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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Fountain
Interior
Junior Suite | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, paper towels

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Place, Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Seacliff State Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • 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 | Flat-screen TV

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

Family Suite | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 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 | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed

Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed

  • 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 | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

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 Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed

kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed | Living area | Flat-screen TV

kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Junior Room, Accessible

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Aptos

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals places you next to Rio Del Mar Beach and within a 5-minute walk of Seacliff State Beach. This 40-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.
View more Motels in AptosOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Cabrillo College - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles

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
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Motel in Aptos with free parking
Guests of Rio Sands Vacation Rentals enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and laundry facilities. Free parking is available if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Additional amenities include a garden, barbecue grills, and a vending machine.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,010 reviews
$109 nightly
The price is $127
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees
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 transportation

  • 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 elevator
  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

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 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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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, 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The motel 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 in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Are free cancellation options available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

As of Nov 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Nov 20, 2025 start from $100.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do close to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Guests enjoy the motel's beach location in Aptos based on their ratings, and it's steps from Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. You'll also find Capitola Beach and Capitola Wharf within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals include a casino at the property?

No, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like free Internet access as well as an outdoor pool and a garden.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Where is the closest airport to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

The closest major airport to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 8.7 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 26.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yes, some guestrooms at this motel offer either a furnished balcony or a furnished patio.

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. 565 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Candyce

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old charm Fireplace breakfast with room Walk to the beach Coffee shop/ Pastries Deli
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace Ann

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

With family at the beach

Beautiful stay at the Beach. Perfect ‼️ nice breakfast comfortable beds Would stay there again. Friendly and accommodating staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds, walking distance to beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Heather

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

MICHAEL

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yunhong

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

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

Good for beach visit

The room was clean, beds were comfy. There are great places to eat along the shore within walking distance. Easy access to the beach and running trail. We had the window open and it was car week, so some outside traffic noise in the early morning, but we were grateful they did not hike up the room costs for car week by an outrageous amount! Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron, Richmond

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice all around and also a very reasonable value. Would definitely stay here in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

No power No shower

We had a quick stay and were in town to visit an ill friend and had a couple appointments We just needed close place that was clean and convenient We lost power to the hotel in the morning and we unable to shower and get ready for our scheduled appointments which was very frustrating When I went down to the office to see when the power was due to come back on they said that it was not due to come on until late afternoon maybe We know that these things happen and are never convenient but the front desk person could of been a bit more proactive with helping us find a solution to accommodating our situation No care and just walked away
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was great, very well run. If you have a kitchen you need to pay $50 for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils - they aren't automatically in the unit. The Rio del Mar beach is very neglected and dirty, not sure why, as it's in a nice area. Also be aware that the area is foggier than Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach, so worth driving there for better weather and frankly a much nicer beach. Nisene State Park is 5 min from the hotel and has beautiful Redwoods and plenty of hiking opportunities. Overall still a great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed, very clean. Facilities were wonderful. We definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Erin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. The room has plenty of
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Don

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Milton, Reno

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

efren

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
room was clean and decent. staff was friendly. parking was no issue. the beach is walking distance.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

LauraAmy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked that we had a balcony!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Suzanne, Stockton

Traveled with group
Liked: Amenities
This hotel is in a great location with the beach and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are clean and the pool and hot tub are well maintained. The breakfast choices are minimal and offer few choices.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

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

10/10 Excellent

VERONICA, El Dorado

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, staff is friendly and walking distance to beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzette

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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