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Rio Sands Hotel

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Fountain
Interior
Private kitchen
1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 13 of 13 rooms

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

Living area

Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed - double
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Suite

1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - king
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 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
(46 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Tempur-Pedic bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony
Separate sitting area
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed - double
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for 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)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 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

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for 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)

Highlights

Patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for 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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for 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)

Highlights

Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 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

Living area

kitchen suite, Queen bed, Queen sofa bed, twin sofa bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

Highlights

Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in Aptos, Rio Sands Hotel is near theme parks and near the beach. Mystery Spot is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including whale-watching.
Visit our Aptos travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in AptosOpens in a new window
Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003

What's nearby

  • Rio Del Mar Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seacliff State Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Seascape Golf Club - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Capitola Beach - 5 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Capitola Wharf - 5 min drive - 6.5 km

Getting around

  • San Martin Caltrain Station - 45 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • Starbucks
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Peet's Coffee and Tea - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel near Capitola Beach
Rio Sands Hotel provides amenities like a garden and a 24-hour business center. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Luggage storage, barbecue grills, and a banquet hall
  • A vending machine, 1 meeting room, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All 50 rooms offer amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Languages

English, Spanish

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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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
Guests should contact this hotel in advance to request a dishware/utensils kit (surcharge applies).

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
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

Does Rio Sands Hotel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Rio Sands Hotel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Rio Sands Hotel?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 33.66 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Rio Sands Hotel?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 32 (subject to availability).

Where is Rio Sands Hotel located?

Situated by the ocean, this motel is within a 5-minute walk of Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 552 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 110 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1006 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

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice all around and also a very reasonable value. Would definitely stay here in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay, impressed with the amenities and what it offers so close to the beach. Staff helpful, great place to stay if you don’t book a beach house, this is next best.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed, very clean. Facilities were wonderful. We definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay. The hotel was very clean and the beach is a 2 minute walk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very pleasant stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcie

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

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

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

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stay here a couple times every year! Even though it’s dated and not fancy, the jacuzzi and proximity to beach along with kitchenettes make it a no brainer to take a short family trip! Very family friendly as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Suzanne

Liked: Amenities
This hotel is in a great location with the beach and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are clean and the pool and hot tub are well maintained. The breakfast choices are minimal and offer few choices.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

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

10/10 Excellent

efren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
room was clean and decent. staff was friendly. parking was no issue. the beach is walking distance.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

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

10/10 Excellent

LauraAmy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked that we had a balcony!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love how close it was to the beach, my family and I definitely took advantage of walking there and back on our stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very nice front desk person
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Disliked: Amenities
Location is great. Room was only cleaned once in 5 days, and had to go to front desk for towels every day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love staying there every year. And love the pool and just a little shocked at how small the breakfast has gotten
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place was clean, beautiful area by the beach
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great location! Room was clean and comfortable. Loved the pool and hot tub and the continental breakfast was a nice plus. Walking distance to the beach and to restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean affordable stay located yards from the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best hotel on our trip a short walk to the beach as well
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

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

8/10 Good

Lourdes

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean property. Easy walk to beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place! It’s been remodeled and is very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025