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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Fountain
Interior
Junior Suite | 1 bedroom, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
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
  • Place, Rio Del Mar Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Seacliff State Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Capitola Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, 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
(13 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
(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 | 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

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 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 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 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

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

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

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

Junior Suite

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

About the neighborhood

Aptos

Oceanside stay.Within a 5-minute walk of the motel, you'll find Rio Del Mar Beach and Seacliff State Beach. The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Aptos History Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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
  • ‪Sushi Garden - Aptos - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Erik's DeliCafé - ‬16 min walk

About this property

Rio Sands Hotel

Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos
A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center and a meeting room. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at Rio Sands Hotel. Self parking is free.

This Aptos motel is smoke free.

  • 50 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • 1 conference room
Rio Sands Hotel offers 50 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

This Aptos motel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Housekeeping is offered on request and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 1,004 reviews
$106 nightly
The price is $123
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Outdoor pool

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

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

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday:
  • Outdoor pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Guests should contact this hotel in advance to request a dishware/utensils kit (surcharge applies).

We should mention

  • Please note that this property 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 to be in 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

How close is Rio Sands Hotel to the airport?

Rio Sands Hotel is 8.7 mi (18-min drive) away from the Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Oct 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Hotel on Oct 27, 2025 start from $99.0, 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.

Does Rio Sands Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Rio Sands Hotel.

How close is Rio Sands Hotel to the beach?

This motel is a short 2-minute walk from Rio Del Mar Beach and 3-minute walk from Seacliff State Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Rio Sands Hotel offer free breakfast?

Rio Sands Hotel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Rio Sands Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Hotel?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Early check-in costs USD 33.66 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Rio Sands Hotel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Rio Sands Hotel have a pool?

Rio Sands Hotel features an outdoor pool.

Does Rio Sands Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Rio Sands Hotel to downtown Aptos?

Rio Sands Hotel is 1.3 mi away from Rio del Mar.

Rio Sands Hotel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 257 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1001 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

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

8/10 Good

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and clean, very accomodating Breakfast was disappointing. Only cold oatmeal (heat not on), no syrup for waffles ( ran out), toaster did not work. Front desk staff very pleasant.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds, walking distance to beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

VERONICA, El Dorado

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, staff is friendly and walking distance to beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dominic

Traveled with family
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

8/10 Good

Connie

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

Norma A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
asked for first floor room since no elavator but did not get one. Room was not cleaned there was balloons in room and a power skateboard also in room so I dont see how it had been cleaned properly. Also bed spread had stains .
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry

Traveled with family
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

6/10 Okay

Cathy

Rio mar review

Very noisy plumbing. Noisy kids in units below. Appreciated upper unit.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Apolonia

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Itay

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable and clean. Staff was welcoming and responsive to questions and requests. Enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

First Class Service

The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very pleasant stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tessica

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karl

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Traveled with family and small children
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