Hotel Villas Gaia

3.0 star property
Family beach fun and 2 outdoor pools

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel Villas Gaia

2 outdoor pools
Balcony view
2 bars/lounges, poolside bar
Standard Villa, 1 Bedroom | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, in-room safe
Property grounds

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Breakfast included

Explore the area

Map
35KM al Sur de Dominical, En playa de Osa, Ballena, Puntarenas
  • Playa Ballena
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Ventanas Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Playa Tortuga
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Drake Bay (DRK)
    ‪158 min drive‬

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Room options

Family Villa

  • 775 sq ft
  • Sleeps 8
  • 1 Double Bed and 3 Twin Beds

Superior Villa, Garden View

  • Partial ocean view
  • 388 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Standard Villa, 1 Bedroom

  • 388 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the neighborhood

Ballena

Hotel Villas Gaia places you next to Playa Ballena and within a 10-minute walk of Pinuela Beach. This 14-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 outdoor pools, free breakfast, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Playa Ballena - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Pinuela Beach - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Ventanas Beach - 4 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Uvita Beach - 9 min drive - 5.7 miles
  • Playa Tortuga - 11 min drive - 4.4 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizzeria La Fogata - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Heliconia - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sibu - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Time - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Marino Ballena - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Hotel Villas Gaia

Family beach fun and 2 outdoor pools
Guests staying at Hotel Villas Gaia enjoy access to 2 outdoor pools, a children's pool, and free WiFi in public areas. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for CRC 120000 per vehicle roundtrip. A multilingual staff is on hand to assist with luggage storage, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a library, free newspapers, and a terrace.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Select Comfort beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries. Furnished balconies, sitting areas, and ceiling fans are also standard.
2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children's pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Beach shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's pool
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Terrace

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 1996
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Limited room service

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Individual decor
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for CRC 7000.0 per night
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: CRC 120000 per vehicle (roundtrip)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: CRC 120000 (roundtrip)
  • Rollaway bed fee: CRC 7000.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
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
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Hotel Villas Gaia
Hotel Villas Gaia Ballena
Villas Gaia Ballena
Villas Gaia
Hotel Villas Gaia Hotel
Hotel Villas Gaia Ballena
Hotel Villas Gaia Hotel Ballena

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Hotel Villas Gaia?

Hotel Villas Gaia offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to do close to Hotel Villas Gaia?

This hotel in Ballena is within a 10-minute walk of Playa Ballena and Pinuela Beach. You'll also find Marino Ballena National Park and Ventanas Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Hotel Villas Gaia?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa at Hotel Villas Gaia?

Spa services at the hotel include massages.

Does Hotel Villas Gaia have a casino?

No, Hotel Villas Gaia doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Hotel Villas Gaia?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools.

Is Hotel Villas Gaia good for couples?

There are many amenities for couples at this hotel, including in-room massages as well as 2 outdoor pools and a poolside bar.

Does Hotel Villas Gaia have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Hotel Villas Gaia feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hotel Villas Gaia serves free breakfast (local cuisine) each morning from its restaurant.

Will Hotel Villas Gaia allow pets to stay for free?

Yes, pets stay free at Hotel Villas Gaia.

Does Hotel Villas Gaia have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Hotel Villas Gaia?

The closest major airport to Hotel Villas Gaia is Drake Bay (DRK), which is about 27.4 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Hotel Villas Gaia?

Yes, every guestroom at Hotel Villas Gaia comes with a furnished balcony with some featuring ocean or garden views.

Does Hotel Villas Gaia have a wedding venue on site?

There are wedding services available at Hotel Villas Gaia if that's in your vacation plans.

Hotel Villas Gaia Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 103 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 103 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 103 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 103 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 103 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our villa was located at the front of the property and there is 24/7 noisy heaven truck traffic on the road not twenty yards away. Also the signs on the main road are tiny and easy to miss. Jose, the manager, was wonderfully accomodating and made up for any other deficits with his helpfulness.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great little hotel located on the main highway just outside Ojochal. Ambience was jungle perfect with a peekaboo view of the ocean. A good walk from the beach but no problem if you have a car. Truck noise at night was annoying at times. Restaurant and meals were excellent.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The propert consists of several different cottages spread throughout the property and offer a great deal of privacy. The staff was very friendly and helpful at the front desk and restaurant. However, the room was fairly dirty. There was a significant amount of mold in the shower and brown stains on the purportedly clean towells. While the floors looked like they had been swept, it also appeared as though it needed a good mopping. Needless to say i was very happy to only have stayed one night there.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great swimming pool!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

VILLA Gaia

The staff were always friendly and helpful. Jose at the front desk was a pleasure. The pool was fantastic with ocean views. The casita we were in was comfortable for the 4 of us, but the AC was super loud and only in one room. Running it kept my daughter from sleeping well, but we didn't really have a choice since the area is so hot and humid. The entrance door to the casita was beautiful, but really hard to lock. It felt a little insecure and left a huge gap when closed that allowed bugs in. The shower was great and hot, and the beds were comfy. All in all, and despite the little things in the room, our stay was enjoyable. I would recommend as an affordable and comfortable option close to Uvita.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Trip to Ojochal.

