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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

Fountain
Standard Room, 1 King Bed
Deluxe Suite, Kitchen | Living area
Interior
Exterior

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.)
    ‪48 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
Sofa bed
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
Sofa bed - king
Blackout curtains
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Single 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 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 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
Private bathroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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
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
Sofa bed - double
Memory foam 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.
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 - 2.9 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
  • Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos
  • Poki Bowl
  • Marianne's Ice Cream
  • Sushi Garden - Aptos

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. 566 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1002 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

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

4/10 Poor

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
AVOID if sensitive to mold/mildew. The room is beautiful and generally very clean, but the mildew smell was overwhelming—even with windows open. I kept them open except at night, yet still woke up congested with a headache. Symptoms eased when I was out for the day but returned each time I came back. By the second night, my breathing worsened, and without my inhaler on hand, I had to cut my trip short. I mentioned the smell to management; they offered another room, but I needed to go home for my inhaler. I requested a refund for that night. The manager said they’d follow up, but after several days and a later email, I’ve heard nothing. I’ve stayed at this hotel annually for years and have always appreciated the location and value, which makes leaving this review difficult. However, Room 144 is not suitable for anyone sensitive to mold, and guests should be forewarned. I hope management addresses this promptly so loyal visitors can continue to enjoy their stays.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blanca

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Rhoda

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Ice machine very noisy across small courtyard from our patio door. Started at 6am went to 10p
Rio Del Mar beach sunset looking south. 1 block from Rio Sands.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joshua

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We liked the place and have stayed here before. However, this time the bed was extremely uncomfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best bang for your buck right off the Aptos beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mackenzie

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

10/10 Excellent

Micah

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Travelled with family
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

Margaret

Travelled with family
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

Mimi

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

Great place !

Amazing location and great amenities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

DANIEL T

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

Location, location, location

I’ve been coming here once or twice a year for the last 10 years so like everything, things have changed over that time. There’s no longer a continental breakfast available but there is coffee available in the lobby. Overall though, the things that make this motel exceptional are location, location, location. Two minute walk to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Amenities
Only thing that was missing was breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best beds and pillows ♥️
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Cassandra

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025