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Rio Sands Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are July, 2024 and August, 2024.
July 2024
August 2024

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Fountain
Exterior
Junior Suite | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Breakfast area
Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed | Bathroom | Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
    PoolPool
  • Housekeeping
    HousekeepingHousekeeping
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFiFree WiFi
  • Parking included
    Parking includedParking included
  • Business services
    Business servicesBusiness services

Explore the area

Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Popular LocationRio Del Mar Beach2 min walk
  • Popular LocationSeacliff State Beach3 min walk
  • Popular LocationCapitola Beach14 min drive
  • AirportSan Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)48 min drive
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About the neighborhood

Aptos

Located in Aptos, Rio Sands Hotel is near theme parks and near the beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching.
Visit our Aptos travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in AptosOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk
  • Seacliff State Beach - 3 min walk
  • Seascape Golf Club - 4 min drive
  • New Brighton State Beach - 10 min drive
  • Capitola Beach - 14 min drive

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
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Sushi Garden - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Farm Bakery Ca - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel by the ocean
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, a vending machine, and barbecue grills
  • A computer station and 1 meeting room
  • 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 (daily)

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
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

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: 1 AM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

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 staff will greet guests on arrival
If you are planning to arrive after 1 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

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:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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 fire extinguisher
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.

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

As of Jul 27, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Hotel on Aug 26, 2024 start from $197.0, excluding 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 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: 1 AM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Rio Sands Hotel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

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).

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 498 out of 1004 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 319 out of 1004 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 118 out of 1004 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 1004 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 1004 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

G
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Steffani

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The overnight staff was very rude! We arrived late and I felt that we were being watched on how many people entered the room however the next morning when the a/c wasn’t working, service was no where to be found. I will never book here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mario

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice and clean and peaceful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Rio Sands is a great hotel. We love that you can just walk to the beach from the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place for families. Hot tub and beach plus the rooms with kitchens, can’t beat it!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfectly located, friendly atmosphere! Lovely property!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed many times and it’s my go- to. The only thing I would recommend is adding yogurt or more fruit options to breakfast. The waffles, bananas, cereal and oatmeal was all the same tan-color and taste.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was an all around great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anastasiya

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Roxanne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is my second time here at the hotel. It is a great place if you have children. Our room was spacious and had a small kitchen. The facilities are great and it’s a very convenient location for the beach. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and value
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location and newly renovated room was excellent. Jodie at the front desk made our stay extra special.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Shelly

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Nathan

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
We had reservations for 2 nights, however the first night our daughter came down with a severe flu and very high fever. We had to leave early to get her home and to the doctor. I tried to talk to a supervisor before we left but she was late to work. A housekeeper took my information and said she would have her call me. No one called me back. I waited two days. I attempted to ask for a credit or refund with the property but was told I had to go through Expedia. Expedia tried to assist but Rio Sands refused the credit/refund. Rio Sands’ lack of communication was inexcusable. The fact that no supervisor called shows their level of customer service. Our family has been going there for over 20 years but we won’t be back. The property is not only aged but extremely overpriced. We can stay at a VRBO or Air B&B for the same cost or less. All they had to do was call me themselves and explain. I would have understood & accepted it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rimma

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
We always stay in this hotel because nice quiet location and we have everything what we need in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Saurabh

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean property with good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Kathleen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
really cute property
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice little property. The only complaint is it was very hot in the room and no AC. However we do understand that usually it is not needed except during a heat wave. We made it work and it was pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Sherree

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Suzanne Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room we booked was supposed to have 2 Queens and a full sofa bed, there was only a twin pull out. We had 6 people in our group, which means we would have to put 3 people in 1 of the queens. I tried talking with the lady at the front desk letting her know the room was not what was advertised and we needed a roll away or a different room. She kept saying it was what we booked and that there were no other rooms. I kept showing her the reservation. The parking lot wasnt full and showing rooms online that could fit our needs. There werent rooms at any other hotels near us available that night. I went back to the office to try again, and she was nowhere to be found. I waited for 15 min before another customer showed up. They had waited over an hour to check in earlier and the lady had disappeared on them too. We waited for an hour, even walking the property to try and find her. She finally showed back up at 11:00 (to close the office) and had been drinking. She couldn’t hold a conversation with me and didn’t seem to understand anything I was saying, even tripping over herself. I went back to our room and 3 of us had an awful nights sleep in one bed. BUT, the next morning there was a young man in the office. I explained the situation. He wholeheartedly apologized and easily got rooms that fit our needs. He was so helpful and kind. The property itself was very clean and quiet. The room we ended up in was perfect for families. The breakfast did need more protein options though.

General hotel information

Reasons to Book
Outdoor Pool
Check-In Time
4:00 PM
Check-Out Time
11:00 AM
Star Rating
2.0