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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Situated in a lush garden, this planter features a rustic design on a circular base surrounded by greenery and a unique metal fence.
Kitchen area with gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, sink, and TV.
Two large beds with white linens and blue accents, a flat-screen TV, and a wooden dresser.
Enjoy a comfortable stay with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and sliding glass door leading to an outdoor area.
Relax in style with plush seating, a fireplace, and a dining area.

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

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
(8 reviews)
  • 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)
  • 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(44 reviews)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

1 bedroom, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Junior Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(18 reviews)
  • 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)
  • 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

  • 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)
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Apartment

Apartment

Apartment

  • 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)
  • 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)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Aptos

When you stay at Rio Sands Hotel in Aptos, you'll be by the ocean, within a 15-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. .This motel is 4.3 mi (7 km) from Capitola Beach and 9.3 mi (15 km) from Mystery Spot.
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
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafe - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel in Aptos with a 24-hour business center and an outdoor pool
Rio Sands Hotel offers 50 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations 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 irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.
Make yourself at home in one of the 50 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include microwaves and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. This motel also features complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.
Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, a 24-hour business center, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.

Languages

English, Spanish

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 available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 32

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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
Guests should contact this hotel in advance to request a dishware/utensils kit (surcharge applies).

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
Only registered guests are allowed in the 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

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 548 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1002 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

Patricia

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

Walk on the beach, swim, sleep, eat, and relax

My husband and I have stayed at the Rio Sands there in Aptos, CA several times over the years and have enjoyed them immensely. We will be returning for sure. It is a block away from the ocean and beach and a lovely neighborhood. Just a short drive into the main village area and you can shop Safeway, dine at many different restaurants, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Kelsey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Everything about this hotel was great until I checked out. I was heading home which was a 3hr drive when halfway home I realized I forgot a couple shirts in the drawer. I immediately called and no answer so I left a message. Then email them. I got an email back saying my stuff has been put in the lost and found. I asked if they could take it out and mail it to me. I would pay the cost of shipping. I got no answer. Then a couple days later I get an email saying my stuff is no longer in lost and found. So I called them. They answered. Apparently my stuff was never found. It’s a couple t shirts people. I don’t know why they were so shady about it. Why would you even tell me you found it in the first place. It was just weird and sad. Other than the sketchy staff. The hotel and surroundings was great. The beach is a 2 min walk of that. And there’s a pizza place/cafe right around the corner that was delicious.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Victoria

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth

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

8/10 Good

Nicole

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Walk to the beach

Great budget hotel to stay with kids
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Sara

So cold

If you like cold showers this is the place to go. Staff didn’t seem to care about the freezing showers either. Wouldn’t recommend or ever stay there again
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly hotel that is close to the beach. Kids also loved the breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It’s a really nice place to stay. Close to the beach. The beds are wonderful and comfortable. Beautiful pool and hot tub also.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

David

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Xeniya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Greg

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff here is top notch! Rooms are clean! It’s not easy to get a room this clean (I know how hard it is). Everyone here pays attention to intricacies of the smooth flow of a lot of activities that are constantly changing. Each party of guests is treated as if they are the only group here. No job is easy. Everyone is super pleasant and helpful. I’m able to get good rest despite my less expensive room location. That’s a reflection of the amazing staff! Respectful fellow guests also 👍 I’ll stay here again :)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Property was nice and clean, right by the beach. Breakfast area was roomy, clean, staffed. Tip top!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcos, Grover Beach

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean affordable stay located yards from the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

David, Chowchilla

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They have a great hot tub and pool! Beach is close, awesome coffeehouse close, nice restaurant is close. This is a nice getaway place!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rimma

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Ruben

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