Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Fountain
Exterior
Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed | Living area | Flat-screen TV

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.)
    ‪63 min drive‬

Room options

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

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

Junior Room, Accessible

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

Junior Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(20 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Aptos

Located in Rio del Mar, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is within a 5-minute walk of sights such as Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. This 40-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

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 - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Poki Bowl - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

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 barbecue grills, a garden, 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

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
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 Feb 25, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Mar 7, 2026 start from 220.0, 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.

Is parking available on site 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.

Is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals good 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 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, 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 8.5 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 26.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies 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. 563 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 253 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 43 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1001 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was just what I was looking for. Walk to beach. Older building but well kept. Not super well sound insulated, we could hear neighbors.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Collette, Copperopolis

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Raymundo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The check in was a hassle took much longer than expected
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Sean

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

David

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Whitney

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The staff was great and the place is very clean. However, the bed was like a 50 year old spring mattress that 30 people slept in the middle of for 10 years. AWFUL! Every time i moved the sound woke me up. I spent my last night on the floor cuz my back was a wreck. No hot water in my shower. Until i moved it to COLD. Not even a small area to smoke. In the dark i had to stand on the street corner
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
I had a second-floor room in the main building of the property. It was decent but could have been cleaner, especially the bathtub, microwave, and small refrigerator. A few months ago I stayed in a room in the Sands Building of the property, and it was outstanding. I expected a lot based on that prior visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dario

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

4/10 Poor

Jakoub

Thin walls
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

MARIA

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

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location near the old cement ship. A great place to unwind with a pool and hot tub!
The pool and hot tub
Bike ride on the beach
Cool beach houses nearby
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenell, Fresno

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

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Check-in was smooth. The king room with a balcony is great. Clean and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

ERIC

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin, Garden Grove

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pool nice. Didn’t have view from room but walk to beach was minutes away
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Keo

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was ok. Nice place but no breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
They no longer provide breakfast, but everything else was very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamie

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

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and easy walk to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Lori

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

8/10 Good

Julianne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
this was a nice hotel but there were no drinking glasses in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

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