Villas Rio Mar

3.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and outdoor pool
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Villas Rio Mar

Outdoor pool, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Bar (on property)
Beach nearby, beach massages
Beach nearby, beach massages
Outdoor wedding area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
The price is NZ$222
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025

Explore the area

Map
Dominical Beach, Ballena, Puntarenas, 1350
  • Playa Dominical
    17 min walk
  • Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding
    18 min walk
  • Cafe Mono Congo
    10 min walk
  • Quepos (XQP)
    35 min drive

Room options

Superior Room

Highlights

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

Junior Suite

Highlights

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

Villa

Highlights

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

Similar properties

About the area

Ballena

A family-friendly stay in Ballena awaits you at Villas Rio Mar. Within a 20-minute stroll, you'll find Costa Rica Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool 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 mini golf and hiking/biking trails. 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 15-minute drive of this 3-property class Ballena hotel include Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge and Nauyaca Waterfalls.

What's nearby

  • Playa Dominical - 17 min walk
  • Hacienda Baru - 3 min drive
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge - 9 min drive
  • Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary - 10 min drive
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls - 12 min drive

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

Family-friendly hotel with free breakfast and outdoor pool
Villas Rio Mar offers its guests an outdoor tennis court and an outdoor pool. 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.

Event space at this hotel measures 947 square feet (88 square metres) and includes a conference centre. A library, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the family-friendly 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
  • 947 sq ft of conference space
  • 88 sq. m of conference space
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • 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

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Mini golf
  • Outdoor pool
  • Outdoor tennis court
  • Playground
  • Tennis lessons
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Free cot
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

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 (947 square foot of space)
  • 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

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
  • 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

  • No pets allowed

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)

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and window guards
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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, debit cards and cash. 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.

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

As of 22 Dec 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Villas Rio Mar on 5 Jan 2025 start from NZ$221.75, including 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.

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 an outdoor pool. 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 a playground, 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.

Are pets allowed at Villas Rio Mar?

No, pets are not allowed.

Villas Rio Mar Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 317 out of 565 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 175 out of 565 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 565 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 565 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 565 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Little gem
Loved this place so much we changed our plans and stayed for another night! The restaurant is fantastic (recommend the croc burger) and swimming pool is great. Aircon keeps the nights cool and is a well kept place!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gabe

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was my third time staying at Villas Rio Mar in Dominical and it's an excellent place to stay when you're in the area. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating - shout out to Noellia from the Crocodile Grill & Bar, especially - and they work hard to make your stay a pleasant one. My wife and I are vegan and the menu had changed since we last visited and they were still so kind and helpful with what dining options are available and all of the food and cocktails were delicious. Clean, well maintained, a comfortable walking distance from Dominical proper and staffed with friendly people, I highly recommend the Villas Rio Mar to anyone. Also, it's a great place to spot some of Costa Ricas beautiful birds, butterflies and big ol' iguanas!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Dale K

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Food, tropical expierence
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel and wonderful service. Lots of wildlife, gorgeous gardens, warm swimming pool. Breakfast was plenty and delicious
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberlee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tameica

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful property. Comfortable rooms
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfecto descanso
Espacioso, cómodo, tranquilo
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alexander, Miami Beach

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was absolutely awesome! We did not encounter anything but kindness, friendliness, and respectful service with everyone we crossed from Front desk, maintenance, cleaning service and especially tne restaurant. A staff on this property. Delightful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful garden.
Lovely garden grounds and great restaurant; tbe shower was weak though and the water never really got hot. Our room was the farthest away from reception so very quiet. The staff were always friendly and helpful, inclucing helping us book the ferry to Nicoya. The breakfast had great choices on the menu also!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Only resort in Dominical.
It's a very nice location. A bit dated but has everything you need. Nice quiet cabanas that are clean and really decent sized. Pool area needs some upgrades. The 2 !!! sunning lounge chairs need to be junked. The restaurant and bar are very nice, and food is great. Breakfasts are top notch. Biggest complaint is the beds. Rock hard. Had terrible time sleeping. Couldn't wait to get home to my bed. We've stayed her two times this year and because of the beds it will be our last.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

David, Green Cove Springs

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always a great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emmaline

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay at Villas Rio Mar. The pool area was great and having access to the restaurant and bar was an added bonus. Restaurant staff are so friendly and accommodating, food is also delicious!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Ralph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
3 night stay
Hotel grounds are beautiful and staff is very friendly. Would like to recognize a man named Joiner who worked in the pool bar and restaurant area. He is an outstanding employee who is extremely helpful and goes out of his way to get to know guests by name. A rare quality!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

gene

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the property grounds are amazing and the rooms are spacious and clean. However, i would not be back - getting to the property there's a long stretch of a dirt-gravel road in such bad condition that we decided not to go in and out of the property just to avoid this bone-jarring driving expereince
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

James

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a really nice property with a good restaurant on site. We loved our room and the property. The food was good. Our room was clean and quiet. We stayed 3 nights and it was very relaxing and fun. The hotel is located 1/2 mile down a very rough gravel road. This didn't bother us and we were glad to be out of downtown Domincal. We walked in to the beach every day. We would recommend this place for sure and would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay. The grounds are beautiful. The pools are nice. We loved our room and patio. Everything was very clean. The restaurant food was very good. The property is located about 1/2 mile down a very rough gravel road. We didn’t mind the location and walked to the beach each morning and evening. The front desk staff was a little less welcoming than some of the places we have been in Costa Rica but it was adequate. The restaurant staff was super friendly and fun. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable, reasonable price
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2024