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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
This seaside hotel offers a perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, with a refreshing pool just steps away from ocean adventures

Choose dates to view prices

Rio Sands Hotel sits oceanside with an inviting outdoor pool and comfortable sun loungers. Guests can stroll through the garden, use in-room WiFi, and prepare meals at the barbecue grills. Former visitors appreciate the quality breakfast and attentive staff.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

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

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
Private bathroom
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Room

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

Junior Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Memory foam bed
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Rio del Mar, a neighborhood in Aptos, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals 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. Boardwalk Bowl and Sky Glider are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching. Visit our Aptos travel guide
View more Motels in Aptos
Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003

What's nearby

  • 500px Photo ID: 99992469 - Doing a series of shooting Sunset on California Coast. If you are from California, you know the challenge that the photographers face.
    Rio Del Mar Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Take a tour
    Seacliff State Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Nice, long hike today. Went down the Bridge Creek Trail, and then to Maple Falls. About an 8-mile total hike. Redwoods everywhere you look, and a deep dark forest that gave lots of 'mood'. We came across a tiny snake! It was just a few inches long, red back, sunning itself on a rock in the middle of the creek.
    The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Coastal Golf Course California
    Seascape Golf Club
    3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Cabrillo College
    2 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station
    45 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)
    53 min drive

Restaurants

  • Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos
    15 min walk
  • Poki Bowl
    16 min walk
  • Starbucks
    17 min walk
  • Marianne's Ice Cream
    16 min walk
  • Sushi Garden - Aptos
    17 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Motel near Capitola Beach
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals provides amenities like a garden and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool along with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • A vending machine, barbecue grills, and luggage storage
  • Smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals 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

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,091 reviews
$128 nightly
The price is $148
Mar 15 - Mar 16
Total with taxes and fees
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
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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
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

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
  • Smoking not allowed

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
  • Paper towels
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Property 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)
  • Kitchen/kitchenette fee: USD 57 per stay
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

As of Mar 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Mar 9, 2026 start from $128, 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 Rio Sands Vacation Rentals pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 33.66 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 32 (subject to availability).

Where is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals located?

Located in Rio del Mar, 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).

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Reviews

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 565 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1004 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and easy walk to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Helpful staff via phone.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire property was serene and enjoyable! And sooo close to the beach!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mimi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great place !

Amazing location and great amenities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location near the old cement ship. A great place to unwind with a pool and hot tub!
The pool and hot tub
Bike ride on the beach
Cool beach houses nearby
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Close to the beach and restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was great, however the pool hours were odd. 10am to 9 pm. The only coffee on site was at the front desk area, which opened at 9 am. The room was good. However the kitchenette had no dishes, not even glasses to get water.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay, impressed with the amenities and what it offers so close to the beach. Staff helpful, great place to stay if you don’t book a beach house, this is next best.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay. The hotel was very clean and the beach is a 2 minute walk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Located away from the hustle and bustle of the beach boardwalk area, yet still family friendly, this hotel is a pleasant getaway to the coast. Beach is a short walk and Aptos dining and grocery stores are a short drive.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic service, quick response time, clean rooms and facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great family hotel

We love staying here due to the proximity to the beach. The different room set-ups are great for families. Easy check-in, good breakfast, cute pool…we’ll be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff (made up for no continental breakfast as advertised- guess had stopped month prior, but coffee in lobby all day) clean and nicely decorated room, great pool, great location-couple minute walk to beach.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool nice. Didn’t have view from room but walk to beach was minutes away
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

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

10/10 Excellent

Emmanuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were nice and clean. The outdoor pool and spa area are nice and clean. 3 min walk to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcos

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

10/10 Excellent

andrew

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

Ignacio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property is nice staff is great perfect location one block from beach
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zuleyda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved the hotel: its location, the room, the pool, and the breakfast area. It's ideal for bringing children.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this sweet little hotel, that is so close to the beach. The pool is nice, and the rooms are clean and comfy. The only thing I would appreciate would be a protein option with their complimentary breakfast. But we loved staying there none-the-less.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 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

Derek

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable and clean. Staff was welcoming and responsive to questions and requests. Enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great for families.

This is a perfect hotel for a family vacation. The pool and BBQ area are perfect. The rooms were clean and very comfortable. The staff was very polite and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025