We stayed four wonderful nights in Villas Rio Mar and contemplated remaining there for the remainder of our two week vacation. Although one of the more expensive options in Dominical, this resort lives up to everything they promise and more. Our room was clean and well equipped, the a/c was in good working order, there was a small fridge on the patio with two cushioned seats. The resort is located down a dirt road that runs along the river, it is only a five minute walk into town and about ten to the beach. If you think you might be out past sunset bring a flash light, the road has some lights and goes right beside the police station so it is safe but it feels a bit better if you can see what is between the road lights. If you do forget your flashlight you might be pleasantly surprised as you gaze up at the amazing stars and watch the fireflies in the field.

The staff are super friendly and helpful, we had problems getting our hot water in the shower working (red is cold/blue is hot) the first night and they had somebody out immediately to assist. The restruant is not the cheapest place to eat in town but perhaps the best food, the tuna sandwich was amazing....anyplace that can make a tuna sandwich taste that delicious is a truly great place to eat. Almost every night we were blessed with an encounter on the patio of creatures with many legs, countless geckos, a giant grasshopper as big as my hand, a huge spider and a very large winged bug with big bulging eyes. We love these sorts of things, if this is not your cup of tea you may not be the happiest at this resort....or any other in Costa Rica for that matter.

Stayed here for a week at the end of Jan/beginning of February. The people that run it are very nice. The restaurant is quite good. Although the breakfast is of the bland American/English type.
Great pool and great location not far from the town and the beach.
I highly recommend asking for a room with AC because the standard room or whatever it's called does NOT have an AC.
Also a secret tip. When using the shower most people are used to cranking the handle all the way till the end to get to the hot water. But here if you merely turn it just a bit (1/2") on or maybe a little more you will have a very hot shower.

Also just a warning if you are not used to amphibians in your room you'll most likely have 1 or 2 geckos or similar species scurrying around your room.

Admittedly, the bumpy dirt road to this hotel does not look very promising, but once you are past the entrance gate, you'll find yourself in a true paradise. Their rooms are nice and spacious, their beds huge. The rooms are scattered throughout the property in a giant park, which is very well taken care of and which adds to the symbiotic touch with the natural surroundings. No complaints, whatsoever!

We stayed here only for two nights but we LOVED it. Great location, great rooms. The scenery was so beautiful you felt very secluded but at the same time you can walk right into the town. The staff was amazing, everyone was extremely nice to us. We did a couple of tours nearby and the tour coordinator at Villas Rio Mar was so nice and helpful. I recommend staying here!!! It was a really great place to stay.