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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
Junior Suite
Interior
Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom
Apartment | Private kitchen

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View 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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed - double
  • 1 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 - king
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(46 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 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
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
(18 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - double
  • 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
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin 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
Hairdryer
  • 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
Hairdryer
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬16 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

Bar (on property)

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 1,007 reviews
The price is NZ$263
includes taxes & fees
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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
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.

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. 550 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1004 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

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Stayed 1 night in May 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

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Practically on the beach, easy walk to restaurants. I think it's recently remodeled. Everything seemed pretty new in the king suite I had. Only complaint is there is almost no where to put anything in the bathroom, just the back of the toilet, pretty much.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benedict

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilder

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful place,\. I will stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Brooke

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Way better than expected and just what we were hoping for! Comfortable, clean and near the ocean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our favorite place and kid friendly! Wish they could add some thing to their breakfast options but at least pixie deli provides!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

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

Walk on the beach, swim, sleep, eat, and relax

My husband and I have stayed at the Rio Sands there in Aptos, CA several times over the years and have enjoyed them immensely. We will be returning for sure. It is a block away from the ocean and beach and a lovely neighborhood. Just a short drive into the main village area and you can shop Safeway, dine at many different restaurants, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kelsey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Everything about this hotel was great until I checked out. I was heading home which was a 3hr drive when halfway home I realized I forgot a couple shirts in the drawer. I immediately called and no answer so I left a message. Then email them. I got an email back saying my stuff has been put in the lost and found. I asked if they could take it out and mail it to me. I would pay the cost of shipping. I got no answer. Then a couple days later I get an email saying my stuff is no longer in lost and found. So I called them. They answered. Apparently my stuff was never found. It’s a couple t shirts people. I don’t know why they were so shady about it. Why would you even tell me you found it in the first place. It was just weird and sad. Other than the sketchy staff. The hotel and surroundings was great. The beach is a 2 min walk of that. And there’s a pizza place/cafe right around the corner that was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Victoria

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Nicole

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Walk to the beach

Great budget hotel to stay with kids
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sara

So cold

If you like cold showers this is the place to go. Staff didn’t seem to care about the freezing showers either. Wouldn’t recommend or ever stay there again
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Travelled with family and small children
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