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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel in Aptos with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Laundry

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, 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 | 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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Suite

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

About the neighborhood

Aptos

Located in Rio del Mar, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is adjacent 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
  • ‪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
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 vending machine, a garden, 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.

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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 transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite 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 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Jan 4, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Jan 6, 2026 start from $110.0, 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?

This motel is situated in Rio del Mar, just steps from Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. You'll also find Capitola Beach and Seascape Golf Club 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay 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, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

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, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

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

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 566 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 255 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1003 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

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

6/10 Okay

Cheyenne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Caitlyn

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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