Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with a 24-hour business center and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Situated in a lush garden, this planter features a rustic design on a circular base surrounded by greenery and a unique metal fence.
Kitchen area with gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and TV.
Relax in style with plush seating, a fireplace, and a dining area.
Enjoy a comfortable stay with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and sliding glass door leading to an outdoor area.
Two large beds with white linens and blue accents, a flat-screen TV, and a wooden dresser.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

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

Family Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(43 reviews)

Highlights

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(17 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)

Highlights

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

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

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

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

Highlights

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

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

Highlights

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

Similar properties

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
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafe - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel near Capitola Beach
Rio Sands Hotel provides amenities like a garden and a 24-hour business center. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Luggage storage, 1 meeting room, and a computer station
  • A vending machine, barbecue grills, and a banquet hall
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All 50 rooms 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

Languages

English, Spanish

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
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

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

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Computer station
  • Meeting room

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
  • Banquet hall
  • 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
  • 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)
  • A kitchen/kitchenette is available for an additional fee
  • 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 Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rio Sands Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Rio Sands Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Hotel?

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 Hotel?

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

Where is Rio Sands Hotel 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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Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 545 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1000 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

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

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

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

10/10 Excellent

Zuleyda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved the hotel: its location, the room, the pool, and the breakfast area. It's ideal for bringing children.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love how close it was to the beach, my family and I definitely took advantage of walking there and back on our stay.
Stayed 1 night 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

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great location! Room was clean and comfortable. Loved the pool and hot tub and the continental breakfast was a nice plus. Walking distance to the beach and to restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 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

8/10 Good

Lourdes

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean property. Easy walk to beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean affordable stay located yards from the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 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

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place! It’s been remodeled and is very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best hotel on our trip a short walk to the beach as well
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was great as always. Love the proximity to the beach. 2 blocks and you're there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance from the beach. Has washer and dryer, pool, hot tub great food near by. Rooms are small but your are not really in the room that long. The front desk was amazing! Brooke was great!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was quiet and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in May 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

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

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They have a great hot tub and pool! Beach is close, awesome coffeehouse close, nice restaurant is close. This is a nice getaway place!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 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

Isaiah

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

8/10 Good

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, clean, and well-maintained room upon arrival. Quiet and close to beach and dining. Breakfast options not what it used to be. All bread, no protein in any form (eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurt). No daily service of rooms...needed to ask for a change of towels at front desk. Staff at front desk was very kind, helpful, and obliging to provide what was requested.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Christi

Liked: Cleanliness
Love the location! Last time we stayed upstairs in the same building as the office. This time we were downstairs by parking and it wasn’t as nice-lacked privacy too,
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rimma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025