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Rio Sands Hotel

2.0 star property
Motel near Capitola Beach in Aptos

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Rio Sands Hotel

Photo gallery for Rio Sands Hotel

Junior Suite | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Fountain
Exterior
Breakfast area
Kitchen Suite, 2 Rooms, King Bed, Queen and Sofa Bed | Bathroom | Combined shower/tub, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Overview of Rio Sands Hotel

Reviews
8.6

Excellent

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Parking includedParking includedParking included
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • HousekeepingHousekeepingHousekeeping
  • Business servicesBusiness servicesBusiness services

Explore the area

Map
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
  • Popular LocationRio Del Mar Beach2 min walk
  • Popular LocationSeacliff State Beach3 min walk
  • Popular LocationCapitola Beach14 min drive
  • AirportSan 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

  • 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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Twin Bunk 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

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Room, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

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

Junior Suite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds 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

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa 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 Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 108 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Junior Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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 Bedroom

Deluxe Suite, 1 Bedroom | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Suite, 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

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Double Sofa Beds

Room, Accessible

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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$155 total
includes taxes & fees
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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
  • Seacliff State Beach - 3 min walk
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 12 min drive
  • Capitola Beach - 14 min drive
  • Mystery Spot - 14 min drive

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
  • The Hideout - 3 min drive
  • Marianne's Ice Cream - 15 min walk
  • Parish Publick House - 13 min walk
  • Venus Pie Trap - 2 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.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Aptos motel.

  • 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
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • 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 daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Languages

English, Spanish

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

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: 1 AM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

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 staff will greet guests on arrival
If you are planning to arrive after 1 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

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.

  • 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 fire extinguisher
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. 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. Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

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 8.5 mi (14-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 Apr 25, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Hotel on May 1, 2024 start from $145.49, 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: 1 AM.

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. 489 out of 1002 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 325 out of 1002 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 119 out of 1002 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 1002 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 1002 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly. Room was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adrianna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy Hotel
Spent an overnight with my son after a day at Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Front desk was super nice. Gave us a complementary upgrade. One bedroom suite was cozy and clean— full kitchen, spacious balcony overlooking the pool. My son said it was one of the most fun rooms we’ve stayed at in a long time. Five minute walk to the beach. Delicious breakfast with waffles, pastries, oatmeal and coffee. Overall a fantastic experience. The only things that kept it from being five stars: no stopper for the bathtub, the hot tub was just warm, and the heater made a loud clicking sound when it turned on. None of these things was a dealbreaker, especially for the price. We will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Randy

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Nice place, poor internet
This is the third time we’ve stayed at Rio Sands in the last two years, and in each of those 3 visits, we had some disruption in the WiFi service at the hotel. In two of those visits, it went out for multiple days and we never got it back before we left. So if you’re trying to do business, or otherwise need WiFi, be warned. There’s no guarantee that it will work. The location is great, and I like the lay-out, but people need to be on the internet and not by connecting computers through their cell phone service, which is also not great in this part of town.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Short walk to the beach. Friendly staff. Great breakfast included!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Karen S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Noisy heater and refrigerator.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bejarano

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love and enjoy all time
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bejarano

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023