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Villas Rio Mar

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

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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
  • Air conditioning

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

View all photos for Villa

Blackout drapes, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

View all photos for Superior Room

Blackout drapes, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Junior Suite

Blackout drapes, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

Highlights

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

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  • Pool
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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 319 reviews
The price is P7,987
P9,025 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Hotel Cuna Del Angel
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About the neighborhood

Map
Dominical Beach, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 1350

What's nearby

  • Playa Dominical - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Hacienda Baru - 3 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Playa Dominicalito - 5 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge - 7 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Nauyaca Waterfalls - 10 min drive - 8.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Moromo - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪La Junta - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Scala - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Fuego Brew Company - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante La Parcela - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Villas Rio Mar

Situated by the ocean, Villas Rio Mar is a great choice for a stay in Bahía 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.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 48 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level
DONE

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
DONE

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
DONE

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
DONE

Children

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

Pets

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

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

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

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

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 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

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.

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

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
Family friendly
River

What guests liked

  • The pools were fantastic, nice, great, and amazing, offering a lovely place to enjoy after days at the beach. (22 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 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

Comfortable Retreat

Nice location. Clean room.
Donald, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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

8/10 Very 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 Exceptional

Perfect
Federico, 1-night trip

8/10 Very 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 Exceptional

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

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful experience. Lovely staff.
tim, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

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

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful property. Comfortable rooms
Tameica, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent service, beautiful setting, good food and the perfect location. Can’t ask for much more, I highly recommend Villas Rio Mar!
Shane, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Alexander, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice place, rooms can improve
Leonardo Arroyo, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Villas are located front of the Barú river. About half a km from the beach. No nature trails in the property, but you can hang out and swim in the river.
Jorge, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Gretchen, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Villas Rio Mar has a convenient location in Dominical ; about 10 min walk to town / 3 min drive and 20 min walk to the beach / 7 min drive. The small cabanas are cute and comfortable. The pools are nice to enjoy after days at the beach. The restaurant is good and has very nice staff and the breakfast is good. The only thing we found when comparing to the multiple other places we stayed at is that its operated too much like a resort and too little like other places in Costa Rica (cozier / pura vida / more homey like).
Marie-Josée, 4-night trip

8/10 Very good

Property was very nice. Pool was great. Rooms had lovely air conditioning. Breakfast was a plus. Coffee was only so so. There was one manager or employee in the dining/bar area that was not helpful, boarding on rude. He was older with glasses. We were a party of 6 and my sons girlfriend was the only person who was asked for her room number at the buffet. Mind you we had been there 3 days already. One evening she went to the bar to get a water and he wouldn’t sell it to her. Not sure what his problem was but it needs to be addressed. We understand basic Spanish but he would only say “No”. If I had heard about it at the time I would have spoken to the front desk myself.
julie, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Superó mis expectativas.

Mejor que en las fotos, lo cual no suele suceder.
Jorge, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Recomendado

Excelente lugar, tranquilo. Excelente atención del personal
Rigoberto, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A nice stay at this hotel. Was better than expected and the food at the Crocodile restaurant was awesome.
Benjamin, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

Excelente servicio ! La comida muy rica ! Muy céntrico
Kimberly, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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 Exceptional

The property was gorgeous and peaceful and the staff so friendly and polite. Everything was perfectly clean and we were greeted with a complementary beverage upon arrival. Breakfast is included and delicious. You will definelty get your moneys worth at this place.
ADELA, 1-night trip