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

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
  • 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 | Flat-screen TV

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 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
(12 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk 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
(45 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

1 bedroom, blackout drapes, 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 | 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 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 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

Junior Room, Accessible

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

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 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

Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen 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
  • ‪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
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 a banquet hall.
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.

Languages

English, Spanish

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, 1,028 reviews
$139 nightly
The price is $160
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes 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

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Rio Sands Hotel?

As of Aug 10, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Hotel on Aug 19, 2025 start from $150.0, 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 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 good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at Rio Sands Hotel?

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 at Rio Sands Hotel?

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

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 549 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 276 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

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

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Practically on the beach, easy walk to restaurants. I think it's recently remodeled. Everything seemed pretty new in the king suite I had. Only complaint is there is almost no where to put anything in the bathroom, just the back of the toilet, pretty much.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benedict

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilder

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a wonderful place,\. I will stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Brooke

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Way better than expected and just what we were hoping for! Comfortable, clean and near the ocean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our favorite place and kid friendly! Wish they could add some thing to their breakfast options but at least pixie deli provides!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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