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 large pool area.
Nice breakfast included as well. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Excellent option for those who wish to stay in the area.
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 view of the ocean and moutains. The prices are fair and the food was great. Spoil yourself and loved ones and stay a night or two here. You will not be sorry and your body and mind will thank you. There is internet access but not in all rooms but access works great in the common areas. You come here to relax so you do not need the internet.
David
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 with room rate), with a large selection of fare. We drove south to Ojochal one night to Citrus Restaurant, where we had a good fish dinner and wonderful fruit drinks. We also took a mangrove tour with Bahia Aventuras, arranged through the hotel. Rafael was our guide through part of the huge estuary; he and the other guys were good spotters: ibis, crocodiles, white-faced monkeys, turtles and any number of other birds. To finish, they took us out into the ocean and through some shoreline caves; that was terrific.
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 hilltop places such as this, so you get the best of the hill spot / breeze, less insects, views, and also feel so close to the water! hurry as whale watching season is wonderful this year!! This visit I was on business but I am sure to return for a leisure stay as soon as I can.
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 takes the time to chat will all the guest. He has built a Hotel so he can share his dream with others.
If you want to relax in style, this is the place.
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 different rooms for the second night. Well, the rejigged things and we didn't have to move - first bonus, and the reception staff were so darn accomodating at all times.
And we were really pleased to be at the Cristal Ballena - the hilltop views were mesmerizing. The rooms where large, the linens, soft and clean. The pool was large, deep and clean (note: not terribly friendly for small children). And the best part was that during the off season the hotel had a $64 pp. special, including breakfast.
We really liked this hotel and will be sure to visit it again (but we'll make reservations this time!)
