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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with 24-hour business centre and outdoor pool

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Fountain
Apartment | Private kitchen
Deluxe Suite, Kitchen | Living area
Junior Suite
Outdoor pool, pool loungers

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Seacliff State Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Capitola Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Room options

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

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen | Living area

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

Family Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(40 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds 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

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Apartment

Apartment

Apartment

Highlights

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

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, Kitchen

Deluxe Suite, Kitchen | Living area

Deluxe Suite, Kitchen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Aptos

Rio Sands Hotel places you steps from Rio Del Mar Beach and within a short 5-minute stroll of Seacliff State Beach. Highlights at this motel include an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking and a 24-hour business centre. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and a computer station. Other amenities include barbecues, a picnic area and luggage storage. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this Aptos motel include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
View more Motels in AptosOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 5 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 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 in Aptos with 24-hour business centre and outdoor pool
A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Business amenities include a 24-hour business centre and a meeting room. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at Rio Sands Hotel. Self parking is free.

This Aptos motel is smoke free.

  • 50 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business centre (24 hours)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • 1 conference room
Rio Sands Hotel offers 50 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

This Aptos motel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Housekeeping is offered on request and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Outdoor pool

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 1,100 reviews
The price is NZ$272
includes taxes & fees
8 July - 9 July
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 transport

  • 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 centre
  • 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 lift
  • 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
  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are available

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 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

Renovations and closures

The following facilities or services will be unavailable from June 11 2025 to June 12 2025 (dates subject to change):
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in 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

What is the cancellation policy at Rio Sands Hotel?

Rio Sands Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Rio Sands Hotel?

Yep, Rio Sands Hotel has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Rio Sands Hotel?

Yep, Rio Sands Hotel is a short 2-minute walk from Rio Del Mar Beach.

Does Rio Sands Hotel have a pool?

Rio Sands Hotel has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The swimming pool will be unavailable from June 11 2025 to June 12 2025 (dates subject to change).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Rio Sands Hotel?

No, Rio Sands Hotel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Rio Sands Hotel?

Check-in begins at 4 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Rio Sands Hotel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 541 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 286 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1006 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

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The location is wonderful with it being 2 blocks from the beach. Room #115 needs floors to be replaced.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

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

Recommended but You Should Know a Few Things.

We liked this place but...it's a little beach funky and worn. Wouldn't mind if I was looking at the ocean but we were looking at some houses. Breakfast is meh. Staff was very friendly, and the location is close to the ocean. I lived in Rio Del Mar a long time ago, and if you didn't already know, it can be foggy and cold a lot of the time. Still beautiful, but it's not for everyone. You can head up to Seacliff and have dinner at Manuel's and ice cream at Marianne's. Enjoy!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

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

Great spot

Wonderful place and great value. Close to beach. Nice pool, hot tub, Coleman spacious room. Breakfast options limited
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Douglas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nestled in a peaceful residential area. One block from the beach. Nice walking area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesus A

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was awesome the staff was very friendly I recommend it to any family that's willing to come to the oceanfront. The rooms were very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wilfred

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

Great location and relaxation

We’ve stayed here before and the easy access to the beach coupled with the nice pool and hot tub makes this one of our favorite places to vacation not to mention the clean rooms, comfy beds, and quiet neighborhood. The only thing that could be better is the “continental breakfast”…we expected at least some eggs and potatoes but all there was, was cereal, oats, toast and some coffee; not much else. So we decided to eat out.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The floors were filthy. I know this because I spilled some water and when I wiped it up with a bath towel it was black. I booked the family room so my granddaugher who is one could stay with me. I couldn't let her crawl on the floor because it was so dirty. I asked for housekeeping to clean it and they never came. I asked again and still nothing. Also the drapes didn't completely cover the windows and anyone could see into the room. I asked for this to be remedied and it wasn't. I had to put up blankets over the window which the front desk staff assisted with but it was just unacceptable to be in a room without curtains for privacy.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessie

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rose

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

10/10 Excellent

Tammy Jo, Sutter Creek

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My gosh what is there that is not good to say about this place that isnt less then the perfect place for me!! The staff was great the location was great rooms were clean and it was quiet and so peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
The property and room were both clean. Best part was its location to the beach! The walls were thin and you could hear everything. The pull out beds were very worn and you could feel the springs. The younger lady at the counter was absolutely amazing and brought pads over to help. She was great but the lady who works night shift is very rude and unpleasant! Since the walls are very thin our neighbors called at 9:30 to complain our family card game was to loud. We are a family of 5 with three teenage kids. They advertise a kitchen but have no kitchen utensils, cups or anything!! If it rains they close the pool and hot tub as well. The shower pressure is not great and i couldn't wait to get home to shower. The continental breakfast consisted of bread, 2 different cereal, oatmeal and waffles. The property has a lot of potential if they put a little bit more money to make the stay better. Though the location was great we will look else where for our next stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francisco

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

MERCEDITA

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice walk to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bejarano

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Travelled with family and small children
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

Barbara

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie, West Linn

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really comfortable and clean. The location was wonderful.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025