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Vista Ballena

3.5 star property
3.5-star inn near Catarata uvita

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Photo gallery for Vista Ballena

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

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Breakfast included
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

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, Catarata uvita
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Uvita Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Marino Ballena National Park
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the area

Bahía Ballena

In Bahía Ballena .Stay at this Bahía Ballena inn and you'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Catarata uvita and 6 miles (10 km) of Playa Hermosa. Uvita Beach and Playa Ballena are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Inns in Bahía BallenaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Catarata uvita - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Uvita Beach - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Marino Ballena National Park - 11 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Playa Hermosa - 14 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Punta Uvita - 16 min drive - 5.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Bakery - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Los Barriles - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Kinsu - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Vista Ballena

3.5-star inn near Catarata uvita
Vista Ballena offers its guests an outdoor pool and a children's pool. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A terrace, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Vista Ballena. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking and valet parking are free.

This 3.5-star Bahía Ballena inn is smoke free.

  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (free)
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Vista Ballena offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This Bahía Ballena inn provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

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

Reviews

Vista Ballena Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 50 out of 108 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 38 out of 108 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 108 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 108 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 108 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Esteban

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Michael T

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Simona

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
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

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

8/10 Good

Renee

Travelled 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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

6/10 Okay

Jill

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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