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

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
(9 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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 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

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 - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬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.

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, 1,015 reviews
The price is AU$225
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 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

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:
  • Outdoor pool

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. 560 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 271 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 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

Michelle

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love how close it was to the beach, my family and I definitely took advantage of walking there and back on our stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Fred

Travelled with family
Clean room parking ok. Can be noisy with property across the street and tenants who arrive late at night
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gigi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
My mattress wasn't even across the entire surface. But our suite was spotless, no sand on the floors which isn't so easy this close to the beach. Very clean suite and roomy. Quiet and very close to the beach. Coffee in the continental breakfast room was good, and the fire and comfy chairs added a nice ambiance. We'll be back
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Corinne

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Best part about Rio Sands is how close it is to the beach! That is the only reason they can charge their rates. The King room is just ok, nothing special. There was a terrible stench in the bathroom…not sure if it was in the pipes or a really bad smelling cleaning product. No elevator for 2nd floor room. I appreciated the pool closing at 9pm to stop the screaming kids.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

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

A day away from the Grind

We had a great one night getaway. Hotel is conveniently located by the beach. Literally a 2 minutes walk. Our room came with a kitchenette so we were able to cook our dinner after enjoying a great day at the beach. Rates are reasonable considering the season. I would definitely stay here again. Hopefully soon.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

daniel

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Christi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Love the location! Last time we stayed upstairs in the same building as the office. This time we were downstairs by parking and it wasn’t as nice-lacked privacy too,
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was quiet and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Ignacio

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

ZACHARY

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

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place! It’s been remodeled and is very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Caroline

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

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff was very friendly and courteous. They were very helpful for my late check in as well. The room was very clean and the bed was very comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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