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La Cusinga Lodge

3.0 star property
Ballena lodge with spa and outdoor pool
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for La Cusinga Lodge

Outdoor pool
Manu Deluxe Room Ocean View
Yoga
Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View
View from property

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Non-smoking
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurants
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Concierge services
  • Gift shops/newsstands
  • Picnic area
  • Limited hour front desk
  • Horse riding/hire
Feel at home
  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Free self-parking
  • Outdoor swimming pools
The price is AU$422
includes taxes & fees
28 Dec - 29 Dec

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 15 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Tinamu Deluxe Room

Tinamu Deluxe Room

Tinamu Deluxe Room

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Manu Deluxe Room Ocean View

Manu Deluxe Room Ocean View

Manu Deluxe Room Ocean View

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View

Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View

Trogon Deluxe Room Ensuite Ocean View

Highlights

Balcony
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Superior Double Room, 2 Double Beds, Ocean View

Highlights

Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the area

Map
Km166 Costarena Sur, Ballena, Puntarenas, 60504

What's nearby

  • Marino Ballena National Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Arco Beach - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Playa Ballena - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Uvita Beach - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
  • Catarata uvita - 7 min drive - 6.7 km

Getting around

  • Drake Bay (DRK) - 29.2 miles/47 km
  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 68.2 miles/109.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬4 min drive

About this property

La Cusinga Lodge

La Cusinga Lodge is a great choice for a stay in Ballena. Guests can indulge in deep-tissue massages at the spa, and Regional cuisine is served at Aracari, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights include an outdoor pool, a terrace and a garden.

Languages

English, Spanish

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 10 rooms

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM
  • Late check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 11 AM

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • The front desk is open daily from 6 AM - 6 PM
  • Front desk staffed during limited hours

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

  • No cots (infant beds)

Pets

  • Pets not allowed
  • Service animals welcome

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking

Other information

  • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast each morning 7:00 AM–9:00 AM
  • Restaurant

What to do

  • Horse riding/hire
  • Beach nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Zip-lining nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services

Facilities

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • An outdoor pool
  • Full-service spa

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the lodge's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and Swedish massages. The spa is open daily.

Dining

Aracari – This restaurant specialises in Regional cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Fees & policies

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property does not have lifts.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on-site.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Cashless transactions are available.

Also known as

Cusinga Lodge Ballena
Cusinga Lodge
Cusinga Ballena
La Cusinga Lodge Lodge
La Cusinga Lodge Ballena
La Cusinga Lodge Lodge Ballena

Frequently asked questions

Does La Cusinga Lodge offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, La Cusinga Lodge does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at La Cusinga Lodge?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at La Cusinga Lodge?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at La Cusinga Lodge?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at La Cusinga Lodge?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.
What is there to do at La Cusinga Lodge and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as horse riding. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. La Cusinga Lodge also has a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near La Cusinga Lodge?
Yes, Aracari offers Regional cuisine.
What's the area around La Cusinga Lodge like?
La Cusinga Lodge is a short 17-minute walk from Marino Ballena National Park and 18 minutes' walk from Playa Ballena.

La Cusinga Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful eco lodge with walks on property and ocean views. Natural landscaping - Birds, monkeys butterflies etc.
Alison, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Jay, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Slightly remote lodge, with amazing ocean and jungle views. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The only restaurant served very good food, offers friendly service, with daily specials. The pool is beautiful and peaceful. Lots of wildlife are present, including a troop of Howler Monkeys that howl at 4 am and 4 pm everyday. There are lots of trails for people to explore. It may not be a good place for everyone though. It was a little too quiet for us. It is a place that attracts those who just want to read, mediate or stare into the trees. It attracts older people I think, but the walkways are very difficult for older people, the rocks are slippery and rounded, and the cabins are far apart along steep pathways. There are some very nice trails, but they forbid walking them at night. That really sucks, because that is when the interesting animals can be seen on the trails. I won't stay where I cannot explore at night. There are screens on the cabin windows, but no air conditioning, only fans. We were very warm at night, so lost some sleep. I really like the property, the people, food and scenery, but won't stay there again. Just too boring for my taste. Too many rules! I want to be were I can explore at my leisure and interact with nature and with others. No hotel pool should close at 7 pm!
Jay, 2-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely first stop in Costa Rica
We had a wonderful 3 night stay at La Cusinga Lodge, starting from being met in the parking area by Mabel, the welcome alcohol free cocktail and the friendly waiting staff. Our room was very large (Trogon) with a inside seating area and huge balcony. The bathroom walls and floor are all lined with pebbles, very "flintstonesque". It was my birthday during our stay and the lodge put fresh flowers in our room and decorated the bed with rose petals. We ate in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner every day and the food was excellent with plenty of choice and big portions. The hotel also has a beautiful yoga platform but sadly they did not have a teacher available during our stay. The pool is a short walk away from the main hotel and is very private. There are also walking trails on the property to waterfalls where you could take a refreshing dip. Whilst here we did a whale watching trip (sadly nothing spotted as we were on the cusp of the right season) and a self guided trip to the Nicoya waterfall which was busy but great fun. We would return to La Cusinga Lodge in a heartbeat.
Jacqueline, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

