Name: Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
Address: 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Rio del Mar, California, United States of America, Rio del Mar, California, US
Price range: $103–$285 per night
Rating: 8.3

What guests think

At Rio Sands Vacation Rentals, guests consistently praise the easy walk to the beach and family friendly vibe, with many finding rooms clean and beds comfortable, though some report dated finishes, thin walls, warm rooms without AC, and uneven service.

The pool and hot tub are popular, but there are recurring reports of temporary closures or maintenance issues; kitchenettes often lack utensils unless purchased, and a few noise sources like ice machines or plumbing are noted around the property. Breakfast is available but basic, with reduced variety and limited or later service noted by several guests. Overall, expect a simple, beach‑adjacent stay where location is the main draw.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Pool and hot tub are appreciated, though several reviews note temporary closures, maintenance, or cleanliness issues. Some rooms have kitchenettes without utensils unless paid; grills and on-site laundry are noted, and parking is generally straightforward.

Related guest reviews

6

kristina

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool was closed because the filter was broken, so we were able to cancel without charge. The night that we did stay the room was clean. However, the continental breakfast was basic - 2 cereal choices (Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), toast, waffle or oat meal. Car parking was tight, we got a door ding. It was less than 5 min from the beach, so hard to beat.

6

Jessica

Nov 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff was very courteous, check in was easy. The room could have been cleaner, the floors show wear and tear. The hot tub was gross. There were so many tiny particles floating around it was a distraction from it usually being a relaxing place. My husband didn't rinse his suit out afterwards and the next day it smelled like vomit. Please clean the hot tub! It's affordable and walking distance to the beach in a quiet neighborhood near some great restaurants.

10

Laura

Dec 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No utensils, cups, dishes, pots, pans or anything but an oven fridge and microwave. It was a really cool set up but you would need to bring all the kitchen tools you would need to cook. No coffee maker but you could get coffee at the lobby. The pool and spa setup was great.

8

Lydia

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was super helpful and the property, including the breakfast room, well-maintained. It was great to have use of the grills, which were clean and powerful. The hotel itself is extremely conveniently located for access to the beach. We had a great time. We were disappointed the pool was out of service during our stay. A very small note: the plant in the entryway next to the lobby would look much better if the leaves were dusted :-)

10

Emmanuel

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Rooms were nice and clean. The outdoor pool and spa area are nice and clean. 3 min walk to the beach.

10

Robert

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s a really nice place to stay. Close to the beach. The beds are wonderful and comfortable. Beautiful pool and hot tub also.

8

Suzanne

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel is in a great location with the beach and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are clean and the pool and hot tub are well maintained. The breakfast choices are minimal and offer few choices.

10

Nicole

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Walking distance from the beach. Has washer and dryer, pool, hot tub great food near by. Rooms are small but your are not really in the room that long. The front desk was amazing! Brooke was great!

10

Ralph

Jul 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the pool and spa and walking distance to ocean!

6

Mark

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The pool was closed on Labor Day weekend and the breakfast didn’t really have any choices! There were waffle machines but no waffle batter to make waffles and there wasn’t anything else to really eat!

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Cleanliness

Many guests find the property and rooms clean, but reports of dirty floors, musty or mildew odors, pests, and missed housekeeping appear in multiple stays. Standards seem to vary by room and visit.

Related guest reviews

10

Jesus A

Mar 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was awesome the staff was very friendly I recommend it to any family that's willing to come to the oceanfront. The rooms were very clean

10

Patricia

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check-in was smooth. The king room with a balcony is great. Clean and comfortable.

4

Judy

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

AVOID if sensitive to mold/mildew. The room is beautiful and generally very clean, but the mildew smell was overwhelming—even with windows open. I kept them open except at night, yet still woke up congested with a headache. Symptoms eased when I was out for the day but returned each time I came back. By the second night, my breathing worsened, and without my inhaler on hand, I had to cut my trip short. I mentioned the smell to management; they offered another room, but I needed to go home for my inhaler. I requested a refund for that night. The manager said they’d follow up, but after several days and a later email, I’ve heard nothing. I’ve stayed at this hotel annually for years and have always appreciated the location and value, which makes leaving this review difficult. However, Room 144 is not suitable for anyone sensitive to mold, and guests should be forewarned. I hope management addresses this promptly so loyal visitors can continue to enjoy their stays.

6

Rachel

Jul 24, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Our stay was okay, here’s why… Pros: Breakfast Parking Location, proximity to beach is great. Cons: We found a cockroach in our room, gross. Pool closes at 9PM (Seacliff closes at 10) Room was very musty smelling. Very noisy, if your bed is in the front part of the room be prepared to hear people a lot of the night and early morning. Paying almost $400 a night and finding a cockroach in our room was disgusting.

4

Seth

Jan 6, 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very tired and worn from the flooring to the paint, to the bathroom. Presumably it was clean from the strong smell of bleach but it was less than clean

2

Cindy

Mar 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The floors were filthy. I know this because I spilled some water and when I wiped it up with a bath towel it was black. I booked the family room so my granddaugher who is one could stay with me. I couldn't let her crawl on the floor because it was so dirty. I asked for housekeeping to clean it and they never came. I asked again and still nothing. Also the drapes didn't completely cover the windows and anyone could see into the room. I asked for this to be remedied and it wasn't. I had to put up blankets over the window which the front desk staff assisted with but it was just unacceptable to be in a room without curtains for privacy.

