improvement, especially in the guest rooms where connectivity often struggles. Guests have noted that the signal can be poor and unstable in these areas, making it challenging to maintain a reliable connection. However, those who venture out to the pool area will find a much stronger and more stable wifi signal, which offers a more satisfactory experience for those needing internet access. In the main areas of the hotel, the wifi generally works fine, providing another option for guests seeking connectivity. Despite challenges in some areas, guests have expressed a desire for an overall better and more consistent wifi experience throughout the hotel.
Pool
Vista Ballena's pool area garners enthusiastic praise from guests, primarily for its breathtaking views and well-maintained facilities. The standout feature is the impressive infinity pool, offering a spectacular vantage point over the Pacific Ocean, Whale Fin Beach, and Marino Ballena Park. Guests frequently marvel at the sensational sunset views visible from the pool, making it a prime spot for relaxation and unforgettable memories. The pool boasts a two-level design, with a shallow upper section ideal for children and a larger infinity section catering to more experienced swimmers.
In addition to the stunning visuals, the pool area includes convenient amenities like towel rentals and is complemented by attentive service from the pool bar staff, adding to the overall enjoyment for guests. Cleanliness is consistently noted, ensuring a refreshing experience for all visitors. Further enhancing the experience are the delightful sightings of toucans flying overhead, adding a natural charm to the setting.
Guests also appreciate the seamless integration of views throughout Vista Ballena's property—from rooms and terraces to the adjacent restaurant—creating a cohesive and remarkable environment for enjoying both the natural beauty and thoughtfully designed facilities. While the pool area is frequently highlighted as perfect and dreamy, some guests mention a need for updates in other areas of the hotel, which contrasts with the stellar pool experience. Nonetheless, Vista Ballena remains a favorite for its enchanting pool and its unparalleled seaside vistas.
Parking
Vista Ballena presents a mixed experience when it comes to parking amenities. While some reviews highlight the presence of ample parking facilities, others point out that it can be an issue given the limited spaces available near the rooms and the need to park by the reception. Guests often find themselves navigating a steep hill to reach the hotel, which can be daunting, especially with rental cars. The main building offers parking for only a few vehicles, which makes accessibility challenging. Guests are advised to utilize the lower parking area, although this entails traversing numerous garden stairs to reach their accommodations. Though some efforts have been made to create parking lanes near the lower buildings, difficulties with access roads and parking persist as notable obstacles for visitors.
Family
Vista Ballena is recognized as a very family-friendly destination, making it a great choice for those traveling with children. It provides a beautiful setting that is ideal for a relaxing getaway, whether with family or a partner. Guests appreciate the wonderful owner and staff, who are attentive to the needs of both children and adults. The hotel's family-oriented atmosphere is evident, offering a warm and inviting environment complemented by its allowance for pets. While some guests suggest the addition of recreational activities like board games and a ping-pong table to further enrich the experience, the hotel remains a favored option for those visiting Uvita. Despite its somewhat secluded location, the family atmosphere and overall appeal make it a noteworthy choice for a peaceful stay.
Accessible
Vista Ballena offers a picturesque setting that appeals to many travelers seeking a serene getaway, but potential visitors should be aware of accessibility concerns. The route leading to the hotel is notably challenging, characterized by poor road conditions and steep sections, making a 4WD vehicle the most practical choice for a smooth arrival. Within the hotel premises, the presence of numerous steps poses an obstacle, particularly for those with mobility issues, the elderly, or families with young children. Navigating between the rooms and common areas like the bar, pool, and restaurant can be demanding, potentially necessitating vehicular transport for ease of movement. Guests need to prepare for these conditions to ensure a more comfortable stay.
Romantic
Vista Ballena offers an undeniably romantic experience, perfectly showcased by its breathtaking views. Guests revel in the unbeatable scenery from both their room balconies and the inviting infinity pool, which directly overlooks the dramatic whale fin formation and the mesmerizing Pacific sunset. Whether enjoying dinner and drinks or simply relaxing by the pool, the magnificent ocean view creates an enchanting atmosphere that enhances any romantic getaway. The tranquil setting and the unforgettable evening ambiance make Vista Ballena a memorable destination for couples seeking a serene escape.
FAQ
Yes, Vista Ballena has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Infinity Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool. For more information, read the answers to the Pool questionnaire
Yes, a spa is available at Vista Ballena.
No, Vista Ballena doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Vista Ballena.
