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From121US$ /night
Check-in
11Mar2026Select date
Check-out
12Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Accommodations

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers 51 wood-accented condominiums designed for varying guest needs. Options include King Rooms, Junior Rooms with two queen beds, and Family Suites that can accommodate up to six guests. Select units come equipped with kitchens featuring gas stoves and dining areas to enhance meal preparations.

Amenities

The hotel includes a refreshing outdoor pool and a hot tub available for guest relaxation. Guests enjoy convenient on-site gas barbecues and a 24-hour front desk for assistance. A business center ensures work needs are met at any time.

Location

Located off Highway 1 in the quiet Rio Del Mar neighborhood, the property is a two-minute walk from Seacliff State Beach. It is also minutes away from top attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroad. The proximity to both Santa Cruz and Monterey makes Rio Sands a strategic base for exploring California's coast.

Activities

The beach and the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offer options for fishing, picnicking, and hiking among majestic redwood trees. Guests can enjoy scenic trails and boating opportunities within the natural landscape. Whale watching and dolphin sightings are common at nearby beaches.

Accessibility

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals is committed to accessibility, with ADA-compliant guest rooms and entry points. The property offers features including wheelchair-accessible routes and bathrooms with grab bars. Guest services include TTY facilities to assist those with hearing impairments.

Highlights

Location: Two-minute walk from Seacliff State Beach

Rooms: 51 wood-accented condominiums

Activities: Proximity to beach and redwood parks

Accessibility: ADA-compliant guest rooms

“This place offers a solid, family-friendly beach experience with recently remodeled rooms, though some may find the advertised breakfast underwhelming. The location is a major draw, putting you steps from the sand, and the pool area adds appeal for kids. I would say it's a good choice for a casual vacation where beach access trumps luxury amenities.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Standard King Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Balcony
Junior Suite
2 persons
360 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Heating
King Suite Sofa Bed
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Balcony
King Suite
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Balcony
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Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Internet access
  • 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
Seacliff State Beach
9 minutes' walk
Beautiful beach known for its iconic pier and opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and scenic walks along the coast.
Aptos History Museum
Aptos History Museum
15 minutes' walk
Museum showcasing local history, culture, and heritage. Features exhibits on the area's past and special events throughout the year.
Rio Del Mar Beach
10 minutes' walk
Family-friendly beach ideal for sunbathing, beach games, and watching dolphins. Offers a relaxing atmosphere away from crowds.
Aptos Village County Park
5 minutes' drive
Spacious park featuring sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. A perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Epicenter Cycling
Epicenter Cycling
10 minutes' walk
Bike rentals for cycling enthusiasts. Explore scenic trails and coastal routes. Rentals available daily; check for seasonal specials.
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
20 minutes' drive
Ideal for hiking and nature walks. Home to towering redwoods and diverse wildlife. Trails suitable for various skill levels.
Yoga on the Beach
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions offered on the beach. Perfect for all levels, classes typically run during warm months.
Harbor Tours
15 minutes' drive
Thrilling boat tours featuring wildlife viewing and scenic coastal vistas. Book in advance for seasonal viewing opportunities.
Pixie Deli
Pixie Deli
3 minutes' walk
Charming deli offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and local coffee. Relaxing atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.
Cantine Winepub
Cantine Winepub
10 minutes' walk
Cozy wine bar with a diverse selection of wines and delicious small plates. Often hosts local musicians and events.
Erik's DeliCafe Aptos
Erik's DeliCafe Aptos
15 minutes' walk
Popular spot for hearty sandwiches and breakfast options. Known for fresh ingredients and friendly service. Check for dietary options.
Marianne's Ice Cream
Marianne's Ice Cream
16 minutes' walk
Famous for its unique flavors and homemade ice cream. The perfect treat after a day at the beach!
Aptos Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Local theater featuring a mix of new releases and indie films. Great atmosphere for movie lovers looking for a cozy outing.
Cantine Winepub
Cantine Winepub
10 minutes' walk
Relaxed vibe with live music events. Cellar doors open to enjoy a selection of local wines and artisanal bites.
Aptos Village County Park
20 minutes' drive
Community hosting seasonal events including fairs and outdoor movie nights. Family-friendly entertainment is typically prioritized.
Getting around town
City Centre
Aptos12 min  ·  3300 ft
Airports
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)84 min  ·  34.8 mi
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (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:
24

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 440 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
80%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Pool and hot tub
Breakfast availability
Pretty garden area
Cons
Noisy pavement
Guest reviews
based on 433 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.
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FAQs
About Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
What is the check-in and check-out policy for Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Rio Sands Vacation Rentals from the nearest beach?
Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach are within a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
What are some nearby dining options from Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Nearby restaurants include Flats Bistro (0.5 km), Manuel's Mexican Restaurant, Akira, Cafe Sparrow, Au Midi, Aptos Street BBQ, and Cantine Winepub, all within 1 km.
Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offer any recreational facilities?
The property features an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub for guests' enjoyment.
Is parking available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Public parking is available on-site for free without the need for a reservation.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen cable TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, and complimentary toiletries.
Does Rio Sands Vacation Rentals have any special features for children or families?
The hotel offers cots for families with children.
What business services are available at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
The hotel has a business center and meeting facilities for guest convenience.
Is there an option for a continental breakfast at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
The hotel serves an expanded daily continental breakfast for guests.
What attractions are located near Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is 16 km away, and the University of California Santa Cruz is 19 km away.
Can guests enjoy BBQ facilities at Rio Sands Vacation Rentals?
Guests can use the picnic patio area with BBQ facilities provided on-site.

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Check-in
11Mar2026Select date
Check-out
12Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room