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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with a 24-hour business center and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Fountain
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
Interior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

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, Capitola Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, 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 | Flat-screen TV

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 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 Hotel places you next to Rio Del Mar Beach and within a 5-minute walk of Seacliff State Beach. This 50-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
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Capitola Wharf - 5 min drive - 4.0 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
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Hideout - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel in Aptos with a 24-hour business center and an outdoor pool
At Rio Sands Hotel, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a 24-hour business center. Free parking is available if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Additional amenities include a meeting room, a computer station, and barbecue grills.
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
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,003 reviews
$103 nightly
The price is $120
Oct 27 - Oct 28
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
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 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 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
  • Banquet hall
  • 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
  • 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

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday:
  • Outdoor pool

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)
  • A kitchen/kitchenette is available for an additional fee
  • 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.
  • 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 Hotel?

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

What is there to do close to Rio Sands Hotel?

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 Seascape Golf Club within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Rio Sands Hotel?

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

Does Rio Sands Hotel include a casino at the property?

No, Rio Sands Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Rio Sands Hotel?

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

Is Rio Sands Hotel a good place to stay for couples?

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

Does Rio Sands Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Rio Sands Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

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

Does Rio Sands Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

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

Does Rio Sands Hotel have connecting rooms?

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

Where is the closest airport to Rio Sands Hotel?

The closest major airport to Rio Sands Hotel 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 Hotel?

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

Reviews

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 562 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 262 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1003 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tessica

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our third time at this hotel. It’s a great family friendly place with the beach so close by. The free breakfast has got progressively more budget over the years and now no eggs but the children love making their own waffles.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zuleyda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I loved the hotel: its location, the room, the pool, and the breakfast area. It's ideal for bringing children.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, clean, and well-maintained room upon arrival. Quiet and close to beach and dining. Breakfast options not what it used to be. All bread, no protein in any form (eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurt). No daily service of rooms...needed to ask for a change of towels at front desk. Staff at front desk was very kind, helpful, and obliging to provide what was requested.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin J

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

10/10 Excellent

Cecily

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

8/10 Good

Steve

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

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

Great vibes amazing location

Amazing location one block from the beach! We usually rent VRBOs but for the low cost and location, this place was amazing. It isn’t super fancy, but it is very clean and well-maintained. Great location! I spent 3 days on the beach and had a long beach walks every morning. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was great as always. Love the proximity to the beach. 2 blocks and you're there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance from the beach. Has washer and dryer, pool, hot tub great food near by. Rooms are small but your are not really in the room that long. The front desk was amazing! Brooke was great!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kimberli

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
As the mainstay motel of Aptos at Rio Del Mar beach, it would benefit the Rio Sands to take stock of their furnishings periodically (replace worn, creaky pull-outs), refinish rusted scuffs in bathrooms, and check whether ceiling fans are truly doing their job. The perennial continental breakfast has dwindled to toast, oatmeal, waffles, and cereal--no fruit, yogurt, or bagels any more.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great places
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Great place. Thanks to front desk clerk for upgrading our room we booked through 3rd party since they had a bigger room available!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

moe

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lourdes

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean property. Easy walk to beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay Ann

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance to beach
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025