621 reviews
From
$300Uvita, OSA, Costa Rica , Uvita, 60504, Costa Rica
621 reviews
1/242
Spa/Wellness packages
Restaurant
Outdoor swimming pool
Kids' pool
Free Private Parking
Free wifi
Room service
Air conditioning
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
31.8miDrake Bay Airport
33miGolfito Airport
53.1miPuerto Jiménez Airport
54.3miTobías Bolaños International Airport
59.8miSpa/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
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
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
8.6
621 reviewsCategories 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.
Attractions
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
5.9miMatapalo Beach (Playa Matapalo)
17.9miChirripó National Park
30.5miManuel Antonio National Park
30.9miAttractions
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
5.9miMatapalo Beach (Playa Matapalo)
17.9miChirripó National Park
30.5miManuel Antonio National Park
30.9miAirports
Quepos La Managua Airport
31.8miDrake Bay Airport
33miGolfito Airport
53.1miPuerto Jiménez Airport
54.3miTobías Bolaños International Airport
59.8miMi Amore Restaurant
Cuisines
Ambiances
Location
Features
Age restrictions
Availability
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
Activities
Fishing
Hiking
Snorkeling
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Private Bathroom
Shower
Toilet
Toilet paper
Towels
Bedroom
Extra long beds (> 6.5 ft)
Linens
Wardrobe or closet
Cleaning Services
Daily housekeeping
Laundry
Common Areas
Shared lounge/TV area
Entertainment & Family Services
Board games/Puzzles
Food & Drink
Bar
Fruit
Grocery deliveries
Kids' meals
Packed lunches
Restaurant
Special diet meals (on request)
Tea/Coffee maker
Wine/Champagne
Food & drink safety
Breakfast to-go containers
Delivered food covered securely
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Front Desk Services
Concierge
Invoice provided
Tour desk
General
Air conditioning
Facilities for disabled guests
Hypoallergenic
Mosquito net
Non-smoking rooms
Pet Friendly
Private entrance
Room service
Tile/Marble floor
Internet
Free wifi
Kitchen
Coffee machine
Refrigerator
Living Area
Sitting area
Media & Technology
Cable channels
Flat-screen TV
Satellite channels
TV
Outdoors
Balcony
Outdoor dining area
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Terrace
Parking
Free Private Parking
Parking On Site
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available
Contactless check-in/out
Room Amenities
Clothes rack
Fan
Socket near the bed
Safety & security
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Safety features
Access to healthcare professionals
Air purifiers
First aid kits available
Spa
Beach chairs/Loungers
Kids' pool
Massage
Open-air bath
Outdoor swimming pool
Public Bath
Spa
Spa/Wellness packages
Yoga classes
Transportation
Car rental
Shuttle service
View
City view
Garden view
Inner courtyard view
Landmark view
Mountain view
River view
View
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Age restriction may apply
Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome.
Children 13 and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.
Crib and extra bed policies
0+ years
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
The maximum number of cribs, extra beds, and children allowed in existing beds can vary depending on the option booked.
All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.
No capacity for extra beds.
Cash
Visa,
American Express,
Mastercard,
Cash only
This property accepts cash.
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