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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property

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.
Enjoy a comfortable stay with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and sliding glass door leading to an outdoor area.
Relax in style with plush seating, a fireplace, and a dining area.
Two large beds with white linens and blue accents, a flat-screen TV, and a wooden dresser.
Kitchen area with gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and TV.

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 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)
  • 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
(43 reviews)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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)
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Apartment

Apartment

Apartment

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Aptos

When you stay at Rio Sands Hotel in Aptos, you'll be by the ocean, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. .This motel is 4.3 mi (7 km) from Capitola Beach and 9.3 mi (15 km) from Mystery Spot.
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
  • 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 in Aptos with a 24-hour business center and an outdoor pool
Rio Sands Hotel offers 50 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations 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 irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.
Make yourself at home in one of the 50 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include microwaves and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. This motel also features complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.
Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a 24-hour business center, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.

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 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 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

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

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 547 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 282 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1005 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

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff here is top notch! Rooms are clean! It’s not easy to get a room this clean (I know how hard it is). Everyone here pays attention to intricacies of the smooth flow of a lot of activities that are constantly changing. Each party of guests is treated as if they are the only group here. No job is easy. Everyone is super pleasant and helpful. I’m able to get good rest despite my less expensive room location. That’s a reflection of the amazing staff! Respectful fellow guests also 👍 I’ll stay here again :)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Property was nice and clean, right by the beach. Breakfast area was roomy, clean, staffed. Tip top!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcos, Grover Beach

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean affordable stay located yards from the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

David, Chowchilla

Travelled with partner
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

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rimma

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

8/10 Good

Ruben

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

10/10 Excellent

Mike

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

8/10 Good

RM, Pleasant Hill

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was well maintained. One thing was strange. They offer a kitchen with appliances but there were only two coffee mugs present. Not a single dish, glass, fork, knife, pot or pan. Seemed odd to say the least. We worked with our own paper plates, cutlery and food that we brought from home. Working the microwave with any plates was a little funny.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Trinity

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

Clean and close to beach

Only 1 block from beach. Super clean and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

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