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8.6

621 reviews

Vista Ballena

Vista Ballena

Uvita, OSA, Costa Rica , Uvita, 60504, Costa Rica

Choose dates to view prices

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Kids' pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Vista Ballena

Vista Ballena is a 4-star hotel tucked in Uvita, Costa Rica, just 1.1mi from the town center. Breakfast is offered to start mornings right, and the vibe blends island sunshine with practical comforts like free WiFi, air conditioning, and an outdoor pool. Private parking and a terrace with mountain and river views add inviting touches for a relaxed stay.

Address: Uvita, OSA, Costa Rica. On-site options include a restaurant and bar, plus a spa, tour desk, and shuttle service (extra charges) for easy day trips. Rooms offer private entrances, balconies, and a range of views—mountain, river, garden, or landmark—along with amenities such as non-smoking rooms and free toiletries.

With 621 reviews, Vista Ballena has earned a solid track record among travelers. The range of amenities includes an outdoor pool (free), kids’ pool, private parking (free), and complimentary WiFi, plus options like snorkelling and spa services for an extra charge. A family-friendly setup is supported by kid’s meals (extra charges), a tour desk, and flexible room arrangements with private entrances, balconies, and scenic views.

Mi Amore Restaurant anchors the on-site dining scene with a blend of family-friendly, traditional, and romantic ambiances, offering a menu that spans Argentinian, Italian, International, Latin American, and Grill BBQ flavors. A bar provides casual evenings, and spa services can be arranged for an extra charge. For exploring the area, a tour desk and shuttle service (extra charges) are handy, and private parking is free for guests.

Outdoor spaces invite sunny days and scenic views: a refreshing outdoor pool with mountain and river panoramas, plus a kid’s pool for younger travelers. For those seeking a quieter option, an adults-only infinity pool with a striking view offers a serene escape, all framed by terraces and vistas that showcase the surrounding landscape.

Pets are allowed on request, with charges possibly applying. For payment, cash is accepted and major cards—Visa, American Express, Mastercard—are welcome. Private parking is free, and shuttle service helps reach nearby sights and day trips with convenience.

Closest airports

Quepos La Managua Airport

31.8mi

Drake Bay Airport

33mi

Golfito Airport

53.1mi

Puerto Jiménez Airport

54.3mi

Tobías Bolaños International Airport

59.8mi

Most popular amenities

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Kids' pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

River view

Garden view

Landmark view

View

Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)

Free toiletries

Balcony

Rooms

Superior Double Room in Vista Ballena

Show 26 photos

Superior, Double/Twin

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

195 sqft

Mountain view

Landmark view

River view

Garden view

x3

+

More details

Standard  Room in Vista Ballena

Show 7 photos

Standard, King/Twin

1 Twin Bed

1 King Size Bed

195 sqft

Mountain view

Landmark view

Garden view

City view

+

More details

Show 14 photos

Deluxe

1 Double Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Show 8 photos

Superior

More details

Superior, King Size

1 King Size Bed

x4

+

x3

More details

Standard Room

x10

+

x6

More details

Guest reviews

8.6

621 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Breakfast

Featured reviews:

🇨🇦

Galina

8.2

January 2025

Great views, polite staff, very nice pool, AC, hot water. WIfi. The road to the hotel doesn't require a 4×4 car. We were driving late in the evening and in the rain and had no issues to get up there. We were surprised by many reviews concerned about the road condition and saying to use only 4x4. We had a regular SUV (not 4x4), and felt that even in a sedan it should be OK.

Some smell from the bathroom in the room, 100 steps from the room to the lobby and restaurant. Breakfast was ok but could be better. I felt that the place is overpriced.

🇨🇷

Christine

8.2

July 2024

The view and location are great. Most of the staff is very friendly. Dinner was unexpectedly amazing. The daily special tuna was great. Nice pool and good service by the pool bar staff.

The breakfast was not great. Very simple. Cold and rubbery platanos, burned black pancakes (they gave us something else after complaining, but to even serve those was very questionable of the chef and staff!), dry hard toast. They could do so much better as the dinner was very good. Needs improvement! The rooms are dated. I had booked the most expensive deluxe option. The A/C is directly in front of the bed and blasted right onto you. They use smelly cleaning liquids that penetrated the whole room. Many rooms are only accessible by climbing many steps. If you can’t, make sure to ask for a room you can get to without steps.

🇦🇺

Dara

9.1

May 2024

The view from the room, restaurant, and pool was amazing. At the right time, the whale's tail could be seen from the restaurant! The room furnishings were basic, but the bed was comfortable, AC was cold, and the shower had nice hot water. They upgraded us from the lower building to the upper building so that was great which made it closer to the restaurant and had a higher/better view. The staff were friendly and helpful. There was a spectacular rainbow in the morning!