6

Rachel

Jan 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were helpful and the breakfast decent, but our room had a funky smell and wasn’t very clean. The bathroom had dirt and hair on the floor. I don’t think we’d stay there again.

4

John

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

asked for first floor room since no elavator but did not get one. Room was not cleaned there was balloons in room and a power skateboard also in room so I dont see how it had been cleaned properly. Also bed spread had stains .

10

Joseph

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic service, quick response time, clean rooms and facilities.

10

Rebecca

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

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.

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Rooms

Guests describe comfortable beds, some updated rooms, and occasional balconies or partial ocean views, but others mention dated decor, thin walls, noisy fixtures, and warm rooms due to no AC. Wi-Fi reliability is inconsistent for some stays.

Related guest reviews

8

Julie

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wish it had AC option or ceiling fan

4

Randy

Jan 5, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

Karen S

Dec 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Noisy heater and refrigerator.

10

Gigi

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My mattress wasn't even across the entire surface. But our suite was spotless, no sand on the floors which isn't so easy this close to the beach. Very clean suite and roomy. Quiet and very close to the beach. Coffee in the continental breakfast room was good, and the fire and comfy chairs added a nice ambiance. We'll be back

10

Jennifer

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Best beds and pillows ♥️

10

Julia

Aug 13, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Bed was super comfortable. I enjoyed having a little patio area to sit outside. The rooms do not have AC, and my room felt a bit warm and stuffy. I could open the sliding doors to cool it off, except at night. The location is a short walk to the beach. Not much soundproofing between floors, but they have quiet time starting at 10pm.

4

Jakoub

Nov 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Thin walls

6

Rhoda

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Ice machine very noisy across small courtyard from our patio door. Started at 6am went to 10p

4

Whitney

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was great and the place is very clean. However, the bed was like a 50 year old spring mattress that 30 people slept in the middle of for 10 years. AWFUL! Every time i moved the sound woke me up. I spent my last night on the floor cuz my back was a wreck. No hot water in my shower. Until i moved it to COLD. Not even a small area to smoke. In the dark i had to stand on the street corner

6

Wendy

Sep 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We liked the place and have stayed here before. However, this time the bed was extremely uncomfortable.

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Service

Staff are often friendly and helpful, yet multiple guests report long front-desk absences, slow or difficult check-ins, poor follow-up, and unhelpful responses to issues. Experiences can differ widely.

Related guest reviews

2

Stephen

Nov 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

1) I had to wait 15 minutes in the lobby to check in. No one was on property. 2) I had to leave a $100 credit card for "incidentals" when there was nothing in the room or the property to be consumed

2

Steffani

Jul 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The overnight staff was very rude! We arrived late and I felt that we were being watched on how many people entered the room however the next morning when the a/c wasn’t working, service was no where to be found. I will never book here again.

10

Andrea

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Nicely renovated and maintained. Great value for the price. Super friendly and helpful staff. A short walk to the beach. Wonderful stay.

8

Kelsey

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything about this hotel was great until I checked out. I was heading home which was a 3hr drive when halfway home I realized I forgot a couple shirts in the drawer. I immediately called and no answer so I left a message. Then email them. I got an email back saying my stuff has been put in the lost and found. I asked if they could take it out and mail it to me. I would pay the cost of shipping. I got no answer. Then a couple days later I get an email saying my stuff is no longer in lost and found. So I called them. They answered. Apparently my stuff was never found. It’s a couple t shirts people. I don’t know why they were so shady about it. Why would you even tell me you found it in the first place. It was just weird and sad. Other than the sketchy staff. The hotel and surroundings was great. The beach is a 2 min walk of that. And there’s a pizza place/cafe right around the corner that was delicious.

6

Maisie

Apr 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I waited for 30 minutes to check in because front desk was empty.

10

Ella

Nov 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was in the area for a class. The hotel was very clean and felt safe. Parking was easy. The room and bed were quite comfortable and the staff I interacted with was friendly and helpful.

4

Nathan

Jun 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had reservations for 2 nights, however the first night our daughter came down with a severe flu and very high fever. We had to leave early to get her home and to the doctor. I tried to talk to a supervisor before we left but she was late to work. A housekeeper took my information and said she would have her call me. No one called me back. I waited two days. I attempted to ask for a credit or refund with the property but was told I had to go through Expedia. Expedia tried to assist but Rio Sands refused the credit/refund. Rio Sands’ lack of communication was inexcusable. The fact that no supervisor called shows their level of customer service. Our family has been going there for over 20 years but we won’t be back. The property is not only aged but extremely overpriced. We can stay at a VRBO or Air B&B for the same cost or less. All they had to do was call me themselves and explain. I would have understood & accepted it.

