I can't say enough wonderful things about the staff. Very friendly and helpful. The motel is fairly basic - but very cute. It's a short walk to the beach and a short drive to some very nice places. more

I’m almost reluctant to write a review for this motel because I’m afraid it will be “discovered” and will be booked forevermore. However, it was such a find I feel that I have to share. My husband and I booked a “kitchen suite.” It had a small bedroom with a king size bed and bathroom and an adjacent living area... more

Stayed one night in a two room family suite, one room had a king bed and one room a set of bunk beds and a pull out sofa sleeper, also had a full kitchen. The pool area was very nice, the pool is heated, so the kids loved it! A nice short block to the beach! The free breakfast is... more

Perfect location, reasonable rates, clean, simple and quiet. These are the main reasons we keep coming back here. It is 1 block from the beach; a fairly clean, quiet beach too. There is a small store within walking distance, and a great sandwich shop just a block away. If you're looking to be blown away, then keep on looking. This... more

We wanted a nice clean place to spend the night while visiting with my brother in the same town. Even though the room was small, the room was clean and the staff quite friendly. All in all it was a nice place and the breakfast was great too! Will stay there again next time we go through the area! more

We booked in to the Rio Sands on a Friday and Saturday night in August so we got stung with their highest tariff - in fact this hotel or should I say motel was the most expensive during our 9 week trip to the US and Canada - even more expensive than a 4 star in San Francisco! The photos... more

This is a good choice for a place to stay if your want to be near the beach and within a reasonable distance the to activities around Santa Cruz. We have stayed here a few times. Although the motel is older, it is clean and the option to have a room with a kitchenette (microwave, sink, refrigerator, cabinets) is good... more

The room's heating furnace put out hot air the whole time which made the room very hot at night! There's no cross ventilation at all and no A/C. After getting no help from the front desk, I went to longs myself and bought a box fan and extension cord for the window. Problem solved. The hotel staff is a joke.... more

I have stayed twice at the Rio Sands, once in July 2005, and again in Sept 2006. The best thing I can say about the Rio is that if you are looking for a beach vacation on a budget this is your pick. You park once, and you literally don't have to drive again. The motel is older, but I... more