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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Rio Sands Hotel sits oceanside with an inviting outdoor pool and comfortable sun loungers. Guests can stroll through the garden, use in-room WiFi, and prepare meals at the barbecue grills. Former visitors appreciate the quality breakfast and attentive staff.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed

Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed

kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed | Living area | Flat-screen TV

kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Suite

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Memory foam bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Capitola Wharf - 5 min drive - 4.0 miles

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Motel near Capitola Beach
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises, barbecue grills, and a vending machine
  • Luggage storage
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offer amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Bar (on property)

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,025 reviews
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 33.66
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 32

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Early check-in fee: USD 33.66 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 32 (subject to availability)
  • Kitchen/kitchenette fee: USD 57 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per night

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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Guests should contact this hotel in advance to request a dishware/utensils kit (surcharge applies).

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Rio Sands
Rio Sands Aptos
Rio Sands Hotel
Rio Sands Hotel Aptos
Rio Sands Hotel Motel
Rio Sands Hotel Aptos
Rio Sands Hotel Motel Aptos

Frequently asked questions

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 33.66 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 32 (subject to availability).

Where is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals located?

Situated by the ocean, this motel is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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Reviews

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

8.4

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 255 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location near the old cement ship. A great place to unwind with a pool and hot tub!
The pool and hot tub
Bike ride on the beach
Cool beach houses nearby
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the place !
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

VERONICA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, staff is friendly and walking distance to beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best beds and pillows ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool nice. Didn’t have view from room but walk to beach was minutes away
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old charm Fireplace breakfast with room Walk to the beach Coffee shop/ Pastries Deli
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this sweet little hotel, that is so close to the beach. The pool is nice, and the rooms are clean and comfy. The only thing I would appreciate would be a protein option with their complimentary breakfast. But we loved staying there none-the-less.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay here a couple times every year! Even though it’s dated and not fancy, the jacuzzi and proximity to beach along with kitchenettes make it a no brainer to take a short family trip! Very family friendly as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place was clean, beautiful area by the beach
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love staying there every year. And love the pool and just a little shocked at how small the breakfast has gotten
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly hotel that is close to the beach. Kids also loved the breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

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

Great vibes amazing location

Amazing location one block from the beach! We usually rent VRBOs but for the low cost and location, this place was amazing. It isn’t super fancy, but it is very clean and well-maintained. Great location! I spent 3 days on the beach and had a long beach walks every morning. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaiah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

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

First Class Service

The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our third time at this hotel. It’s a great family friendly place with the beach so close by. The free breakfast has got progressively more budget over the years and now no eggs but the children love making their own waffles.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Amenities
Great place. Thanks to front desk clerk for upgrading our room we booked through 3rd party since they had a bigger room available!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room and love how close it is to the beach
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay! Right by the beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s a really nice place to stay. Close to the beach. The beds are wonderful and comfortable. Beautiful pool and hot tub also.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa Milano

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and super clean
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, quiet, nice staff and well worth the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

tami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the beach and affordable
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Edward

Disliked: Staff & service
You need to ask for towels. We had a reservation for 4 we did not get enough towels or coffee mugs. We had the TV on pst 10pm and someone called and said we needed to keep it down when the volume was only at 4. The area is beautiful beach is one short walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wade

Great location. Lovely pool and hot tub.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

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