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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

2.0 star property
Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Fountain
Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Exterior
Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchen | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Room options

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
(15 reviews)
  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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 - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Aptos History Museum - 19 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Capitola Beach - 6 min drive - 4.0 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
  • ‪Marianne's Ice Cream - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Venus Cocktails & Kitchen - ‬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.

Similar properties

Bar (on property)
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Aptos
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 1,143 reviews
$174 nightly
The price is $199
Jun 7 - Jun 8
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 Jun 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Jun 8, 2026 start from $229, 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. 566 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 250 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1001 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very courteous staff, great location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carmina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was great and our room was clean I wish we would have had more time to explore the area it's close to the beach our kids loved it
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed our stay. Room is spacious and comfortable. Lovely location. Great pool and hot tub.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jewlia

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

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff were friendly, helpful and very accommodating w last minute needs we had. Location was a bonus:Peaceful chill vibe the moment we arrived.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chantel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Front desk Girl (Brooke?) was super nice and helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Genevieve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was very helpful and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and easy walk to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie

Staff were nice. They didn't have the room we had booked available which was a
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

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

10/10 Excellent

Scott P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was really clean and spacious. Had all the amenities. My slider opened up to a patio and a beautiful courtyard. The pool was right there as well as a short cut to the beach, which was very close. The staff was great also. I used their barbecue grill which worked very well, and they had a nice little picnic area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The entire property was serene and enjoyable! And sooo close to the beach!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

VERONICA

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mimi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great place !

Amazing location and great amenities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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

8/10 Good

Kathryn

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

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely go back
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauralee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved that I could just walk around the corner to the beach
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Calvin

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

10/10 Excellent

Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location near the old cement ship. A great place to unwind with a pool and hot tub!
The pool and hot tub
Bike ride on the beach
Cool beach houses nearby
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jewlia

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

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

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

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best bang for your buck right off the Aptos beach
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Staff was pleasant when they were there but there were times when no one was present. Rooms could have more amenities like coffee maker, charging station, are bathroom sink didn’t have soap.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

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