We didn't realise there wasn't an elevator, and we were on the 3rd floor. We had heavy bags and were only staying a night, so we took out what we needed and ended up leaving most of our luggage in the car.

🇺🇸

Daniel

8.2

November 2023

Amazing view, friendly staff, they went above and beyond to make our stay the best it can be. The view and the sunsets may be the best that you will ever see in your life. We were a group of 6 and we spent Thanksgiving and my birthday. The attention to detail for our dinner reservation, as well as the nice touches, flowers, the sunset cocktail, were gorgeous. The friendly staff during breakfast and dinners, they all made us feel like pura vida. 2 family members got a massage which was outstanding. Every member of the team is willing to share the traditions, CR lifestyle, with a smile on their face.

It is hard not to like something but I will say that this property could be managed in a little more professional manner, i.e., Update the room decor which is old and has occasional ants, the door lock is old, Also, this being a pure pura vida life and view and the staff being amazing, I think somebody could eventually attract the neighbour's and invest into paving the road all the way and have a more streamlined offer to transportation in town. The food is very tasty and natural, but I selection is a little better at other resorts ( including coffee, which should be featured and not an afterthought). Maybe I'm envisioning / hoping this resort eventually being a 5 star! But as it is now, it is an ah-mazing, breathtaking experience.

🇬🇧

Christina

9.1

April 2025

The property was situated on top of the hill viewing the sea and the infamous ‘whale tale’. It has beautiful views and the staff were all super friendly!

One thing we noticed, the lunch and dinners at the property were honestly so so so good! But breakfast which was the only one included in the price was very average. But other than that we loved our stay.

🇴🇲

Alan

10

May 2024

What a great little hotel with a fab view and lovely pool area (lots of birds flying by). If you have a spare day on your trip, this would be a great place to relax by the pool. We only stayed one night, but could easily have spent 2 here. Great restaurant and staff were super helpful & friendly.

The rooms are dated but perfectly sufficient and are super clean. The road to the hotel is steep but in good condition and no problem.

🇩🇪

Yury

10

December 2023

The villa is located far away from civilization. It is perfect for get away type of holiday, when you want to be far away from people. The views are really amazing from here and you can see the National park and the beach. Enjoy amazing sunsets!

Hotel is located really far away from anything and one must have a car to get there. They don’t have transfers and it is impossible to get an Uber to that location. So one should plan the trip carefully

🇺🇸

Sarah

9.1

May 2023

The view was spectacular and the breakfast was great but the absolute best part was the staff! They were beyond wonderful, kind, and generous. From the moment we arrived it felt like paradise. They greated us with drinks and flowers in my room. The receptionist, the bar tenders, the kitchen staff, housing keeping- everyone at this facility was so sweet and wonderful! My husband and I can not wait to return!

Everything was great, the only suggestion would be creating parking lanes for guest by the lower building? But other than that, absolutely no complaints!

🇳🇱

Max

8.2

March 2023

Ofcourse can’t beat the view and incredible sunset. The food was not cheap but much better then expected and the service of all staff was really top notch. I was a bit worried after reading the comments about the drive up (we had a SUV without 4x4) but it was totally doable and also saw non-SUV vehicles up there (I’m a beginning driver and had no issues granted it was dry season)

The place feels like it was fancy 30/20 years ago, so a slight remodel/revamp would bring it back on par. The pool was a bit smaller then expected but was fine to cool off and enjoy the view.

🇺🇸

Rebeca

8.2

April 2025

I loved the views! Where heaven and earth meet!

I didn’t like the room aesthetic and bathrooms tile grout need a deep cleaning. Rooms need a remodel or new painting. Breakfast and overall food was not very good, I would improve on cooking as well.

Points of Interest Around Vista Ballena

Attractions

Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

5.9mi

Matapalo Beach (Playa Matapalo)

17.9mi

Chirripó National Park

30.5mi

Manuel Antonio National Park

30.9mi

Restaurants

Mi Amore Restaurant

Cuisines

  • Argentinian
  • Italian
  • International
  • Latin American
  • GrillBbq

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly
  • Traditional
  • Romantic

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Infinity
  • With view

Age restrictions

  • Adults only

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Vista Ballena

Spa/Wellness packages

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Kids' pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Air conditioning

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Private entrance

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

River view

Garden view

Landmark view

View

Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)

Free toiletries

Balcony

Stay rules - Vista Ballena

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property