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Vista Ballena

3.5 star property
Inn with free breakfast, near Catarata uvita

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Photo gallery for Vista Ballena

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine
Yoga
Exterior
Spa
Aerial view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504
  • Catarata uvita
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Uvita Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪11 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Superior Double Room

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Deluxe Room

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Premium bedding, minibar, desk, free WiFi

Standard Room

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Ballena

Located 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Catarata uvita, Vista Ballena is within a 10-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.
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What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 11 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Playa Hermosa - 14 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Punta Uvita - 17 min drive - 3.8 miles

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

Inn with free breakfast, near Catarata uvita
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, minibars, and coffee makers 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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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

Spa

  • Massage

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Minibar

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

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.

What's there to do around Vista Ballena?

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

Is there parking available at Vista Ballena?

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

Is there a spa available at Vista Ballena?

Spa services at the inn include massages.

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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Vista Ballena?

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

Are there hot tubs at Vista Ballena?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this inn.

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.

Does Vista Ballena have connecting rooms?

No, this inn doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book 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. 49 out of 105 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 105 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 105 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 105 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 105 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Simona

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ernest

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Renee

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Worth

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Carl, Escazu

Business traveler
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

10/10 Excellent

Said Raffeeth

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

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Traveled with family
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

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

10/10 Excellent

RC

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Hilary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Edwin

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Traveled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Marvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan

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

6/10 Okay

Jill

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

william

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Scott

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

wendy

Traveled with group, Traveled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Zenon

Traveled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Simon

Traveled with group
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

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 15 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Davina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everyone at Vista Ballena was welcoming and friendly the pool area/restaurant bar area was so relaxing. Definitely a must go to place!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

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