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Villas Rio Mar

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

Choose dates to view prices

Villas Rio Mar blends nature and adventure near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons. Guests can enjoy a swim-up bar, international cuisine with pool views, and explore hiking, biking, and mini golf. Free in-room WiFi and attentive staff are available.
VIP Access

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

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Room options

View all photos for Villa

Villa

Villa

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

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

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room

Superior Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

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 Twin Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)

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
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About the area

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Moromo - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪La Junta - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Scala - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Mono Congo - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Fuego Brew Company - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Villas Rio Mar

Hotel near Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons
Located close to Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge and Nauyaca Waterfalls, Villas Rio Mar provides free full breakfast, a swim-up bar and a poolside bar. Active travellers can enjoy hiking/biking trails at this hotel. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a body treatment, a massage or a manicure/pedicure. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, El Rancho, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, light fare and pool views. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a terrace and a garden.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • 2 outdoor pools along with sunloungers, pool umbrellas and a swim-up bar
  • Free self-parking
  • An outdoor tennis court, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and an electric car charging station
  • A TV in reception, tour/ticket information and a billiards/pool table
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Villas Rio Mar feature thoughtful touches, such as furnished patios and air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and separate sitting areas.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Recycling and LED light bulbs
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Separate sitting areas, free infant beds and ceiling fans

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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
  • In-room 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 (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

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 are allowed for an extra charge of CRC 13000 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
4 children, up to the age of 4 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Free cots are available on request at the property

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

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

Does Villas Rio Mar have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools. Pool access is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Is Villas Rio Mar pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). There's a fee of CRC 13000 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at Villas Rio Mar?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Villas Rio Mar?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Villas Rio Mar?

Checkout is at noon.

Does Villas Rio Mar provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of CRC 33600 per person applies.

Where is Villas Rio Mar located?

Situated by the ocean, this hotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Sunset Surf Dominical - Day Lessons, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge and Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Nauyaca Waterfalls and Marino Ballena National Park are also within 16 mi (25 km).

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Villas Rio Mar Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 355 out of 621 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 185 out of 621 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 55 out of 621 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 621 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 621 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

Luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent facilities and the staff’s customer service is awesome. Great breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alcides

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of my favorite hotels. It’s clean, the swimming pool is nice, and the staff is very kind. There are many beautiful beaches nearby. They also have an electric outlet available for charging electric cars, which is very convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such helpful staff, both at front desk and at the restaurant!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was amazing. Our villa was super cute & comfortable. The staff were very friendly & helpful. The restaurant on site was excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property. Very quiet and secluded. Many iguanas, birds and other animals there. They even have a pickleball court at the entrance of the property.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Marius

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Federico

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Perfect
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott

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

10/10 Excellent

tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful experience. Lovely staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

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

8/10 Good

Sileny

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

Tameica

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

10/10 Excellent

Shane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent service, beautiful setting, good food and the perfect location. Can’t ask for much more, I highly recommend Villas Rio Mar!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

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

8/10 Good

Leonardo Arroyo

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place, rooms can improve
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen

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

8/10 Good

Marie-Josée

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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).
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gretchen

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

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

8/10 Good

julie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Johnny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy buen desayuno y personal muy amable
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Bernardo

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Agustin

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The good: The lush vegatation around the room area is really nice. Lots of birds and small animals. The bad: The poor maintenance. No hot water. A/C didn't work the first night. Stained bed sheets. Rude reception staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025