one of the best restaurants we experienced on our 10 day Costa Rica trip. A wonderful natural Post, beautiful pool, and so much wildlife right outside your cabin/yurt.... One of our favorite stays.
Joseph, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful location, lovely lodges, good food, great cocktails, chilled out pool and natural swimming hole. Most importantly, extremely helpful and friendly staff, who went the extra mile to help us when we had a stressful problem (hire car related and nothing to do with the hotel), which they resolved. Would absolutely recommend.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The property and view was beautiful. It was very secluded and felt safe. The sunsets and wild life were some of our favorite parts. Food and staff were also excellent. The beach was a pretty intense walk to get to, but beautiful and private once there.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful private bungalows in the rainforest with balconies overlooking the ocean. Friendly staff, great food, wonderful trails down to the beach. They greeted us with pineapple juice when we arrived and packed us fresh fruit to go since we had to leave for a tour at 6 am before the restaurant opened for breakfast. Dinner was delicious! Can’t wait to return!
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful nature resort with various lodges
The entire resort is an attraction in and of itself. It offers such a serene environment with an abundance of wildlife and great natural trails. Great for families and hikers alike. If you can make the drive down to the coast, it is worth it to come to see this place.
2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The property is stunning full of wildlife and the staff is really professional.
Emilie, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Carlos, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

The location is fantastic. The room we stayed in needs some TLC - the bathroom sink faucet was singing some aria while the floor fan had its own tune which disrupted our sleep. As for their spa services, their therapist was terrific. However the spa facility could use some rejuvenation.
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great property. Loved the hikes to the beach. The view is awesome.
sam, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Orbitz guest review

4/10 Fair

The room was not what was advertised (poor setup, thin walls, poor light, roof fan barely pushed air). The breakfast is served at 7 although it is posted that it is at 6 and when I called previous to my stay they told me the same.
1-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The beach was amazing! The cabins are very private and comfortable. There are monkeys and toucans on site. The staff was fantastic. So friendly! We got a flat tire and they pointed it out to us and immediately changed it for us...in the dark! Exceptional service! Highly recommended! We will be back!
2-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

La Cusinga offers beautiful hikes through the rain forest, spectacular Arco Beach, howler monkeys and other wildlife, good and reasonably priced food, and spectacular ocean and sunset views. The only negatives I can think of for guests would be there is no pool, and staying here requires being able to walk reasonable distances over occasionally bumpy trails. For us, this made it more interesting. Overall a beautiful property and wonderful experience.
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

8/10 Very good

Lovely stay at La Cusinga Lodge
The hotel and lodges were beautiful and we very much enjoyed the “private pool” and beach as well as the great surroundings. The service was great and we were always received with smiles and good service for all inquiries. The only small comments we could have for improvement would be; - Complimentary tea and coffee would be great - The coffee at the morning breakfast table was cold - More tanning-areas for enjoying the sun would be great Thanks for a super stay!
1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Nice feel of nature and solitude. Unique experience.
4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Trip of a lifetime!
Just returned from a 9 day family trip to Costa Rica, 7 nights of which we stayed at La Cusinga Lodge in Uvita. Can't begin to describe how perfect our experience was. The grounds are absolutely breathtaking, and you really never need to leave property to experience an authentic Costa Rican rainforest. The cabinas have amazing views, and are kept immaculate. The natural swimming pool (La Poza) is so unique, and beats a traditional resort pool any day. The food at Aracari Restaurant (on site) is exquisite. The most memorable part of our stay, though, was the people... the staff is exceptional and really goes above and beyond to make sure each guest's stay is top-notch. The office staff were a huge help (from check in to helping us book multiple excursions throughout our stay), the servers at Aracari were as friendly as possible (our son quickly made friends with our main server for the week), and everyone you encounter from security to maintenance all have a smile on their face and are ready to offer assistance in any way they can. Thank you, La Cusinga, for making our 20-year-in-the-making trip everything we hoped it would be!
Ariel, 7-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

4-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Julia, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful location and scenery
Had a great time at this hotel, location is amazing, the restaurant food is delicious and love the nature around the hotel. Beautiful private beaches and hiking trails with lots of animals visiting you
Reza, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Nice hotel with excellent trails and great views
We stayed there for two nights in an oceanview room. Included breakfast was very good, also as we left one day very early they made us breakfast. Restaurant was ok, but as there are some really great restaurants within 10 minutes drive, you have options. The trails that start from the lodge are just great, playa arco just turned out to be my favourite beach in Costa Rica. Also, the natural pool they have is a lot fun. Just some chairs around are missing. I booked on Expedia with a discount, unfortunately for just one Person by some kind of mistake. On checkout (!) they wanted me to pay the difference, but would not include the expedia discount. Unfortunately, the very nice receptionist was not able to decide anything, so he tried to call several people and it all got really confusing. Anyhow, in the end after like 30 minutes, everything got resolved to everybody's satisfaction. It is good advice to know what you booked and prepayed, so that there won't be any problems. Would certainly recommend this lodge and will come again.
Verified Expedia guest review