We spent a day here tacked on to a previously booked trip to Dominicalito. So a very quick stay. This hotel and the accomodations were delightful. The staff (esp Evelyn) was amazing. Very accomodating. The rooms, and all over the hotel, show wonderful little touches by the owners. From the art around the hotel, to the mini bar, to the... More

we spent five nights here on the tail end of a 3 week trip. Our boys, 11 and 14 really enjoyed the very large pool, as well as the pool table and dart board. the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are very nice. The food was good, but not great, and the price was on the higher side for... More

We just returned from a week long trip to Costa Rica. Our last day there was Christmas Eve. First, let me say I have read the negative reviews for this hotel and could not disagree more with their impressions. Going to Costa Rica it is impotant to understand and appreciate the fact that you are not going to be in... More

Stayed here recently for one night and was very impressed. The grounds and setting are spectacular; lush mountains on one side and gorgeous ocean views on the other. Rooms are fairly basic but quite large and clean with AC and nice finishes - better than I had expected. Free wi-fi in the open areas. Satelite TV in rooms. Beautiful and... More

This resort has a great view and the staff and resort is five stars. The junior Suite is a large room that has a great view. This spa is small but it rates as good as if not better then the big spa's. We got a message and it was great. The pool is very large and has a great... More

We spent three nights at Cristal Ballena, and we were mainly interested in birding and just enjoying the rain forest. We had the place pretty much to ourselves (December 10) and spent a lot of time on our balcony, watching the birds and the sun set over the Pacific. Dining by the pool was nice, especially in the morning (included... More

Cristal Ballena is so nice and so much better than what other offer for the same money. The pool is outstanding, rooms are spacious and cozy. Views are soothing and deep, with the ocean on front and those mountains along the sides. I was amazed that I could actually hear the surf from my room, that doesnt happen often on... More

The hotel is as billed- charming, great location and wonderful staff and owner! All the rooms have fantastic views and are immaculately kept. The restaurant is very good with local and international cuisine. It overlooks the Pacific and the pool. All of the staff are attentive and helpful. The owner an Austrian lawyer, who fell in love with Costa Rica... More

We took a drive down the Pacific coast of Costa Rica - no plans, no reservations. Hey, it's the Green Season (aka the "rainy season") and it should be easy to get a hotel for a night or two just be driving up. Wrong! But Cristal Ballena did find us two rooms for the first night and promised us two... More