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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos

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Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Fountain
Exterior
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
Interior

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 Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

View all photos for Junior Room

Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Oceanside stay.At this Rio del Mar motel, you'll be 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 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
  • 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

Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos
As a guest of Rio Sands Vacation Rentals, you'll find an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine. WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals also features a garden, a picnic area, and laundry facilities. Self parking is free.

This Aptos motel is smoke free.

  • 40 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers 40 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, 1,103 reviews
$119 nightly
The price is $138
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Total with taxes and fees
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • 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
  • 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

  • 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)
  • Kitchen/kitchenette fee: USD 57 per stay
  • 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 Vacation Rentals to the airport?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is 8.5 mi (17-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 Vacation Rentals?

As of Mar 31, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Apr 2, 2026 start from $184, 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.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals.

How close is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals 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 Vacation Rentals offer free breakfast?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

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 Vacation Rentals?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a pool?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals features an outdoor pool.

Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals to downtown Aptos?

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is 0.6 mi away from Aptos.

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 568 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 252 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 109 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1003 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

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