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

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

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, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 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 | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

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 Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed

Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

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 | 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 Suite

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

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
  • 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 - 1.8 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
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 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.

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Seaway Inn
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 144 reviews
$106 nightly
The price is $124
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Seaway Inn

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 8.7 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 Vacation Rentals?

As of Dec 13, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Dec 21, 2025 start from $110.0, 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 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 1.3 mi away from Rio del Mar.

Reviews

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 565 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 255 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 111 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1001 reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Elissa

Traveled with group, Traveled with family

Loved It

We really enjoyed our trip to Aptos at Rio Sands. Our room was a perfect location with a few steps to the pool and hot tub with a nice view of the garden area. Everyone was very helpful and receptive to our needs. It was so nice to be walking distance to the beach. 🏖️
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the place !
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Close to the beach and restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mara

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jake

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Curtis

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

susan

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

brittany

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We’ve been loyal guests of Rio Sands for nearly 10 years and have always loved this little hotel. Unfortunately, our most recent visit was disappointing. Upon arrival, we were told the pool was out of service. After a 5-hour drive on Labor Day weekend, it would have been nice to receive a call or email letting us know in advance. When I asked for a discount, I was offered 10% off, which I appreciated—however, when they ran my card the total was $458, while my Expedia confirmation (including taxes and fees) was $363. This was surprising, as we have never been charged more than our booking total before. Another change is the continental breakfast. In the past, it included eggs, bacon, and sausage; now those items are gone, which was disappointing given how much we’ve enjoyed that in previous stays. I truly hope management reconsiders better communication about amenities and billing transparency. We have loved this hotel for many years, but this visit fell short of expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great location, nice clean rooms, safe area

Love the location , beach is one street over, king room with living room and full kitchen, room was clean and nice , safe area. Walking distance from a coffee light breakfast spot, a convenient store, a deli serving hot and cold food, and a sit down restaurant, tried the coffee shop and deli both good. The pool was down for service but hotel called to let me know the night before . I was disappointed to find out breakfast was not being offered but coffee was available in the lobby. I would definitely recommend this hotel .
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this sweet little hotel, that is so close to the beach. The pool is nice, and the rooms are clean and comfy. The only thing I would appreciate would be a protein option with their complimentary breakfast. But we loved staying there none-the-less.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic service, quick response time, clean rooms and facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Mark

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The pool was closed on Labor Day weekend and the breakfast didn’t really have any choices! There were waffle machines but no waffle batter to make waffles and there wasn’t anything else to really eat!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Wish it had AC option or ceiling fan
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gypsie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emmanuel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were nice and clean. The outdoor pool and spa area are nice and clean. 3 min walk to the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lydia, Redwood City

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was super helpful and the property, including the breakfast room, well-maintained. It was great to have use of the grills, which were clean and powerful. The hotel itself is extremely conveniently located for access to the beach. We had a great time. We were disappointed the pool was out of service during our stay. A very small note: the plant in the entryway next to the lobby would look much better if the leaves were dusted :-)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

kristina

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
The pool was closed because the filter was broken, so we were able to cancel without charge. The night that we did stay the room was clean. However, the continental breakfast was basic - 2 cereal choices (Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), toast, waffle or oat meal. Car parking was tight, we got a door ding. It was less than 5 min from the beach, so hard to beat.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jewlia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Cynthia

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The continental breakfast has really changed. Almost nothing healthy offered. No fruit, yogurt, bagels or hard boiled eggs.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was very noisy! Walls and doors were not soundproof so you heard everyone day and night. Location steps from the beach was good but limited places to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025