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Villas Rio Mar

3.0 star property
Riverfront hotel with 2 outdoor pools and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Villas Rio Mar

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Superior Room | Terrace/patio
Superior Room | Terrace/patio
Villa
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Dominical Beach, Ballena, Puntarenas, 1350
  • Playa Dominical
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Quepos (XQP)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room

Superior Room

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 34 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Highlights

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

View all photos for Villa

Villa

Villa

Highlights

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

About the area

Ballena

At Villas Rio Mar, you'll be 1.6 km (1 mi) from Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and 7.3 km (4.5 mi) from Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge. Highlights at this hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and free daily breakfast. .A day of pampering can include beachside massages, sports massages and body wraps along with reflexology and mani/pedis. The restaurant, El Rancho, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own lounge bar or poolside bar, you can enjoy a drink. Enjoy the outdoor tennis court and pool loungers as well as access to hiking/biking trails and tennis lessons. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a conference centre and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 7 AM and 9:00 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Places within a 30-minute drive of this 3-property class Ballena hotel include Nauyaca Waterfalls and Marino Ballena National Park.

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

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

Riverfront hotel with 2 outdoor pools and free breakfast
Villas Rio Mar offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and an outdoor tennis court. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

A library, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at Villas Rio Mar. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Ballena hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 48 guestrooms or units
  • 12 buildings
  • 88 sq. m of conference space
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Conference centre
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Computer for guest use
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
  • Swim-up bar
Villas Rio Mar offers 48 air-conditioned accommodations with free toiletries and a ceiling fan. Rooms open to furnished patios. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay-per-view films.

Bathrooms include a shower. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM to 9:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • A swim-up bar

Restaurants on site

  • El Rancho

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Tennis lessons
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Free cot
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Conference centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Sports massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 12 buildings
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Free cot

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: CRC 13000 per pet, per stay
  • Maximum 2 pets
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 4 children 4 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: CRC 33600 per person (one-way)
  • Pet fee: CRC 13000 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property uses solar energy
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, debit cards and cash. This property uses solar energy. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and window guards in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 4 children aged 4 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

Property is 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Villas Rio Mar?

Villas Rio Mar offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Villas Rio Mar?

Yep, Villas Rio Mar has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Villas Rio Mar?

Yep, Villas Rio Mar is a short 17-minute walk from Playa Dominical. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, body boarding and kayaking. You can also find boat tours.

Does Villas Rio Mar have a pool?

Villas Rio Mar has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

What makes Villas Rio Mar a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and garden-view dining, as well as private patios in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Villas Rio Mar.

Is Villas Rio Mar family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as children's meals and 2 outdoor pools, as well as free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Villas Rio Mar is a hit with families.

Does Villas Rio Mar serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary full breakfast is offered daily between 7 AM and 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Villas Rio Mar?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Villas Rio Mar?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Villas Rio Mar?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is noon.

Villas Rio Mar Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 340 out of 603 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 183 out of 603 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 55 out of 603 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 603 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 603 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary S

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

PABLO, OROTINA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lasse Agner

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect choice for the start of our trip!

We LOVED Villas Rios Mar on the same level with Banana Azul at Puerto Viejo! We stayed at 5 places in Costa Rica and they were our favorites. The grounds were beautiful. The room AND deck space/setting were wonderful! The only things that were a bit of an issue were the safe never worked for us (poor instructions/key use etc), the closet doors were jammed and unuseful, and we were the farthest room from the front desk/restaurant and had trouble with the WIFI. But those things aside, the beauty, the breakfast, pool and overall vibe and resort, made up for it all. Thank you Villas Rios Mar for a great experience!! Would definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Neisha

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Smelled like pee. No air on so was very hot when we arrived and had trouble getting air on. Lizards in room
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Smruti

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria Elena

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Inga

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hotel guests were not considered.

Everything was great until the last night. We decide to eat at the Restaurant after having a little ng hike.. At first we were turned away as they said we needed reservations as they were full. We were never told we needed reservations. After complaining they said we could come back in 40 min - 1 hour. When I complained to the front desk, the reseptionist tried and at first they got not further with the restaurant. After we told them "I guess you do not want our business" the Receptionist tried again. As hotel guest we should have had priority. Turns out they accept outside reservations and did not leave tables for hotel guests. This was a first in any of our hotel stays. This is not an exceptable practice . In the future, you should always save tables for hotel guests or at least inform them that reservations are required. They did come through but I should not have had to complain in the first place. The food was delicious but please consider your guest in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Relaxing

Beautiful setting
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful spot, excellent grounds, good restaurant. Not our first stay and not our last.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Sileny

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved Nature, there were beautiful birds all over the place. Gorgeous mountain area near the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place. Great pool but no hot water in shower
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Holly, Naperville

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, gorgeous grounds. Love that they had a hammock in each room's foyer.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Steve

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashton

Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Eric, Boucherville

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Garden haven

Great location, walkable from downtown. It has really quiet surroundings, only birds making a ruckus! The food was really very good, and there were large portions. One day they lost my order and so I waited 45 minutes for breakfast, but they made up for it with some home made avocado toast. 2 pools that were both absolutely amazing. One is a lap pool, and the other a nice large pool with a deep end, great amount of space for swimming. Nice patio with a sink, fridge, and table/chairs. Would recommend a table and chair inside the room as well. Would also ask for eco shampoo and body wash available.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Guinevere

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Barbara

We have cancelled thus trip with no refund due to extreme weather
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The shower was freezing cold with no water pressure
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Sergio, Managua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly and the room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024