Villas Rio Mar

Hotels
•
Independent
8.8 (117 reviews)
Dominical Beach, Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas, 1350 , Ballena , CR
506-2787-0052

listing image 1
Show all photos
Pets allowed

Facilities

Free breakfast
Boat tours nearby
Electric car charging station
Free WiFi
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Concierge service
Wheelchair accessible
Conference space
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Comfortable
Good location
Cons:
Maintenance issues
Staff attitudes varied

Categories

Cleanliness
7.45
Mixed sentiments; poor maintenance and stained bed sheets mentioned.
Service
9.45
Overall positive experiences with friendly and helpful staff.
Location
8.95
Nice location; short walk to town.
Room Quality
8.95
The villa was cute and comfortable.
Amenities
8.95
Great facilities including a pickleball court.
Value for Money
8.95
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Food and Beverage
8.45
Dinner food was good; breakfast was premade.
Overall Experience
9.25
Overall a comfortable and enjoyable stay despite some issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 16:56

Property Description

Discover paradise at Villas Rio Mar, where tranquility meets adventure in the heart of Ballena.

Wellness Retreat
Indulge in rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and facials designed to refresh your mind and body. Our spa facilities and serene atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

Luxury Amenities
Take advantage of our two outdoor swimming pools, outdoor tennis court, and a swim-up bar. Enjoy delicious international cuisine at El Rancho with stunning garden views, or opt for the convenience of room service.

Convenient Location
Situated mere minutes from breathtaking beaches and Costa Rica's renowned wildlife, you’ll find adventure around every corner. Plus, our complimentary breakfast and friendly concierge services ensure a seamless stay.

Don't miss out on the ultimate escape in Ballena. Book your stay at Villas Rio Mar today!

Important information:

  • 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 hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 4 children 4 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: SJO

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 2

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Children and extra beds

    No rollaway/extra beds available

  • Accessibility

    No elevators

  • Pets

    Pets allowed

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 117 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.45
Service: 9.45
Location: 8.95
Room Quality: 8.95
Amenities: 8.95
Value for Money: 8.95
Food and Beverage: 8.45
Overall Experience: 9.25
A
Alcides • family
10
Pros:

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.

2025-10-02 • via Nuitee
D
Donald
10
Comfortable Retreat
Pros:

Nice location. Clean room.

2025-09-17 • via Nuitee
L
Luis • family
10
Pros:

Excellent facilities and the staff’s customer service is awesome. Great breakfast

2025-09-13 • via Nuitee
N
Nate • partner
10
Pros:

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.

2025-09-01 • via Nuitee
A
Agustin • partner
4
Pros:

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.

2025-08-19 • via Nuitee
F
Federico
10
Pros:

Perfect

2025-08-06 • via Nuitee
K
Katy • family
10
Pros:

This property was amazing. Our villa was super cute & comfortable. The staff were very friendly & helpful. The restaurant on site was excellent.

2025-07-27 • via Nuitee
M
Marius
8
Pros:

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.

2025-07-11 • via Nuitee
A
Alexandra • family
10
Pros:

Such helpful staff, both at front desk and at the restaurant!

2025-06-23 • via Nuitee
B
Benjamin
10
Pros:

A nice stay at this hotel. Was better than expected and the food at the Crocodile restaurant was awesome.

2025-06-17 • via Nuitee
K
Kristy • family
10
Pros:

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.

2025-06-17 • via Nuitee
G
Glenda
10
Pros:

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!!

2025-06-13 • via Nuitee
T
tim
10
Pros:

Wonderful experience.
Lovely staff.

2025-06-02 • via Nuitee
A
Ashley • partner
10
Pros:

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.

2025-05-22 • via Nuitee
A
ADELA • family
10
Pros:

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.

2025-05-12 • via Nuitee
J
Juan • family_with_children
8
Pros:

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

2025-05-11 • via Nuitee
A
Alcides • family
10
Pros:

The staff was very friendly. The room was clean, the pool and the gardens were spacious. The restaurant was delicious and reasonably priced. Electric vehicle outlets are available for those with electric vehicles; just bring your charger.

2025-04-23 • via Nuitee
F
Frank
10
Pros:

Really a great getaway location.
Super nice staff.

2025-03-29 • via Nuitee
L
Lizbeth
10
Pros:

Las instalaciones son excelentes y el personal es muy amable y amistoso .

2025-03-20 • via Nuitee
N
Neisha • family
4
Pros:

Smelled like pee. No air on so was very hot when we arrived and had trouble getting air on. Lizards in room

2025-02-24 • via Nuitee