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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
The current price is NZ$265
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May

Explore the area

Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Seacliff State Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Seascape Golf Club
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪49 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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite

Family Suite

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

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
Private bathroom
  • 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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Junior Suite

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 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

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
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

Highlights

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

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 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
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 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

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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

Highlights

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

Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 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 - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
  • New Brighton State Beach - 14 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Capitola Beach - 14 min drive - 7.1 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, 1,148 reviews
The price is NZ$235
includes taxes & fees
22 May - 23 May
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

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
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. 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.

How much does it cost to stay at Rio Sands Hotel?

As of 16 May 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Hotel on 18 May 2025 start from NZ$264.68, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

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. 534 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 288 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1003 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Isaiah

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

6/10 Okay

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Rio Sands is a cozy and clean place to land! The staff is extremely helpful, and the employees seem to take pride in their work.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tabitha

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

Great Stay.

Wonderful place to stay! The room was clean, cozy, and smelled good. The pool and hot tub area was well maintained and welcoming. The front desk staff at check in and check out were friendly and efficient. They offer complimentary breakfast which was in a nice room that was also very clean and inviting. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my 3rd time staying at this property and I love it. Steps from the beach and convenient dining options (coffee shop etc) , the pool/hot tub area is really nice, and it is a beautiful little area of Aptos to stay. The rooms are simple - clean and comfortable. The beds are so comfortable with lots of pillows :) The breakfast might need some work but otherwise, awesome place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kalani

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

8/10 Good

Paul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location, clean room, friendly staff but the shower was too cold. It never got even warm.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

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

Good stay

We had a very good stay at this hotel. The town was quiet and charming, making for a peaceful and relaxing visit. The hotel itself was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with everything we needed for a pleasant night’s rest. However, one major disappointment was that the front office wasn’t open early, which was inconvenient for travelers like us who needed to check out or get assistance in the morning. Even more frustrating, breakfast wasn’t served until 7:30 AM, but we had to leave by 7:00 AM. Most hotels serve breakfast around 6:00 AM, so this was a real downside for early risers or those on a schedule. Despite that, everything else about the stay was great—friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and a nice atmosphere. If you’re not in a hurry in the morning, this hotel is a solid choice. Otherwise, plan ahead for breakfast elsewhere.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

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

8/10 Good

Samantha

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location. Very friendly people. Great breakfast and outdoor area. The bathroom and shower could use an update and maybe a small table of any kind would have been helpful. Nice room the sofa bed was comfortable as well.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wade

Travelled with family and small children
Great location. Lovely pool and hot tub.
Stayed 1 night 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

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like staying here when I’m in Aptos. Although it is an older motel, it has been kept up well. For the price it’s perfect. It is a short walk to the beach or a 4.8 star restaurant beachside. If you are ok with a bit outdated but well kept and perfect beach hotel, this really is it. A gem.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Nanette

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Its a clean nice place thats reasonably priced and super close to the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

By the seashore

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Nice location, lacking in a few things

The staff were helpful and the breakfast decent, but our room had a funky smell and wasn’t very clean. The bathroom had dirt and hair on the floor. I don’t think we’d stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent! Love this place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Hot tub not working. No hot water which meant no shower. Wasn’t told at check-in. Night clerk was very nice and helpful. She comped our room for the inconvenience and lack of information. Bed was comfortable and room temperature was perfect. Despite not being able to shower slept really good. Will stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy and clean, as usual!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025