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

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 | 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
  • 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
  • ‪Venus Pie Trap - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Whale City Bakery Bar And Grill Aptos - ‬15 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, 1,019 reviews
$106 nightly
The price is $123
Dec 3 - Dec 4
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

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 Nov 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals on Nov 30, 2025 start from $100.0, 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.

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 567 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 256 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1005 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nicely renovated and maintained. Great value for the price. Super friendly and helpful staff. A short walk to the beach. Wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is perfect. Super close to the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

shaunna

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great location but needs some TLC including improving WI-FI and the abysmal Continental breakfast.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kendra

Traveled with family
Liked: Room comfort

Great stay

It was a great stay, room was clean and bed was very comfortable with lots of pillows. Free breakfast was ok, could be better with some protein options, like hard boiled eggs.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

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

10/10 Excellent

Norma A

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

10/10 Excellent

Candyce

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old charm Fireplace breakfast with room Walk to the beach Coffee shop/ Pastries Deli
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace Ann

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

With family at the beach

Beautiful stay at the Beach. Perfect ‼️ nice breakfast comfortable beds Would stay there again. Friendly and accommodating staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alice

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

6/10 Okay

Heather

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

MICHAEL

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yunhong

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

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

Good for beach visit

The room was clean, beds were comfy. There are great places to eat along the shore within walking distance. Easy access to the beach and running trail. We had the window open and it was car week, so some outside traffic noise in the early morning, but we were grateful they did not hike up the room costs for car week by an outrageous amount! Would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron, Richmond

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice all around and also a very reasonable value. Would definitely stay here in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

No power No shower

We had a quick stay and were in town to visit an ill friend and had a couple appointments We just needed close place that was clean and convenient We lost power to the hotel in the morning and we unable to shower and get ready for our scheduled appointments which was very frustrating When I went down to the office to see when the power was due to come back on they said that it was not due to come on until late afternoon maybe We know that these things happen and are never convenient but the front desk person could of been a bit more proactive with helping us find a solution to accommodating our situation No care and just walked away
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was great, very well run. If you have a kitchen you need to pay $50 for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils - they aren't automatically in the unit. The Rio del Mar beach is very neglected and dirty, not sure why, as it's in a nice area. Also be aware that the area is foggier than Santa Cruz Boardwalk Beach, so worth driving there for better weather and frankly a much nicer beach. Nisene State Park is 5 min from the hotel and has beautiful Redwoods and plenty of hiking opportunities. Overall still a great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable bed, very clean. Facilities were wonderful. We definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Erin

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. The room has plenty of
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Don

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025