Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

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
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 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
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 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
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
Hairdryer
  • 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
Hairdryer
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
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
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Microwave
  • 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
Tempur-Pedic bed
Blackout curtains
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
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
  • 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 Rio del Mar motel include Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
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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 - 2.9 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
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 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
  • 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. 565 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 255 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1001 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

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

Small & older…they did their best

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Debrah

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Room smelled bad, had to open windows and door. The bathroom mirror was useless. It was placed to the right side of the countertop so you had to lean forward and look to the right to see yourself. Only 3 single tissues in the bathroom. All they had for breakfast was cold cereal. They began cleaning the room before we checked out.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elissa

Travelled with family, Travelled with group

Loved It

We really enjoyed our trip to Aptos at Rio Sands. Our room was a perfect location with a few steps to the pool and hot tub with a nice view of the garden area. Everyone was very helpful and receptive to our needs. It was so nice to be walking distance to the beach. 🏖️
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the place !
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

8/10 Good

Kathryn

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

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mara

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Curtis

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

susan

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

brittany

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We’ve been loyal guests of Rio Sands for nearly 10 years and have always loved this little hotel. Unfortunately, our most recent visit was disappointing. Upon arrival, we were told the pool was out of service. After a 5-hour drive on Labor Day weekend, it would have been nice to receive a call or email letting us know in advance. When I asked for a discount, I was offered 10% off, which I appreciated—however, when they ran my card the total was $458, while my Expedia confirmation (including taxes and fees) was $363. This was surprising, as we have never been charged more than our booking total before. Another change is the continental breakfast. In the past, it included eggs, bacon, and sausage; now those items are gone, which was disappointing given how much we’ve enjoyed that in previous stays. I truly hope management reconsiders better communication about amenities and billing transparency. We have loved this hotel for many years, but this visit fell short of expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great location, nice clean rooms, safe area

Love the location , beach is one street over, king room with living room and full kitchen, room was clean and nice , safe area. Walking distance from a coffee light breakfast spot, a convenient store, a deli serving hot and cold food, and a sit down restaurant, tried the coffee shop and deli both good. The pool was down for service but hotel called to let me know the night before . I was disappointed to find out breakfast was not being offered but coffee was available in the lobby. I would definitely recommend this hotel .
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

Joseph

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

6/10 Okay

Mark

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The pool was closed on Labor Day weekend and the breakfast didn’t really have any choices! There were waffle machines but no waffle batter to make waffles and there wasn’t anything else to really eat!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wish it had AC option or ceiling fan
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gypsie

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

10/10 Excellent

Emmanuel

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Lydia, Redwood City

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was super helpful and the property, including the breakfast room, well-maintained. It was great to have use of the grills, which were clean and powerful. The hotel itself is extremely conveniently located for access to the beach. We had a great time. We were disappointed the pool was out of service during our stay. A very small note: the plant in the entryway next to the lobby would look much better if the leaves were dusted :-)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

kristina

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
The pool was closed because the filter was broken, so we were able to cancel without charge. The night that we did stay the room was clean. However, the continental breakfast was basic - 2 cereal choices (Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), toast, waffle or oat meal. Car parking was tight, we got a door ding. It was less than 5 min from the beach, so hard to beat.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jewlia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025