Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
El Silencio de los Angeles Norte The Silence of the Angels, San Ramon 20208 Costa Rica
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About
#1 of 9 hotels in San Ramon
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.8
Value
4.5
Travelers' Choice
GreenLeaders Platinum level
Just over an hour's drive from San Jose International Costa Rica airport (SJO), eco-minded travelers from all over the world have reveled in the beauty of Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel, located within the Los Angeles Private Biological Nature Reserve & Research Station in the Canton of San Ramon. The hotel is ideally situated as a gateway to Arenal Volcano and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Here, you're immersed in one of the world's most precious and complex jungle ecosystems - the cloud forest. This boutique mountain hotel is nestled on 75-acres of gentle rolling hills, with well-appointed "casitas" and Honeymoon Suites, each with their own fireplace, and surrounded by acres of lush botanical gardens. Originally owned by former president Rodrigo Carazo Odio and First Lady, Estrella Zeledon de Carazo, Villa Blanca has become a renown and cherished Costa Rica destination. The architecture reflects the original farm village concept, with a welcoming Hacienda, offering guests exceptional Costa Rican hospitality, premier dining, a private theater, conference facilities, and pampering spa menu. Also quite unique is a replica of a 14th century Roman wedding chapel, La Mariana, with its hand painted ceramic ceiling. Choose from a variety of nature-based activities, including horseback, zip-lines, and user-friendly guided trials, plus excursions to Arenal and Poas volcanoes, hot springs, and rural-cultural tours. This is the Costa Rica where those who "travel well and travel right" want to go. Please feel free to visit our sister-site, one of the most prestigious Manuel Antonio hotels, Si Como No.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Yoga classes
Free breakfast
Game room
Hiking
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Conference facilities
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Happy hour
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Billiards
Patio
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Facial treatments
Full body massage
Massage
Neck massage
Chapel / shrine
Non-smoking hotel
Picnic area
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
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Room features
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Walk-in shower
Whirlpool bathtub
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
El Silencio de los Angeles Norte The Silence of the Angels, San Ramon 20208 Costa Rica
Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Getting there
11 Restaurants
within 5 miles
1676Reviews18Q+A100Room tips
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+1
Villa Blanca is truly a magical place. My husband and I with our 10 yo son loved our evening nature walk through the forest and our morning assisting Antonio with farming chores. The food and service were exceptional. Planning to come back with friends for a long weekend soon.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I was torn between giving this hotel 2 or 3 stars. One star is for the grounds that surround this hotel, it’ definitely a unique experience being up in the clouds in a totally different climate and there are lots of self guided walks to do. The second is for the guides and the guided tours. Although we did not spot much wildlife (in comparison to other parts of CR), the guides were passionate and informative. The third is for the food. We had lunch and dinner in the restaurant and the food was delicious. It’s a bit of a shame the menu lacked typical Costa Rican food but the food it did have was good. It was also fairly priced considering they are the only option of places to eat (the hotel is very remote) The negatives were the rooms. They were cluttered and dated. There was heavy mould on the lampshades and we had blood stains on the bed sheets. The rooms are very damp (expected in the cloud environment) but the dehumidifier they supplied was inadequate and kept overflowing or turning off due to being full. The whole room smelt musty. I had a problem with all the bugs in reception too. Admittedly I’m not the biggest fan of moths/butterflies but they were Everywhere! They were constantly flying at you, even when trying to enjoy a drink or dinner. It was also quite sad to see so many of them squashed on the floor. I really think they would benefit from some net curtains or something on the doors to limit the amount of insects inside. The game room and cinema were extremely dated and even the balls on the pool table were chipped. They did a talk during one of the days about the birds. This was interesting and I think they’d benefit from more of these- maybe about the greenhouses, the insects or the history of the hotel. Overall I wouldn’t recommend unless it had a mini makeover/update (it really wouldn’t take much investment to make this a 4 or even 5 star rating).…
