See all properties
Save

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

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, Capitola Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪46 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
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 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
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk 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
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen 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
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment

Apartment

Apartment

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed 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
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin 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
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 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
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

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

Furnished balcony or patio
Heating
Free cots/infant beds
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Tempur-Pedic bed
  • 10 sq m
  • 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
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the area

Aptos

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals 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 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 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
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 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.

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, 1,016 reviews
The price is AU$188
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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
  • 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

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.

Reviews

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 256 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1002 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marcie

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

10/10 Excellent

Ruby

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Edward

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service
You need to ask for towels. We had a reservation for 4 we did not get enough towels or coffee mugs. We had the TV on pst 10pm and someone called and said we needed to keep it down when the volume was only at 4. The area is beautiful beach is one short walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonia

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Benjamin

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

No AC

No air conditioning I sleep with the ac on all year summer and winter just a mild cool air flowing, this place will tell you we are by the beach we don’t need ac idgaf where I’m at if I pay $450-$500 it better come with a ac especially when the hotel is old and equivalent to the crack motels in San Jose on Monterey highway
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Location is great. Room was only cleaned once in 5 days, and had to go to front desk for towels every day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Connie

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very nice front desk person
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Norma A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
asked for first floor room since no elavator but did not get one. Room was not cleaned there was balloons in room and a power skateboard also in room so I dont see how it had been cleaned properly. Also bed spread had stains .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Travelled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Cathy

Rio mar review

Very noisy plumbing. Noisy kids in units below. Appreciated upper unit.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Apolonia

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay here a couple times every year! Even though it’s dated and not fancy, the jacuzzi and proximity to beach along with kitchenettes make it a no brainer to take a short family trip! Very family friendly as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Itay

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Travelled with partner
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

Christina

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

First Class Service

The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very pleasant stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025