"I loved how close we were to the beach and how the pool area is open all year around."
Ashley from United States
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"The location is a short walk to a quiet beach, view is of the sunset and kitchen option overall is very usable."
Sven from United States
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Rio Sands Vacation Rentals - A 2-star beachside condominium complex with kitchen-equipped suites, outdoor pool, and proximity to state parks
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals offers wood-accented condominium units with kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, and cable flat-screen TVs. Select suites include full kitchens with gas stoves and dining areas. The property features a complimentary continental breakfast served daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM, an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and a 24-hour front desk. Located in Rio Del Mar, the hotel is a two-minute walk from Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar State Beach. Nearby attractions include the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (1.5 miles away) and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The business center provides work-friendly amenities, while ADA-compliant rooms feature roll-in showers and accessible routes. Guests can prepare meals in their suites or visit nearby restaurants like Flats Bistro (0.3 miles) and Aptos Street BBQ (1 mile).
Pros
The heated outdoor pool and hot tub are available year-round.
Select suites include full kitchens with gas stoves for self-catering.
Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily in the banquet room.
Proximity to Seacliff State Beach (2-minute walk) and redwood parks.
ADA-compliant rooms feature roll-in showers and accessible pathways.
Cons
Kitchens require a $50 fee for dishware and utensils.
Limited parking with only one space per unit; additional street parking is first-come, first-served.
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the scenic Forest of Nisene Marks for hiking trails.
Taste the fresh seafood at Aldo's Harbor Restaurant on the wharf.
Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn about local surf culture.
Explore the hidden gem of Seacliff State Beach for stunning sunsets.
Check out the Aptos Farmers Market for local produce on Sunday mornings.
Select your room type
Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Standard King Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
room details
Prices and availability
View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates
Facilities
Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Internet access
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Vending machines
Services
Laundry
Dining
Picnic area/ Tables
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Jacuzzi
Room features
Heating
Garden furniture
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Location
116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, 95003,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Seacliff State Beach
2200 ft
Landmark
SS Palo Alto
2200 ft
Beach
Rio Del Mar State Beach
2200 ft
Museum
Aptos History Museum
3900 ft
Landmark
Aptos Village County Park
1.1 mi
Winery
Cantine Winepub
2700 ft
Landmark
Rio Del Mar Beach
2700 ft
Landmark
Epicenter Cycling
3100 ft
Mall
Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center
1.1 mi
Landmark
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
1.6 mi
Landmark
S.S. Palo Alto Concrete Ship
1.3 mi
Landmark
Aptos Theatre
2700 ft
Landmark
Cultural Council of Santa Cruz
2900 ft
Landmark
Mediterranean Bar
2900 ft
Landmark
Aptos Village
2900 ft
Church
Calvary Chapel Aptos
3100 ft
Landmark
Things To Do In Santa Cruz
3400 ft
Beach
Potbelly Beach
1.5 mi
Store
Deluxe Foods of Aptos
1.2 mi
Landmark
Saint John the Baptist Episcopal Church
3900 ft
Landmark
Aptos Museum
3900 ft
Church
First Baptist Church of Aptos
4200 ft
Landmark
The Lookout
4700 ft
Beach
Sumner Beach
1.7 mi
Landmark
Polo Grounds Park
1.4 mi
Beach
Hidden Beach Park
1.3 mi
Golf Course
Seascape Golf Club
1.1 mi
Golf Course
Seascape Golf Course
1.1 mi
Bay
Soquel Cove
1.5 mi
Nearby
Seabreeze Tavern
1100 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
A picturesque beach known for its dramatic cliffs and the SS Palo Alto shipwreck, making it ideal for picnics and scenic views.
Aptos History Museum
15 minutes' walk
This museum showcases Aptos' rich history with fascinating exhibits and artifacts, perfect for history buffs of all ages.
Aptos Village County Park
5-minute drive
A beautiful park featuring walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, ideal for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
SS Palo Alto
9 minutes' walk
The historic concrete ship offers a unique sight and a great spot for photography, especially impressive at sunset.
Surfing at Rio Del Mar Beach
10 minutes' walk
Thrilling surfing opportunities await at this popular beach, with rental services available for boards and lessons.
Hiking in Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
10-minute drive
Relaxing hiking trails through lush forest scenery provide an escape into nature, with varied routes for all skill levels.
Biking with Epicenter Cycling
10 minutes' walk
Bike rentals and tours offered by Epicenter Cycling make exploring the coastline a breeze for all riding enthusiasts.
Pixie Deli
3 minutes' walk
A charming deli known for its fresh sandwiches and local produce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Flats Bistro
4 minutes' walk
This casual eatery offers a vibrant atmosphere with a menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.
Marianne's Ice Cream
16 minutes' walk
Famous for its rich and creamy flavors, Marianne's is a must-visit for ice cream lovers looking to indulge their sweet tooth.
Aptos Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Enjoy a local movie experience at this charming theater, featuring the latest films in a relaxed setting suitable for all ages.
Cantine Winepub
10 minutes' walk
A lively spot with a great selection of local wines and regular live music, making it perfect for an evening out.
How to get around?
City Centre
Aptos 12 min · 3300 ft
Airports
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 84 min · 34.8 mi
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 95 min · 39.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft
Want to get the best booking rate?
Access special rates for early reservations and start planning your dream beach holiday
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
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:
12
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Rio Sands Vacation Rentals from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
8.4/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Beach proximity
Updated rooms
Walk-in shower
Ocean view
Cons
Construction noise
Rude staff
Missing kitchenware
Guest reviews
based on 371 reviews
7.8/10
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.