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Book the guided tours otherwise there is little to do at this hotel.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're glad you enjoyed the grounds, self-guided walks, and tours with our guides. Your compliments on the food are appreciated. We apologize for the room issues and the insect presence. Immediate steps will be taken to enhance cleanliness and address the insect situation. We understand your feedback on recreational facilities and will assess potential upgrades. Your suggestion for more informative talks is noted. We regret any inconvenience and hope for the opportunity to enhance your experience in the future. Crisbel,guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
I was here for a work retreat this month and it was my first time experiencing a cloud forest. I enjoyed it immensely although it would have been nice to get even one hour of clear skies/sun so I could see beyond the property. Apparently there are hills and green valleys beyond the property! 😄 It rained every day and sometimes absolutely torrential pouring rain. Tis the season! The space was perfect for our group. Private casitas for downtime and nice common spaces for meetings and conversation. We even used the chapel for a closing night party. The staff were always so helpful and warm. The food was really good considering CR is not known for cuisine. I wish they had hot sauce as many of their dishes just needed an extra zing. I asked for it and got a mild salsa type sauce that sufficed for some of us. The fresh juices for dinner were off the charts! 😋 Alejandro’s evening nature walk was amazing, an experience I will never forget. I stood in the complete darkness and felt safe. We even saw a snake and he made it safe! The 6:30am morning nature walk was pretty but didn’t result in much to see beyond hummingbirds and cool plans. If you’re looking for a beautiful, sweet and charmingly rustic and remote place for a retreat with few distractions, this could be it. It’s quiet. No nightlife. No place to go but into the forest. What could be better. 🦋…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time at our cloud forest retreat, despite the consistent rain. Weather in the cloud forest can be unpredictable, and we regret that you weren't able to experience the clear skies that reveal the stunning hills and green valleys beyond our property. We're thrilled that our space suited your group perfectly. Our private casitas for downtime and the inviting common areas for meetings and conversations were designed to provide a comfortable and conducive setting for gatherings. The chapel being used for a closing night party sounds like a wonderful memory! Your feedback on the cuisine is greatly appreciated. We're glad you found the food to be of high quality, and we'll certainly take note of your suggestion for a touch of extra spice. We're pleased that the fresh juices were a hit during dinner! It's fantastic to hear about your unforgettable evening nature walk with Alejandro. Ensuring our guests' safety and creating memorable experiences in nature is a top priority. We apologize that the 6:30 am morning nature walk didn't provide as much to see, but we value your feedback and will use it to improve. We take pride in being a charmingly rustic and remote location that provides a beautiful and serene setting for retreats. Our aim is to offer a tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We hope to welcome you back in the future for an even more enriching experience. Thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts! 🌿🦋 Crisbel, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We were at Villa Blanca for a conservation organisation retreat. What a place. The people & landscape made our time at Villa Blanca wholly wonderful. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful places I’ve encountered — and our few days felt magical. The biodiversity, vistas, location, fauna, flora & energy of the space is inspiring & renewing. I’d highly recommend the morning & evening tours with Alejandro. I’d also encourage you to take a walk of the grounds. Thank you so much!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your experience at Villa Blanca. It sounds like your time there was truly enchanting, immersed in the beauty of both the people and the natural landscape. The way you described the biodiversity, vistas, and the overall energy of the space is captivating. It's wonderful to hear that Alejandro's tours added value to your experience and that a simple walk around the grounds was encouraged, further enhancing your connection to the environment. Your enthusiasm and positive recommendation for Villa Blanca, particularly highlighting the tours with Alejandro, will certainly inspire others to explore and appreciate this incredible place. If you have any other specific highlights or experiences you'd like to share, feel free to let us know! Crisbel Moya, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I came to Villa Blanca on a work retreat. The space was incredible with spacious accommodations (including working fireplaces in each room), stunning guided nature walks around the premises, and a very supportive staff. The wifi worked great both in the private rooms as well as the shared spaces. The space allowed for a nice balance to time in nature, relaxing areas to connect with colleagues, and a beautiful set of meeting rooms for group discussions. The drive there was a bit arduous but totally worth it.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded 4 weeks ago
