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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

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

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

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)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen 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)
  • 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

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

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.
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
  • Aptos History Museum - 14 min walk - 0.8 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

  • ‪Poki Bowl - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Peet's Coffee - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 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 a garden, a vending machine, and a picnic area.
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
Aptos
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,104 reviews
$119 nightly
The price is $138
Apr 27 - Apr 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
  • 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 Apr 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Apr 19, 2026 start from $195, including 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 Capitola Wharf within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Wheelchair-accessible van 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 do couples enjoy most about Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

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

Are there hot tubs at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

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/patio and a furnished patio.

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 566 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 250 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1000 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Mike

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No room service and no staff to be found. They advertise breakfast online but when u get there they say no but have coffe but office doesn’t open till 9am.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Although the staff were nice and the hotel was clean. I don’t think I would return. The bed was hard and noisy. There was no coffee pot or even water cups. The heater was so loud it woke us up all night. No WiFi or breakfast but the price was pretty good. The short walk to the beach was convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rachael

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jewlia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved the location of the room and the hot tub
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Seth

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was very tired and worn from the flooring to the paint, to the bathroom. Presumably it was clean from the strong smell of bleach but it was less than clean
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just so comfortable!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Minerva

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Demetra

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room in a wonderful location close to Rio Del Mar and Seacliff beaches. The price for the location can’t be beat. The negatives were that rooms were a bit noisy and lacked insulation. Could hear neighbors in the next room and there was a cold draft from the front door. It also lacked a coffee machine in the room which I found odd. But those were small things and we’d likely stay here again
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No utensils, cups, dishes, pots, pans or anything but an oven fridge and microwave. It was a really cool set up but you would need to bring all the kitchen tools you would need to cook. No coffee maker but you could get coffee at the lobby. The pool and spa setup was great.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Moises

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Susan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very helpful and friendly.. We were very happy with the facilities and room size. In past we had continental breakfast which was still listed on the website and not currently available. $50 for cookware set for a full size kichen was not acceptable. At least a minimum plates, cups . Also no coffeemaker, but was provided upon request.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Licia

Disliked: Amenities
Stay away. This is basically camping. No amenities. Not even a plastic cup in the room. No coffee pot. They have cancelled their breakfast. Not even an Otis Spunkmeyer muffin. Curtains in room are not big enough to cover window- no privacy at all. No staff available outside of regular business hours. Tried to call for help- no answer. Manager smirked at me when I complained and offered no apology or empathy. “Those are just our new changes”….. 15 times. Dear Owners- I would start with her. Maybe some customer service training? This used to be my very very very favorite place. Stay away, friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

JAY

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place. Doesn’t really look that great at first glance . The location is perfect and the room we had was a fresh remodel. Took a short ride to Manual’s Mexican restaurant. Highly recommend going there if you stay here. A few restaurants walking distance, but worth the trip to Manual’s. Pool and hot tub were clean and in the sun ( we were there in November) . Beach is a block away and so is Pixi deli ( great for breakfast and Verve coffee)
Kitchen suite
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Calvin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Helpful staff via phone.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARKCEAZAR

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

JR

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Jessica

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
The staff was very courteous, check in was easy. The room could have been cleaner, the floors show wear and tear. The hot tub was gross. There were so many tiny particles floating around it was a distraction from it usually being a relaxing place. My husband didn't rinse his suit out afterwards and the next day it smelled like vomit. Please clean the hot tub! It's affordable and walking distance to the beach in a quiet neighborhood near some great restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

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

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