10

Nicole

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Walking distance from the beach. Has washer and dryer, pool, hot tub great food near by. Rooms are small but your are not really in the room that long. The front desk was amazing! Brooke was great!

10

Laurie

Apr 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff here is top notch! Rooms are clean! It’s not easy to get a room this clean (I know how hard it is). Everyone here pays attention to intricacies of the smooth flow of a lot of activities that are constantly changing. Each party of guests is treated as if they are the only group here. No job is easy. Everyone is super pleasant and helpful. I’m able to get good rest despite my less expensive room location. That’s a reflection of the amazing staff! Respectful fellow guests also 👍 I’ll stay here again :)

10

Joseph

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic service, quick response time, clean rooms and facilities.

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Location

Excellent beach access within a short walk in a quiet residential area, with some dining nearby. A few note limited nearby options and cooler, foggier weather compared with central Santa Cruz.

Related guest reviews

4

Marian

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

10

Sharon

Oct 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location and easy walk to the beach.

10

Emmanuel

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Rooms were nice and clean. The outdoor pool and spa area are nice and clean. 3 min walk to the beach.

10

Suzette

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is perfect. Super close to the beach.

10

Marcie

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Close to the beach

8

Jyl

Nov 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We love Rio Del Mar for its quietness, even though it’s walking distance to beautiful big beaches & the cement ship.

10

Edwin

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Love the location. Surprisingly comfortable and exceeded my expectations.

8

linda

Jul 4, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was ideal; 1 block walk to the beach and 15 minute drive in any direction

10

Margaret

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the beach boardwalk area, yet still family friendly, this hotel is a pleasant getaway to the coast. Beach is a short walk and Aptos dining and grocery stores are a short drive.

10

Brenda

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The entire property was serene and enjoyable! And sooo close to the beach!

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Dining

Continental breakfast is basic with reduced variety, often lacking protein or fresh items. Some guests encountered no breakfast during certain stays or later start times that didn’t suit early departures.

Related guest reviews

6

kristina

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool was closed because the filter was broken, so we were able to cancel without charge. The night that we did stay the room was clean. However, the continental breakfast was basic - 2 cereal choices (Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch), toast, waffle or oat meal. Car parking was tight, we got a door ding. It was less than 5 min from the beach, so hard to beat.

6

D

Oct 21, 2023

·

Stayed 5 nights

We've been staying here off and on for years now, the time before this one being in late March of 2023 when things were as we expected them to be at Rio Sands. But over this past week, there were several downsides that left us rather unpleasantly surprised. Between the downgraded breakfast (no more eggs, sausage/bacon, or yogurt while the bananas were overripe early in the week and the juice machine was out of order on our last morning), a lack of what had been the usual hot water and coffee in the foyer by the front desk, the leaky shampoo dispenser above the bathtub, and the at-times fluctuating water temps in the shower, it seemed to us as if ownership is now excessively leaning on the hotel's very convenient close-to-the-beach location as a selling point at the expense of too many other elements of the experience. We may or may not stay here again in the future, but if we do, it will be only because the price was too good to pass up as was the case on this occasion.

10

Kendra

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

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.

8

DANIEL T

Sep 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I’ve been coming here once or twice a year for the last 10 years so like everything, things have changed over that time. There’s no longer a continental breakfast available but there is coffee available in the lobby. Overall though, the things that make this motel exceptional are location, location, location. Two minute walk to the beach.

8

Suzanne

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel is in a great location with the beach and restaurants within walking distance. The rooms are clean and the pool and hot tub are well maintained. The breakfast choices are minimal and offer few choices.

8

Katherine

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

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.

6

Cynthia

Aug 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The continental breakfast has really changed. Almost nothing healthy offered. No fruit, yogurt, bagels or hard boiled eggs.

10

Wilfred

Mar 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We’ve stayed here before and the easy access to the beach coupled with the nice pool and hot tub makes this one of our favorite places to vacation not to mention the clean rooms, comfy beds, and quiet neighborhood. The only thing that could be better is the “continental breakfast”…we expected at least some eggs and potatoes but all there was, was cereal, oats, toast and some coffee; not much else. So we decided to eat out.

10

Caroline

Jul 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This is our third time at this hotel. It’s a great family friendly place with the beach so close by. The free breakfast has got progressively more budget over the years and now no eggs but the children love making their own waffles.

6

Mark

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The pool was closed on Labor Day weekend and the breakfast didn’t really have any choices! There were waffle machines but no waffle batter to make waffles and there wasn’t anything else to really eat!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$116
February	$121
March	$138
April	$148
May	$184
June	$207
July	$242
August	$208
September	$157
October	$135
November	$122
December	$118

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $114	17 $113	18 $270	19
20 $185	21 $185	22 $110	23 $113	24 $112	25 $285	26 $285
27 $185	28 $185	29 $185	30 $114

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $107	2	3
4 $178	5 $178	6 $105	7 $105	8 $109	9	10
11 $107	12 $108	13 $178	14 $178	15 $178	16	17
18 $104	19 $104	20 $103	21 $103	22 $109	23	24
25 $178	26 $178	27 $115	28 $112	29 $104	30	31

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

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