Sure, here's the translated response in English: --- Hello, Thank you for sharing your experience at Villa Blanca! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and were able to make the most of the spacious accommodations, guided nature walks, and our attentive team. We're pleased to know that the balance between nature, relaxing spaces, and meeting rooms met your needs for the work retreat. We're sorry to hear the journey was a bit long, but we're glad to hear that it was worth it. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future. Thank you for choosing Villa Blanca for your work retreat! Best regards! Crisbel, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
This place is magical - I was here for a work-related retreat so we got to explore the entire property both day and night and eat at the restaurant. The casitas are very clean and there's lots of space - beds were super comfy and it's overall very cozy! Major shoutout to the naturalist on site, Alejandro, who led our group on multiple morning and night tours into the cloud forest. He is incredible knowledgeable and passionate about nature and really made our experience phenomenal. The staff working at the restaurant are also extremely professional, kind, and accommodating. We were a decently sized group with lots of preferences and they were always super helpful. In addition, the front desk staff helped me with anything I needed at anytime. Overall, while the drive to the location is rough (about 6 km of potholes), it is well worth it! As long as you have 4 wheel drive you will be fine - just go slow and drive safely. Once on site, it's recommended to stay and not plan to leave because it takes you a good 20-25 minutes to get back to the main road (unless you're fine driving through the roads back and forth). For a normal stay, I'd recommend at least 2 days and 2 nights because you'll want to explore all the trails, take time to relax, and enjoy the cloud forest. You could likely do all the trails in a day if you're super aggressive but they DEFINITELY should be explored both in the day (early morning) AND night - it's practically two different worlds. I've been to Monteverde/Arenal before and I actually think I saw far more wildlife and diversity in fauna/flora here than in Monteverde. That being said, I was in Monteverde for only a few hours (with a guide). I think Los Angeles cloud forest, where the property sits, is extremely worth visiting. The prices may be more than other Costa Rican accommodations nearby but I think of it is as supporting the efforts the property is doing to be a steward of the nature and beauty here!…
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded Oct 25, 2023
We are delighted to know that your stay at our hotel during your work retreat was magical and memorable. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the comfort and cleanliness of our casitas, as well as Alejandro's passion and knowledge during the cloud forest tours. Our team always strives to provide professional and attentive service, and it is gratifying to hear that we met your expectations. We are committed to preserving nature and the beauty of this region, and we appreciate that you value that effort. Your support means a great deal to us. We look forward to having you again as our guest in the future and to continue to offer exceptional experiences. If there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you again for choosing Hotel Villa Blanca and for sharing your experience. Crisbel, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We flew into San Jose and wanted to go to the volcanos, but it was too late so we looked for a place to stay on the way in between. We stumbled upon Villa Blanca on our internet search and thought it looked pretty. Once we arrived, we realized this IS the destination, not a place for one night. The staff was amazing throughout our whole booked and staying process. They kept in touch over Whatsapp and when they knew we were arriving late to the remote resort, they made sure we still could get something to eat after a long day of traveling. Our cabin had the most gorgeous view and we felt like we were sleeping in a cloud forest. The grounds are well manicured, restaurant has a nice menu with a variety of tasty food, and the staff was exceptional! We booked a nature tour and our guide was not just knowledgeable, but so passionate about the wildlife, the ecosystems of the grounds, and sharing his pride in this beautiful country with others. Alejandro was amazing! We wanted to hang out with him all day! Highly recommend staying at Villa Blanca for at least 4 days! …
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Service
Room Tip: This beautiful location is remote and quiet. If you are looking to getaway to a place on top of...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded Oct 23, 2023
We are genuinely grateful for your wonderful review. Knowing that your stay at Villa Blanca was so special and memorable brings us immense joy. Our aim is to provide exceptional experiences for our guests, and your kind words serve as a reminder that we are on the right path. We sincerely hope that you can return to visit us in the future and continue to enjoy the beauty of this place and the hospitality of our staff. Thank you once again for sharing your experience with us! Crisbel, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Villa Blanca was the perfect place for our professional retreat. Relatively easy to get to and affordable for our geographically distributed group, but a world away where we could disconnect from our day-to-day responsibilities and connect in new ways that strengthened our relationships, deepened our thinking, and supported our collective goals. The spaces were ideal for our needs, the nature opportunities fantastic, and the staff helpful, flexible, and friendly. