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Vista Ballena

3.5 star property
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for Vista Ballena

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
A wooden staircase with metal railings leading up to a platform, surrounded by dense foliage and trees.
An open wooden floor space with a red mat in the center, a hanging Buddha statue, and a view of trees and hills through a covered area.
An open-air yoga room with wooden beams, a view of the landscape, and yoga mats.
A building with a green roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a view of a distant landscape.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
  • Place, Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Catarata uvita
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Uvita Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, desk, free WiFi

Deluxe Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room

A hotel room with two beds, a ceiling fan, a painting, a balcony with a view, and a desk with a vase of flowers.

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, desk, free WiFi

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a window with curtains, and a painting on the wall.

Deluxe Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Room

A hotel room with two beds, a ceiling fan, a window with curtains, a desk with a vase, and a view of the outdoors.

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Two beds with red bedding, a lamp, a painting, and a balcony view.

Superior Double Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Bahía Ballena

Located 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Catarata uvita, Vista Ballena is within a 15-minute drive of other popular attractions like Marino Ballena National Park. This 20-room, 3.5-star inn welcomes guests with free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.
View more Inns in Bahía BallenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Marino Ballena National Park - 9 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Catarata uvita - 9 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 9 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Playa Colonia - 9 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Secret Lau Pool - 9 min drive - 2.3 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Kinsu - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Fernando’s Restaurante - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Bakery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Falafel Uvita - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Vista Ballena

Guests staying at Vista Ballena enjoy an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and free WiFi in public areas. Free valet and self parking are available—or if you're not driving, take the airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 70 per person. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours/tickets and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a terrace, laundry facilities, and wedding services.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Balconies, coffee makers, and ceiling fans are other standard amenities.
An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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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
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free valet parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free cooked-to-order breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 20

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 70 per person
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 70
  • Late check-out fee: USD 20 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is 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

Is free cancellation available at Vista Ballena?

Vista Ballena provides free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Vista Ballena?

As of Jul 14, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Vista Ballena on Jul 27, 2026 start from $202, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around Vista Ballena?

This inn is located in Bahía Ballena, close to Uvita Beach, Punta Uvita, and Marino Ballena National Park. You'll also find Playa Hermosa and Catarata uvita within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Vista Ballena?

Yes, valet and self parking are offered for free at the inn.

Does Vista Ballena feature a casino?

No, Vista Ballena doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Vista Ballena?

No, this inn doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Vista Ballena?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this inn, including a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge.

Are there hot tubs at Vista Ballena?

No, this inn doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Vista Ballena feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Vista Ballena serves free cooked-to-order breakfasts each morning from its restaurant.

Will Vista Ballena allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Vista Ballena though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Vista Ballena?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this inn.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Vista Ballena?

Yes, every guestroom at Vista Ballena comes with a balcony.

Does Vista Ballena have a wedding venue?

Take advantage of the wedding venue at Vista Ballena if you plan to say "I do" during your trip.

Vista Ballena Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 113 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

RC

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Highly recommend for an enjoyable, tranquil stay with an owner and employees who are incredibly welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Said Raffeeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love this place!! Would definitely stay again
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing stay! The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the view is amazing!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place which very kind people and the most beautiful nature that you can imagine
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fabian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is extremely beatiful, a wonderfull view of the ocean and a excellent restaurant. The staff is super friendly, all the amenities you can need. The pool is too deep, just for swiming, not for relaxing. Beside the little detail of the pool, 100% recomended.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zenon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The view of the sunset
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Edwin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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...
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The morning coffee at the restaurant needs improvement. There are a lot of stairs. Nice pool.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Angel

Liked: Staff & service

Amazing view but the hotel has some flaws.

My stay was good overall, this hotel is located in a rough place to get to which caught me off guard. It’s up a hill with terrible roads. The hotel itself however has the best view I’ve ever had. The rooms are decent. It’s a bit older construction. The breakfast is ok it didn’t fill me up. All the service was great, the employees were nice. However the communication between myself and the hotel for tour information and pricing was a bit weird/not really clear.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Gilles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice view

We walked into our room there was no toilet paper or towels. Everything seemed clean. Just makes you wonder. The restaurant was pricey but very good and efficient.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Esteban

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I did not like the drive up to the property. The road is in terrible shape. I see why some driver's refused to take us up there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Carl

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Simona

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I trully enjoyed the stunning views, the pool and lovely restaurant and bar area. The staff was welcoming and eager to assist. However our room was dated and the shower area was moldy and could use some attention. We had to request towels, (we had 1 for 3 ppl) someone to refill up the coffee pods etc. The drive to the property is challenging and you could literally lose a tire on the way there. It only takes a bit of effort to cover these holes. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Overall with a few little improvements this could be a trully remarkable experience! I booked 2 standard rooms for 2 nights, my friends received an upgrade as their AC was not working and the presence of geckoes and other insects disrupted their sleep in the first night.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

wendy

Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Birthe Koldby

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fin pool og bar/restaurantområde. Helt fantastisk udsigt fra bjergene ud over vandet og Whale Tale.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
La comida estuvo muy bien, porciones grandes, buen sabor, precio razonable. La atención al cliente excelente, el personal atento, amable y con intención de solucionar. La limpieza de las habitaciones regular. El personal de limpieza dejó la puerta trasera abierta en dos ocasiones exponiendo la seguridad de nuestras pertenencias. La propiedad está en pendiente muy pronunciada por lo que el acceso entre el restaurante y las habitaciones son por medio de escaleras o en vehículo, sin embargo el parqueo es muy escaso fuera de las habitaciones. Por lo que no es totalmente accesible para personas con discapacidad. El parqueo no cuenta con cámaras en funcionamiento para determinar si hay espacio en el parqueo de las habitaciones por lo que solo al llegar se puede saber sobre el espacio. En ese caso hay que devolverse hacia el parqueo principal que queda arriba en la pendiente. Sería recomendable un sistema de carritos con tránsito continuo para trasladar personas desde las habitaciones hasta el restaurante y piscinas para no congestionar con vehículos personales.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

RANDALL

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente vista al mar y atardeceres espectaculares. El servicio al cliente 10 de 10 y las habitaciones están limpias. El restaurante le doy un 4 de 5
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mario

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Linda vista

El lugar es bonito, ya he estado en otras ocasiones
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Linda

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ich habe das Hotel gebucht wegen des Blicks auf die Walflosse, was Quatsch war, denn die Walflosse sieht man eh nur in weiter Ferne und auch nur bei Ebbe und auch nur, wenn das Zimmer höher gelegen ist, was bei uns nicht der Fall war. Das Zimmer, die Möbel, das Bad ist total abgeranzt und es ist eine Frechheit dafür so viel Geld zu nehmen. Der Balkon ist winzig und aus der Scheibe war ein Stück heraus gebrochen. Der Pool ist ganz nett, die Frühstücksauswahl sehr begrenzt. Nie wieder!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cinthya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hermoso lugar

El lugar es precioso, el servicio muy bueno, la comida muy rica y bastante.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Federico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Una vista espectacular

Un lugar con una vista espectacular, aunque el acceso es por una calle de una sola vía y muy empinada. El área de las piscinas, bar y restaurante es la que tiene la mejor vista, la comida es deliciosa y a buen precio. El único problema es que ir a las habitaciones puede ser cansado por lo empinado del terreno, pero el total da transporte si es necesario.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024