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Vista Ballena

3.5 star property
Inn with free breakfast, near Catarata uvita

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Vista Ballena

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mediterranean cuisine
Aerial view
Yoga
Spa
Exterior
Vista Ballena, near Playa Hermosa and Uvita Beach, offers a peaceful escape. Guests can book massages, enjoy drinks at the bar, and start mornings with a cooked-to-order breakfast on the terrace. Previous visitors consistently praise their experience.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room

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

Deluxe Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

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

Standard Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Minibar
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room

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

Superior Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Minibar
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
17 KM al sur de Playa Dominical, sobre la Costanera, Jardines del Morete, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504

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

Inn near Catarata uvita
Located close to Playa Hermosa and Uvita Beach, Vista Ballena provides free cooked-to-order breakfast, a terrace, and a garden. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services. The on-site restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and a bar.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking and valet parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), tour/ticket assistance, and a front-desk safe
  • Concierge services, multilingual staff, and smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Vista Ballena have comforts such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and minibars.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Balconies, coffee/tea makers, and ceiling fans

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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
  • 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
  • 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

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

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Does Vista Ballena have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Is Vista Ballena pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Vista Ballena?

Self parking and valet parking are free at this property.

What time is check-in at Vista Ballena?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vista Ballena?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 20 (subject to availability).

Does Vista Ballena provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 70 per person applies.

Where is Vista Ballena located?

Situated in Bahía Ballena, this inn is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Catarata uvita and within 6 mi (10 km) of Playa Hermosa and Uvita Beach. Playa Ballena and Ventanas Beach are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Vista Ballena Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

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

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Alan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

miguel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Los baños presentaron problemas y faltan muebles y decoración en los mismos
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Jose Luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super rico el lugar.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
muy bonito y su personal atiende muy bien
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Tatiana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Área común excelente habitaciones muy sencillas básicas
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

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

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