Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Aptos Amenities photoRio Sands Vacation Rentals Aptos Exterior photoRio Sands Vacation Rentals Aptos Exterior photo
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From121US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, California, United States, 95003
-
Steps from Rio Del Mar State Beach
Very good
7.7
8.5
/10
4.1
4.0
/5

Rooms and Suites

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers wood-accented rooms and suites. Each includes a cable flat-screen TV, microwave, and refrigerator. Select suites feature kitchens with an oven, stove, and a dining area. Amenities include cable TV and high-speed WiFi. Guests can brew coffee with the in-room coffeemaker. Private bathrooms have fresh towels and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms feature a gas fireplace and seating area. Kitchens may be stocked with dishware, utensils, pots and pans for a $50 charge. Accessible rooms are available and held for use by individuals with disabilities.

Dining at Rio Sands

The property offers a complimentary continental breakfast. Each suite includes a kitchenette, equipped with a gas stove, microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker. A microwave and refrigerator are available for preparing food and drink items.

Leisure Amenities

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals includes an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Guests have access to a workout room. The property also provides gas barbecues for nightly guests on a first come basis. There are no lifeguards on duty; use is at your own risk.

Location and Access

Located off Highway 1 in Aptos, Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is in the Rio Del Mar neighborhood of Santa Cruz County. It's minutes south of Santa Cruz and 35 minutes north of Monterey and Carmel. Monterey Regional Airport is 60 km away. Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach are a two-minute walk. The University of California Santa Cruz is 12 miles away. Nearby attractions include the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Roaring Camp Railroad, and Downtown Santa Cruz.

Hotel Services

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers the following services: vending machines, fax/photocopying, luggage storage, and meeting facilities. Daily housekeeping is available. The front desk operates 24-hours. The property features a business center, free parking, and free WiFi. Only one parking space is available per unit. Guest parking is available on the street on a first come basis. Accessible guest rooms are held for use by individuals with disabilities. Accessible features include 32-inch wide openings to common areas, accessible pool entrance, ADA accessible guest rooms, and wheelchair accessibility throughout guest rooms and guest bathrooms per ADA standards.

“The location stands out near the beach, though some aspects of the property appear dated. While rooms offer ample space and convenient parking access, concerns have been raised regarding security and management responsiveness. For those prioritizing proximity to the beach and accepting certain trade-offs, it could still be a viable option.”
Hotel logo
Michael TurnerEditor, UsCalifornia
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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Standard King Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Balcony
King Suite Sofa Bed
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Balcony
Deluxe King Suite
2 persons
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Deluxe Suite
2 persons
1 King-size bed
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Calendar of room availability and rates

See current availability and pricing for your dates

Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Internet access
  • Free parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machines

Services

  • Laundry

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals Location

116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, California, United States, 95003
Map view
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, California, United States, 95003
Nearby
Beach
Rio Del Mar State Beach
1900 ft
201 State Park Dr
SS Palo Alto
1900 ft
Restaurants
Pixie Deli
800 ft
111 Venetian Rd
Flats Bistro
1000 ft
113 Esplanade
Erik's DeliCafe Aptos
4100 ft
102 Rancho Del Mar
Norma Jean's Coffee & Tea
4000 ft
8043 Soquel Dr
Marianne's Ice Cream
4200 ft
218 State Park Dr
Explore Aptos
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Seacliff State Beach
9 minutes' walk
Seacliff State Beach features stunning coastline views and picnic areas, ideal for family outings and beach strolls.
Aptos History Museum
15 minutes' walk
The Aptos History Museum showcases local history exhibits, offering insights into the area's rich heritage and community events.
Rio Del Mar Beach
10 minutes' walk
Rio Del Mar Beach provides a scenic shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports for all guests.
Aptos Village County Park
5 minutes' drive
Aptos Village County Park offers walking trails, play areas, and picnic spots, great for families seeking outdoor fun.
Epicenter Cycling
10 minutes' walk
Epicenter Cycling offers bike rentals and guided tours, perfect for exploring the beautiful coastal trails.
Yoga Classes at Local Studios
15 minutes' drive
Yoga studios nearby provide classes for relaxation and wellness, ideal for solo travelers or couples looking to unwind.
Surfing at Rio Del Mar
10 minutes' walk
Surfing at nearby beaches attracts thrill-seekers with rentals and lessons available in the summer months.
Pixie Deli
3 minutes' walk
Pixie Deli serves hearty sandwiches and fresh salads in a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect casual spot.
Flats Bistro
4 minutes' walk
Flats Bistro offers farm-to-table dishes with local ingredients and a relaxed vibe, ideal for couples or families.
Marianne's Ice Cream
16 minutes' walk
Marianne's Ice Cream delights guests with unique flavors in a vibrant setting, perfect for a sweet treat after dining.
Aptos Theatre
10 minutes' walk
The Aptos Theatre features films and live events, providing a community atmosphere for families and night out.
Cantine Winepub
10 minutes' walk
Cantine Winepub hosts live music nights and offers a selection of local wines, creating a lively environment for adults.
Local transportation
City Centre
Aptos12 min  ·  3300 ft
Airports
Monterey Peninsula (MRY)84 min  ·  34.8 mi
Mineta San Jose International (SJC)95 min  ·  39.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
18

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 440 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
80%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
8.3/10
Comfort
8.2/10
Facilities
7.9/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Nice beach access
Newly remodeled room
Comfortable bed
Quiet location
Cons
Thin walls
Guest reviews
based on 430 reviews
7.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What amenities are available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Amenities include an outdoor pool, hot tub, picnic area with BBQ facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
What room amenities can guests expect at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Rooms come equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary toiletries.
Are there nearby restaurants to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Nearby dining options include Flats Bistro (0.5 km), Manuel's Mexican Restaurant (1 km), and Cafe Sparrow (1 km).
What recreational activities are available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, and beach access with sun loungers.
Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offer any business services?
The hotel features a business center and provides fax/photocopying services.
Is breakfast provided at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast for guests.
What attractions are close to Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach are within a 5-minute walk.
How far is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals from Monterey Regional Airport?
The hotel is located 60 km from Monterey Regional Airport.
What accessibility features does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offer?
Accessible guest rooms are available for individuals with disabilities.

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Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room