The place needs lots of repairs. We changed rooms twice. The staff was great. The owner needs to spend money. It's great for seeing monkeys and Toucans.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service

Disregarded my reservation and gave room away

This hotel had my reservation, but gave all their rooms away. When I arrived, they just said sorry we don't have any rooms left. Had to scramble to find a room in the area during very busy holiday season. Also, didn't even process a refund quickly.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Peacefull place, excellent place to relax and share with the family. Nice places around the hotel, like Uvita and Ventanas
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It's a nice place, the first day we didn't got the room we booked and some stuff was damaged, but everything clean. The next day the woman from the staff was so kind and with the best attitude and change us from room where everything was perfect. Really nice place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Gustavo, San Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, nice and confort Hotel. Nice pool with great ocean views
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

6/10 Okay

Ray, Minnesota

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The biggest issue was at night there would be cockroaches, lots of ants, and other insects in our room. Considering we were literally staying in the forest we couldn’t be too mad. We were a more adventurous group so we kept with our booking, but I know many people would have asked to change hotels. The location was farther out than we expected so we ended up renting a car. Car rental is a must for this location. The staff was wonderful and very kind. Breakfast each morning was a highlight. The pool was also a great amenity. Our WiFi barely worked in our room so we often just hung out in the community area in the evening.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everyone was very nice and great service. The grounds were beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Ideal rainforest villa

Comfortable accommodation with lovely pool area with views to the sea. Lots of wildlife seen from the property
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mary G., Boise, Idaho

Great place to settle for a few days

My husband and I stayed for 3 nights, and enjoyed the beautiful grounds, we especially enjoyed the terrace at sunset looking for wildlife. Toucans and monkeys were there to entertain us. The room had a nice deck to sit on! The staff was helpful and attentive!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Melissa, Costa Rica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Comfortable villa with friendly staff

The hotel was a very nice jungle villa with a pool, comfortable rooms and good breakfast. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The location is ok if you are driving your own car as it is within 5-10 minutes of Ventanas, Piñuela and Uvita beaches. It is close to Tortuga beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Randal, Seattle

Disliked: Room comfort

Nice place, but needs better management.

Cottage was in some disrepair: a/c problem, plumbing problem. Kitchenette completely un-equipped. Lighting poor, poorly located. Service spotty. Someone could make this into a great place. Beautiful pool!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Rachel, PA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful hotel, surrounded by pure beauty

The hotel was beautiful. Wonderful scenery, warm pool, helpful and kind staff, and so close to so many great things! Playa tortuga is not a swimming beach but was pretty to walk along.. no one for miles. We rented a car so we drove to nearby beaches (Ventana, Hermoso, Ballena). It is reasonably close to Corcovado, Manuel Antonio.. Near great waterfalls like El Pavon and Nayuayaca. The hotel is right next to the town Ojochal, "the culinary capital of Costa Rica". Great restaurants.. French, German, Canadian owned, etc. The hotel itself had great food too. Never ate lunch but dinner and breakfesr was great! If you are looking to see monkeys, you are in a great spot. Howler and white face monkeys come and go. They can be seen at morning and at night, sometimes in between. The only negative part of the hotel was that our door was not correctly on the hinges so it didn't close properly. Regardless I rate the hotel five stars!

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Old room, great restaurant

Friendly staff, room quite old, breakfast ok, dinner was amazing

8/10 Good

Robert, Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice individual villa. Some could be close to highway. Ask for one by pool. Closed to nature. Very good restaurant

6/10 Okay

Lee, Saskatoon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice hotel - stay away from rooms near the road.

This hotel is quite nice, but has units near then road. These are excessively noisy as they are near the highway. Upon check in, we were told that we had to move to a different unit after our first night. The unit they put us in was meant for a family. It was dated and uncomfortable. The air conditioning didn't work properly and my husband and I had to sleep in the two single beds under the barely functioning air conditioner. Sleeping in the far back room in the Queen bed wasn't even an option. The door to the unit did not close all the way and there was a large gap between the sliding glass doors. We ended up stuffing our own beach blanket in there in an attempt to keep bugs and other critters from coming in. Having to move the next day was not enjoyable due to having to repack everything. The stay in the new unit was more enjoyable but left us with a bit of a negative opinion of this place.

10/10 Excellent

Tricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel at good value

The hotel and the view of the ocean were beautiful. Nice pool and great food. Right by Osa Penninsula and easy drive to Manuel Antonio.

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Carroll

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed all, the grounds and views and the food was spectacular!