Villas Rio Mar

3.0 star property
3-star hotel near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Villas Rio Mar

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Superior Room | Terrace/patio
Superior Room | Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area
Villa | Blackout drapes, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Superior Room

  • 366 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Junior Suite

  • 453 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Villa

  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

About the neighborhood

Ballena

Oceanside stay.You'll be within 2 miles (3 km) of Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons and 6 miles (10 km) of Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge with a stay here. Nauyaca Waterfalls is within 9 miles (15 km) and Marino Ballena National Park is within 16 miles (25 km).

What's nearby

  • Playa Dominical - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Hacienda Baru - 3 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge - 7 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls - 10 min drive - 5.1 miles
  • Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary - 10 min drive - 5.9 miles

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

3-star hotel near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons
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 center
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Staff is 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 complimentary toiletries and ceiling fans. Rooms open to furnished patios. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

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

Things to do

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

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 elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

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 cribs (infant beds)!

Property 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, 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
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, 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 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 each 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 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

How close is Villas Rio Mar to the airport?

Villas Rio Mar is 23.6 mi (35-min drive) away from the Quepos (XQP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Villas Rio Mar?

As of Jun 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Villas Rio Mar on Jun 9, 2025 start from $109.9, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Villas Rio Mar have an airport shuttle?

Villas Rio Mar offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of CRC 33600 per person, one-way.

How close is Villas Rio Mar to the beach?

This hotel is 0.9 mi (9-min drive) from Playa Dominical and 1.4 mi (3-min drive) from Playa Barú. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Villas Rio Mar offer free breakfast?

Villas Rio Mar offers free full breakfast every day from 7 AM to 9:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Villas Rio Mar?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Villas Rio Mar?

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

Is there free parking at Villas Rio Mar?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Villas Rio Mar have a pool?

Villas Rio Mar features 2 outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy pool access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Villas Rio Mar have a restaurant?

Villas Rio Mar is home to El Rancho, which features international cuisine, pool views, and happy hour.

Does Villas Rio Mar have a spa?

This hotel doesn't have a spa, but it does offer sports massages, body wraps, and facials.

How close is Villas Rio Mar to downtown Ballena?

Villas Rio Mar is 15.4 mi away from Ballena.

Villas Rio Mar Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 337 out of 600 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 183 out of 600 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 55 out of 600 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 600 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 600 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

6/10 Okay

PABLO, OROTINA

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

10/10 Excellent

Lasse Agner

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

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Traveled 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

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pretty grounds. Great staff. Nice pool. Good restaurant. Nice ambience.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024