RIO SANDS VACATION RENTALS - Aptos CA 116 Aptos Beach Drive 95003

116 Aptos Beach Dr., Aptos, CA 95003 United States

In Aptos (Rio del Mar)

8.6

Excellent

Call to book 1-800-219-2797

Group Sales: 1-800-906-2871

The Rio Sands Hotel offers a range of amenities including a pool, restaurant, WiFi/Internet, laundry facilities, and a 24/7 front desk.

Ask AI any question

Free WiFi

Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Number of outdoor pools - 1

Coin laundry on site

View all amenities

View all 52 photos

Reviews

"Great reunion with the family."

We had a family reunion here. The staff and everyone was so nice and welcoming, thank you.

Sandra B. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room)

Verified Review, stayed from Thu Aug 14 to Tue Aug 19 2025 at a $231.99 average nightly rate.

View all reviews

Property Description

With a stay at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals in Aptos (Rio del Mar), you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This motel is 4.3 mi (7 km) from Capitola Beach and 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Rio Del Mar Beach.

Make yourself at home in one of the 40 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include microwaves and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided on request.

Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.

Cypress Outpatient Surgical - 4.5 mi
Gilroy Gardens - 5.7 mi
Calibunga Waterpark - 5.7 mi
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - 5.7 mi
Capitola Beach-Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 5.7 mi
PayPal Park - 5.7 mi
Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center - 5.7 mi
Morgan Hill Aquatics Center - 5.7 mi
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - 5.8 mi
Mystery Spot - 6.3 mi
Cocoanut Grove - 6.4 mi
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 6.4 mi
Main Beach - 6.5 mi
Pacific Garden Mall - 6.6 mi
Downtown Santa Cruz - 6.7 mi
Town Clock - 6.8 mi
State Lighthouse Museum - 6.9 mi
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum - 6.9 mi
Mission Santa Cruz - 6.9 mi
University of Santa Cruz Arboretum - 8.2 mi
Shakespeare Santa Cruz - 8.3 mi
Natural Bridges State Park - 8.5 mi
Seymour Marine Discovery Center - 8.8 mi
Downtown Watsonville - 9.1 mi
Roaring Camp Railroads - 11.5 mi
Three Mile Beach - 11.5 mi
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - 11.7 mi
Four Mile Beach - 12.0 mi
Downtown Moss Landing - 13.2 mi
Morgan Hill - 17.2 mi
Downtown Morgan Hill - 17.7 mi
Christmas Hill Park - 17.7 mi
Campbell - Los Gatos - 18.2 mi
Gilroy Garlic Festival - 18.7 mi
Columbia South Valley Hospital - 18.8 mi
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - 19.2 mi
Almaden Plaza - 19.6 mi
Villa Montalvo - 20.3 mi
Downtown Marina - 20.5 mi
Hakone Gardens - 20.9 mi

Featured amenities include complimentary wired internet access, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.

Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. This motel also features complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills.

Rio Sands Hotel is located about 1.5 blocks from Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos California. Our hotel is two stories with a banquet/meeting room, swimming pool, and hot tub.

Local Attractions

Rio Del Mar State Beach, Seacliff State Beach, Nisene Marks State Park, Capitola Village & State Beach, Mystery Spot, downtown Santa Cruz & Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Details / Other Expenses

Check-In 4:00 PM - anytime

Check-Out 11:00 AM

Year of Last Renovation: 2013

Floors: 2

Rooms: 51

Corridors: Both Interior and Exterior Hallways

Non Smoking Rooms: 51

Suites: 26

Room Windows: Windows Do Open

Cleaning Frequency: Daily

Meeting Rooms: 1

Dist. to Food/Bars: 0.5 Mi

Dist. to 24hr Restaurant: 2.0 Mi

Dist. to Nearest Gym: 2.0 Mi

Ownership: Allen Property Group, Inc

Nightly Parking: 0.00

Total Taxes: 12.20%

Total Misc Fees: $4.10 USD

Cancellation: Group cancellations must be made at least 30 days prior to scheduled event or date of arrival, which ever is first.

Check-In Instructions:

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

Guests should contact this hotel in advance to request a dishware/utensils kit (surcharge applies).

Amenities / Features

Barbecue grill(s)
Beach nearby
By ocean
Check In: 4:00 PM - anytime
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Coin laundry on site
Free WiFi
Free self parking
Free wired internet
Front desk (limited hours)
Garden
Housekeeping on request
LGBTQIA+ friendly
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
No accessible shuttle
No elevators
No rollaway/extra beds available
Number of outdoor pools - 1
Pets not allowed
Picnic area
Pool sun loungers
Professional property host/manager
Service animals are allowed
Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions
Smoke-free property
Vending machine
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair accessible parking
Wheelchair accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Airport & Shuttle Info

San Jose International Airport (SJC) approximately 40 miles away.

Sorry, no airport shuttle available.

Local Shuttle Info:

Breakfast Information

No breakfast, complimentary coffee service in the lobby.

Pet Friendly?

Pets are not allowed

Parking Info

We are limited to one parking stall per room. Bus parking must be arranged at time of booking.

Internet / WiFi

Our free wireless internet is available throughout our property for all guests.

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes: Refundable incidentals deposit: USD 100.00 per stay We have included all charges provided to us by the property. 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 The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Contactless check-in is available

Contactless check-out is available

Essential workers only - NO

Cashless transactions are available

Suggested AI Generated Itinerary

Day 1

Breakfast Cafe Sparrow - Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this charming cafe known for its homemade pastries. Located 0.3 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Lunch Aptos St. BBQ - Indulge in mouthwatering barbecue dishes at this popular local spot. Located 0.5 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Dinner Severino's Bar & Grill - Enjoy delicious seafood and American cuisine while overlooking the ocean. Located 0.2 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Activity Seacliff State Beach - Spend the day relaxing on the sandy beach or exploring the iconic cement ship. Located 1.2 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast The Hideout - Enjoy a cozy breakfast at this hidden gem known for its delicious coffee and homemade pastries. Located 0.6 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Lunch Cafe Rio - Delight in fresh and healthy California cuisine at this local favorite. Located 0.3 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Dinner Sanderlings Restaurant - Treat yourself to a fine dining experience with panoramic ocean views and a diverse menu. Located 0.4 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Activity Nisene Marks State Park - Explore the beautiful redwood forest and enjoy hiking, biking, or picnicking. Located 2.7 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast The Pixie Deli - Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich or bagel at this popular deli. Located 0.2 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Lunch Manuel's Mexican Restaurant - Savor authentic Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas at this local eatery. Located 0.4 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Dinner Shadowbrook Restaurant - Dine in a charming hillside setting with a creek-side patio and a menu featuring a variety of cuisines. Located 1.5 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Activity Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Have a blast at this iconic amusement park with thrilling rides and classic boardwalk attractions. Located 7.5 miles from Rio Sands Hotel.

Frequent Questions

FAQs about Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

What time is check in?

Check in time is 4:00 PM - anytime based on the hotel's local time. Early check in may be available if requested at the front desk on the day of check-in.

What time is check out?

Check out time is 11:00 AM based on the hotel's local time. Late check out may be available if requested at the front desk during your stay.

How many rooms does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have?

There are 51 rooms in the property.

Is there any meeting space at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

Yes, they have 1 meeting room that can support various table layouts.

What kind of breakfast is at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

No breakfast, complimentary coffee service in the lobby.

What parking is available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?

We are limited to one parking stall per room. Bus parking must be arranged at time of booking.

How much does internet cost?

Our free wireless internet is available throughout our property for all guests.