La Ballena Roja Beach Hostel

The place is nice even if basic, cute and relaxed. It's not easy to reach, you need 5$ taxi from the closest bus station, better with a car. 5 minutes walk to the beginning of the national park (6$ entrance fee), 4 km from the whale tale. Beware there is no free beach in the nearby, it's all part of the national park. The pizza is good but not cheap (20$ for a large, good for 2 people), no restaurants in the nearby, only a shop on the other side of the street. No kitchen available for the guests.

The location was great, the beach style is nice too. Pizzas were really good ($20 for a big one good for two). On the down side, the sound proofing has been ignored (as well as the warm shower too). Easy to hear people all over the place). A small kitchen would have been nice too.

Super over priced for a scorching hot room that looked like the inside of a card board box. The only nice thing is the proximity to the beach but you have to pay $6/person to go to it. I was traveling with my two young daughters one was sick and running a fever, we were all exhausted and just looking for a place to rest and recover. When none of us could get comfortable I asked for refund. We were there for less than hour. It wasn’t yet 2pm (the official checkin time) and we hadn’t unloaded any of things into the room — only sat on the beds. They refused to offer us any compensation. We left anyway and found a much nicer hotel near by with ac and a pool for only $20 more. Don’t waste your time here you can find much better value for your money.

This is a great affordable option in a relatively quite/secluded area that is super close to the beach. Basic accommodations, but great overall value and super close to the beach. They have boards and bikes here as well if you need them... and the pizza is some of the best in town if you are looking to eat at night.

To be honest about this place is that the staff was very friendly helpful and sincere about it’s roots and culture. Cesar and the other gentleman were so customer friendly that you will not find this in any other place then here. Only downfall which has nothing to do with the establishment is that their is a $6.00 fee that can add up if you stay for more then one day and that is the Uvita beach. After 4pm you can go for free. Because the location is considered the national park they charge you for going to the beach. Perhaps in the future the owners can negotiate a cheaper price like half or less for those who stay in that location. But look at it as a family of 4 it adds up. $24 for a beach day and I’m staying for 4 days that’s a lot of money. The breakfast they offer here so far tops my list for best Costa Rican Dish. I have ate around and throughout the city nothing compares to their eggs, rice, and beans.

Not cool. one client screaming and cussing out neighbor because her dog was loose. well if the idiot that opened the gate to get bicycle out would close gate dog would not be out! Close the damn gate! quit whining. Pura vida

Bad service, Bad food. The mistress doesn't even Say hello and she tries to sell ballena tours more expensive than any other places... Dont go there

I didn't stay here, but had the breakfast. Very nice pinto!! :)