Villas Rio Mar

3.0 star property
Riverfront hotel with 2 outdoor pools, near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons

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Photo gallery for Villas Rio Mar

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Bar (on property)
Beach nearby, beach massages
Lobby sitting area
Garden
Unwind near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons at Villas Rio Mar, where lush surroundings meet adventure. Enjoy a swim-up bar, international cuisine restaurant with pool views, and activities like hiking/biking and mini golf. With free in-room WiFi and helpful staff on hand.
VIP Access

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Pool bar
  • Swim-up bar
  • Room service
  • Conference center
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Air conditioning

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Free cribs/infant beds
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate sitting area
  • Television
  • Garden

Room options

Superior Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Junior Suite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Villa

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cribs/infant beds
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
Dominical Beach, Ballena, Puntarenas, 1350

What's nearby

  • Playa Dominical - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Hacienda Baru - 3 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls - 10 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary - 10 min drive - 9.5 km

Getting around

  • Quepos (XQP) - 35 min drive
  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 55.9 miles/90 km
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Scala - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Tortilla Flats - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante La Parcela - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Coco's Restaurant - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Fuego Brew Company - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Villas Rio Mar

Situated by the ocean, Villas Rio Mar is a great choice for a stay in Ballena. You can indulge in beachside massages, body wraps, or reflexology, and grab a bite to eat at El Rancho, which serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights include 2 outdoor pools, a poolside bar, and an outdoor tennis court. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.

Languages

English, Spanish

More about this property

VISIBILITY

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 48 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is noon

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
    • Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
    • To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
    • If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

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

    • Up to 4 children (4 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding

Pets

    • Pets allowed (2 total)*
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
    • Electric vehicle charging point on site

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*

Other information

    • Smoke-free property
LOB_HOTELS

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast each morning 7 AM–9:00 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Swim-up bar
  • Room service (limited hours)

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's menu

What to do

  • Tennis lessons
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Pool table
  • Beach nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Wildlife viewing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Ziplining nearby

Working away

  • Meeting room
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (947 square feet of space)

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • 12 buildings/towers
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Television in common areas
  • Mosquito nets
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Grab bar near toilet

ROOM

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Cable TV channels
  • Pay movies

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free crib/infant bed
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Furnished patio
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • LED light bulbs
  • Recycling

STAR_OUTLINE

Special features

Dining

El Rancho - Overlooking the pool and garden, this restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered.

MONETIZATION_ON

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of CRC 33600 per person (one-way)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of CRC 13000 per pet, per stay

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses solar energy.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and window guards on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club

Also known as

Rio Mar Villas
Villas Rio Mar
Villas Rio Mar Dominical
Villas Rio Mar Costa Rica/Dominical
Villas Rio Mar Hotel Dominical
Hotel Rio Mar
Hotel Villas Rio Mar Ballena
Ballena Villas Rio Mar Hotel
Villas Rio Mar Ballena
Hotel Villas Rio Mar
Villas Rio Mar Hotel Ballena
Villas Rio Mar Hotel
Villas Rio Mar Hotel
Villas Rio Mar Ballena
Villas Rio Mar Hotel Ballena

HELP_OUTLINE

Frequently asked questions

Does Villas Rio Mar offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Villas Rio Mar 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 to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Villas Rio Mar?

Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools. Guests have pool access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Villas Rio Mar?

Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of CRC 13000 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

Is parking offered on site at Villas Rio Mar?

Yes, there's free self parking. Electric vehicle charging is available.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Villas Rio Mar?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is CRC 33600 per person one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Villas Rio Mar?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is noon.

What is there to do at Villas Rio Mar and nearby?

Have fun with onsite activities such as hiking, and improve your game on the tennis courts. Additional recreation nearby includes game viewing and ecotours. Enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools or use the hotel's other amenities, which include a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Villas Rio Mar?

Yes, El Rancho offers international cuisine and garden views.

Does Villas Rio Mar have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a furnished patio.

What's the area around Villas Rio Mar like?

Villas Rio Mar is located by the river, a short 18-minute walk from Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and 17 minutes' walk from Playa Dominical.

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Villas Rio Mar Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Restaurant
Breakfast
Food
Beach
Location
Towns
River
Family friendly

What guests liked

  • The pools were fantastic, nice, great, and amazing, offering a lovely place to enjoy after days at the beach. (21 reviews)
  • Breakfast was a highlight with great choices and delicious food. (9 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

This property was amazing. Our villa was super cute & comfortable. The staff were very friendly & helpful. The restaurant on site was excellent.
Katy, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Such helpful staff, both at front desk and at the restaurant!
Alexandra, 9-night trip

8/10 Good

Hotel was great. Short walk to town. Food at dinner was really good. Breakfast was premade and not very hot but otherwise everything was great.
Marius, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Perfect
Federico, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Really a great getaway location. Super nice staff.
Frank, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

Staff was amazing from walking in to reception, dining, breakfast and checking out! Bedroom for 4 persons of a really good size, clean.,,, Fauna and flora amazing from Ants marching with leaves to their bunker to iguanas al over the place, beach at easy reach! Definitely a to come back property for the future trips to CR
Juan, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The hotel has a lovely artistic Costa Rican flavor; the grounds are interesting to walk through with statues and many varieties of birds and butterflies. A lovely outdoor patio adjoined my room, and I enjoyed both the large pools. The Crocodile Grill & Bar served great food and drinks. What really sets the resort apart is the staff - they are absolutely wonderful and SO very helpful; they made me feel so special!!
Glenda, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The property is beautiful and relaxing. The pools was amazing and not over chlorinated. There is plenty of wildlife to see on the property. The walking areas are covered in algae and slick in areas. However, they are in the process power washing it off.
Kristy, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

The staff was very friendly. The room was clean, the pool and the gardens were spacious. The restaurant was delicious and reasonably priced. Electric vehicle outlets are available for those with electric vehicles; just bring your charger.
Alcides, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Service was great. The property is beautiful. The only issue was Wi-Fi kept going in and out. But other than that, we were very happy. The town of Dominical is a minute up the road, it’s adorable. Manuel Antonio and Uvita are also just an easy drive away.
Ashley, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful spot, excellent grounds, good restaurant. Not our first stay and not our last.
Scott, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

Friendly staff, gorgeous grounds. Love that they had a hammock in each room's foyer.
Holly, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Relaxing

Beautiful setting
Victoria, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Staff were friendly and the room was clean.
Michael, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great place
Alexander, 4-night trip

8/10 Good

Loved Nature, there were beautiful birds all over the place. Gorgeous mountain area near the beach.
Sileny, 3-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great place. Great pool but no hot water in shower
Ruth, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great food and service, clean pool and property. Would stay there again
Donald, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful hotel and wonderful service. Lots of wildlife, gorgeous gardens, warm swimming pool. Breakfast was plenty and delicious
Marina, 4-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property
Kimberlee, 2-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful property. Comfortable rooms
Tameica, 2-night trip

8/10 Good

Food, tropical expierence
Dale K, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Pretty grounds. Great staff. Nice pool. Good restaurant. Nice ambience.
Richard, 1-night trip

10/10 Excellent

Great pool, great staff
Dustin, 3-night trip

8/10 Good

Great little reaort

I highly recommend this place. It’s got lots of animals and is far enough from town to be totally quiet but close enough to walk.
Eric, 1-night trip