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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Outdoor pool, pool loungers
Deluxe Suite, Kitchen | Living area
Deluxe Suite, Kitchen | Living area
Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen
Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Place, Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Seacliff State Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Seascape Golf Club
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪63 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
(13 reviews)

Highlights

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

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
(12 reviews)

Highlights

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

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single 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
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
Hairdryer
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the area

Aptos

At Rio Sands Vacation Rentals you'll be within a short 5-minute stroll of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. Highlights at this motel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .This smoke-free motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a picnic area and luggage storage. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this Rio del Mar motel include Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cabrillo College - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 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 in Aptos with free parking
As a guest of Rio Sands Vacation Rentals, you'll find an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals also features a garden, a picnic area, and laundry facilities. Self parking is free.

This Aptos motel is smoke free.

  • 40 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers 40 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.

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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 transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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)
  • Kitchen/kitchenette fee: USD 57 per stay
  • 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 Vacation Rentals?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yep, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yep, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is a short 2-minute walk from Rio Del Mar Beach.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a pool?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals 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 Vacation Rentals?

No, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Check-in begins at 4 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 563 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 253 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1000 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Whitney

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The staff was great and the place is very clean. However, the bed was like a 50 year old spring mattress that 30 people slept in the middle of for 10 years. AWFUL! Every time i moved the sound woke me up. I spent my last night on the floor cuz my back was a wreck. No hot water in my shower. Until i moved it to COLD. Not even a small area to smoke. In the dark i had to stand on the street corner
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
I had a second-floor room in the main building of the property. It was decent but could have been cleaner, especially the bathtub, microwave, and small refrigerator. A few months ago I stayed in a room in the Sands Building of the property, and it was outstanding. I expected a lot based on that prior visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dario

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

4/10 Poor

Jakoub

Thin walls
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

MARIA

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

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Travelled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Jenell, Fresno

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

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Check-in was smooth. The king room with a balcony is great. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

ERIC

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin, Garden Grove

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

8/10 Good

Keo

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was ok. Nice place but no breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They no longer provide breakfast, but everything else was very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

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

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

Lori

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

8/10 Good

Julianne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
this was a nice hotel but there were no drinking glasses in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 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

Lauralee

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved that I could just walk around the corner to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was recently updated and clean. Bed was on the firmer side, which I like. The only thing to keep in mind is that they give you a pool towel card with your room keys, and the card says $20 fee if you dont return the card to the front desk before leaving. The front desk doesn't open until 8 a.m., however. Just something to keep in mind.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

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

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the location. Surprisingly comfortable and exceeded my expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Elizabeth

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Dennis

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025