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  5. Reviews of Rio Sands Hotel

Reviews of Rio Sands Hotel This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!

116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos, CA 95003, United States of America

#3 of 7 hotels in Aptos

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 494 hotel reviews

8.0

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.5

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    9.3

  • Facilities

    8.2

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    7.9

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 30, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe King Suite
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Bed, couch and refer door were squeaky. Broken glass in parking lot and street.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 20, 2024

    9.0
    We would stay again, walking distance to beach, ALL staff friendly, the grounds were very well kept
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Quadruple Room - Disability Access
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing major. We missed the breakfast. With a toddler and a 1 year old, we really needed a room with a tub. Room was handicap accessible however, it was not easy to bathe little ones with no tub. I didn’t feel totally safe being by the back gate and the front door didn’t feel exceptionally secure. Since the property is by the beach, I think a broom and dust pan (in the closet)would be a welcomed addition to sweep up sand off the floor. ;-) There needs to be more hotel info in the room, places to eat, wi-fi info…

    We missed the breakfast. There was no mention of it when we checked in so we didn't think we were entitled to it! It would have been an excellent addition to our stay. Especially with two little ones! I had looked around to see where it would be set up, but once I didn’t see it and nothing was mentioned about a continental breakfast.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: April 5, 2024

    9.0
    We love that place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The fact you have to pay more because of early check in! If the room is ready what the difference! Paying for a day visit and you get 3/4 of a day

    Less than usual

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: April 1, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Went with our kids for spring break. We all enjoyed the pool and hot tub. BBQ grill was super convenient for dinner. The beach was just a few minutes' walk from the hotel, and the Beach Boardwalk was about a 20-minute car ride. Also, having breakfast available on site was very convenient. We would definitely stay again!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 23, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The staff was extremely helpful and very accommodating!!!!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: March 22, 2024

    7.0
    Declining
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • King Suite with Sofa Bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Room smelled a bit musty, the oven didn’t work properly and the refrigerator didn’t work, it was warm. Asked staff for help and she literally said “yeah I don’t know, good luck with it!” We have stayed here at least twice a year for the last 3 years but I think we will look elsewhere next time :(

    Proximity to the beach

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: February 28, 2024

    9.0
    Relaxing. Listening to the waves in the morning from the 2nd story Deck was soothing an
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It would’ve been great to take advantage of the hot tub and pool but we arrived a bit too late to the site.

    The breakfast had concluded but we were able to get a breakfast burrito and French toast from the Pixie Deli down the street that we would recommend to anyone

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: February 17, 2024

    9.0
    Clean and convenient, steps away from the beach.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    No complaints.

    Clean, great location, very nice staff. Beautiful breakfast room with fireplace and comfy chairs.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 15, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • King Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location, room amenities, and easy parking were all great perks of this stay.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2024

    7.0
    We had a great time!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Queen Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    I have knee issues, so I requested a room on the first floor. We were placed in an upstairs room. Breakfast coffee was super strong; even cream wasn't able to tone it down. The eggs were difficult to peel. Staff needs to start earlier to have breakfast ready at 7:30. The eggs weren't ready until 8:10. Perhaps it might be best to set the time for breakfast from 8:15 to 9:30 so people aren't sitting around waiting for things to be ready. Also, the bed was comfortable, but we wonder why it was so noisy. Every time we got out of bed, it made so much noise, we thought we'd wake each other up.

    We've always been pleased with the location, rooms, pool, hot tub, etc. at Rio Sands. The staff is very friendly and helpful anytime we've visited. The beach access couldn't be better. There are plenty of places to shop and eat in the area. It's a wonderful spot.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 26, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast was convenient and delicious

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 18, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing!

    Quiet and clean. Nice pool and Jacuzzi. Great breakfast! Friendly staff.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: January 17, 2024

    9.0
    I enjoyed my stay here and I would stay here again
    • Family with young children
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing I didn’t like

    Clean property, quiet

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 14, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Room, location, breakfast, staff all were more than adequate & amounted to an excellent value.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 12, 2024

    7.0
    Overall, I absolutely love Rio Sands! Just wish they would change those few things :)
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Suite
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We had only a couple of issues. First, we had a 1 bedroom suite and our neighbors were extremely loud. We had a room with a conjoining door to their's and we could hear every single word they said. Also, we got a suite with a kitchen so we could cook, but they charge an additional $50 for ANY utensils, glasses, plates, or cookware, which was not stated in the booking. The breakfast was lacking, but sufficient if we were in a hurry. Lastly, my mother-in-law needed an accessible room due to a recent hip surgery and they charged us to get her "upgraded" to a room on the first floor as they only had suites that were accessible for her.

    We loved the location and the room itself! I grew up in Aptos, so staying right on the water (basically) makes me feel right at home! I would love to see them change the "dishware" cost and also offer accessible rooms to people that need it without an additional charge.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: January 9, 2024

    8.0
    Overall, we had a very nice stay and would do it again!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    People smoking on their patio or balcony was disturbing to us. Also, people playing music loudly from their room nearby.

    The room was very clean, spacious, and and comfy. The bed was a comfortable memory foam mattress. Nice view of the courtyard, and breakfast in the banquet room was just enough. We can't beat the value for under $100/night, this was excellent!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2024

    9.0
    Enjoyed my stay very much and hope to return for another relaxing stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    really minor to say, but the coffee in the room was not good. May have been the coffee pot. The breakfast could have a few more choices. These are minor complaints.

    large suite, nicely decorated, comfy bed, nice sitting area outside the suite with a table and chairs. I believe the lovely pool was salt water with a deep end. Grounds are very nice with easy parking. Easy walk to beautiful Rio Del Mar beach and good deli for a nice meal.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: January 7, 2024

    7.0
    Happy with our stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Was difficult to lock back door. And bathroom was small. Other than that, no complaints.

    Great location. Easy short walk to beach.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: January 2, 2024

    9.0
    Always feels clean when staying here
    • Business trip
    • Group
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    For a free breakfast it has a mixture of items that I can enjoy

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 29, 2023

    7.0
    I enjoyed it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    No carpet on the floor. Should make their kitchen option free.

    It was close to everyone I wanted to see.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 24, 2023

    9.0
    Our family loved our stay and will be coming back!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe King Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location. Ability to have one room but separate spaces. Sliding glass door was nice

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 22, 2023

    7.0
    Great deal of a hotel with close proximity to the beach!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Breakfast assortment could have been better and more filling

    The breakfast was a bit underwhelming, just some hard broiled eggs and coffee. The greatest, but hey free food! Location was just 2 minutes on foot from the beach, no complaints there!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: December 18, 2023

    8.0
    Great
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Room great.pool and spa great. Neighborhood great.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 18, 2023

    8.0
    Great hotel; will return.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Queen Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The hot tub was broken. It was lukewarm and the jets wouldn’t come on. I had really looked forward to a nice soak after hiking.

    The room was comfortable, with a door out into the courtyard/pool area, with lots of neat little spots to sit outdoors. The location was great! It was nice to walk to the beach and to a couple places to get something to eat. Staff was friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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