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded Oct 23, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback about your recent professional retreat at Villa Blanca. We're thrilled to hear that our property met your expectations and provided an ideal setting for your group. Your kind words mean a lot to us. It's fantastic to know that you found Villa Blanca to be easily accessible and affordable for your geographically diverse team. We understand how important it is to create an environment that allows you to disconnect from your daily responsibilities and focus on building stronger relationships, fostering deep thinking, and supporting your collective goals. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you and your group back to Villa Blanca in the future. Crisbel, guest experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I saw some beautiful wildlife in the rainforest which the hotel is surrounded by. The food, the services and the accommodation were nice. We individually planted a tree in a field. My family and friends also enjoyed staying.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded Sep 4, 2023
Thank you for sharing your experience at our hotel and in the rainforest! We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay and were able to enjoy the beauty of the wildlife in the surrounding area. We are delighted that you appreciated our food, services and accommodations. We work hard to provide the best possible experience for our guests, and your feedback is very valuable to us. Planting trees is an activity that we are passionate about, and we are happy that you participated in it. Contributing to the care of the environment is an important part of our philosophy. We hope your family and friends had an equally enjoyable stay, and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Thank you for choosing our hotel and for supporting our sustainability initiatives! We look forward to seeing you in a few years so you can see the tree you built.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thoroughly enjoyed out stay at Villa Blanca Hotel. The cloud forest was amazing. We enjoyed spending time walking the trails (wouldn't have complained about a signpost or two though, we did get lost!) and spending time in the frog house (a MUST go to between 6om and 7pm, it was amazing. We also did a morning and night time guided walk which was fanastic. The food was lovely and the rooms were nice. The Hummingbird garden was incredible, seeing them so close for so long was an unforgettable experience!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Crisbel Moya, Guest Services / Front Office at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Responded Aug 28, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Villa Blanca Hotel! We're thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your stay and had a wonderful time exploring the cloud forest and its trails. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the lack of signposts – we appreciate your feedback and will certainly work on improving the wayfinding for our guests. It sounds like the Frog House was a highlight of your trip, especially during the evening hours. We're glad you had the chance to experience it, and we agree that it's a must-visit! The guided walks, both in the morning and at night, seem to have left a fantastic impression, and we're delighted that you found them enjoyable. We're also pleased to know that you found the food delightful and the rooms comfortable during your stay. The Hummingbird garden indeed offers a unique and mesmerizing experience, and we're glad you got to witness these beautiful creatures up close. Thank you for choosing Villa Blanca Hotel for your getaway, and we hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in the future. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we will continue to strive for excellence in providing memorable experiences to our guests. If you ever plan to return, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels and warm regards!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
$208 - $288 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hotel blanca cloud forest
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of AlajuelaCanton of San RamonSan Ramon
NUMBER OF ROOMS
33
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Claim Your ListingVILLA BLANCA HOTEL & NATURE RESERVE $196 ($̶2̶2̶2̶) - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews - Costa Rica/San Ramon
Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve
Which popular attractions are close to Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Nearby attractions include El Silencio de Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve (4.4 miles), Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden (2.0 miles), and Bosque Nuboso El Cocora (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Top room amenities include a refrigerator, a fireplace, and a view of the mountains.
What food & drink options are available at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurante El Sendero, La Choza De Doña Emilce, and Mi Rancho Bar Restaurante Y Chicharronera.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to yoga classes during their stay.
Does Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Does Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Villa Blanca Hotel & Nature Reserve accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.