A natural rock arch formation on a beach with waves crashing below.

Rio del Mar Hotels, Aptos

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Our top choices for Rio del Mar hotels

1. Seascape Beach Resort

Seascape Beach Resort
4.0 star property
Rio del Mar
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"Beautiful place with all the amenities you need for a great vacation!"
United States
Carrie
The price is AU$419
includes taxes & fees
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Seascape Beach Resort

2. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
2.0 star property
Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Great little vacation spot away from the big crowds and corporate atmosphere."
United States
Rich
The price is AU$177
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

3. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3.5 star property
3.2 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,195 reviews)
"It was nice having the restaurant and bar on site"
United States
John
The price is AU$168
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

4. Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
7.3 km from Rio del Mar
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"As always a great stay."
United States
Michael
The price is AU$172
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites

5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
3.0 star property
7.3 km from Rio del Mar
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,000 reviews)
"Clean, convenient location with spacious rooms and good breakfast."
United States
William
The price is AU$181
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

6. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea
2.5 star property
6.7 km from Rio del Mar
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"It was easy to find and easy to check in. Great location."
United States
Gail
The price is AU$144
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

7. Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville

Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville
2.5 star property
11.8 km from Rio del Mar
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great for families l!"
United States
Jig
The price is AU$188
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville

8. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
11.9 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,179 reviews)
"Perfect location"
United States
Ruth
The price is AU$195
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
12.4 km from Rio del Mar
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,365 reviews)
"Always a great stay! Our second time staying here on our yearly Santa Cruz trip and it was great as always!"
United States
Rosio
The price is AU$207
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG
2.5 star property
10.4 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Staff was super nice , everything very clean, really good breakfast, pool was nice , convenient and close by to shopping and dining. Easy parking."
United States
Julie
The price is AU$171
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG

11. Best Western Rose Garden Inn

Best Western Rose Garden Inn
2.5 star property
12 km from Rio del Mar
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Greta rooms and breakfast was delicious!"
United States
Syria
The price is AU$174
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Best Western Rose Garden Inn

12. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
3.5 star property
12.2 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,284 reviews)
"Good place to stay right next to the beach and food!!"
United States
Harjeet
The price is AU$201
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Casablanca On The Beach

13. Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa
4.0 star property
9.8 km from Rio del Mar
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"It was very good. Would recommend staying here."
United States
SERGIO
The price is AU$297
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Chaminade Resort & Spa

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
2.5 star property
12.6 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,349 reviews)
"Would definitely stay there again"
United States
Alan
The price is AU$148
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

15. Capitola Hotel

Capitola Hotel
3.5 star property
6.1 km from Rio del Mar
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (569 reviews)
"Always a great stay. Right next to the beach. Staff was great and room was great."
United States
Jeff
The price is AU$272
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Capitola Hotel

16. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4.0 star property
12.3 km from Rio del Mar
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,360 reviews)
"a great find when visiting Santa Cruz!"
United States
cindy
The price is AU$203
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

17. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
2.5 star property
14.6 km from Rio del Mar
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (722 reviews)
"We stayed here for one night, the staff that we interacted with was very nice and helpful. Breakfast was delicious and hot. Room was spacious and clean, the only thing I would complain about is the shower. The shower was a bit dirty and stained, especially the shower floor and other areas within the shower."
United States
Adrian
The price is AU$163
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

18. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
4.0 star property
15 km from Rio del Mar
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,354 reviews)
"Great place to stay"
United States
Brandall
The price is AU$164
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

19. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
2.5 star property
11.8 km from Rio del Mar
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (194 reviews)
"Great place to stay !"
United States
Deina
The price is AU$139
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Carousel Beach Inn

20. Capitola Venetian Vacation Rentals

Capitola Venetian Vacation Rentals
2.5 star property
6.3 km from Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (903 reviews)
"The location is impressive and so convenient to the wharf/ shops. I will be back."
United States
Tina
The price is AU$283
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Capitola Venetian Vacation Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Compare popular hotels in Rio del Mar

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sitting area with a chair, a kitchen with a sink, and a fireplace.
Seascape Beach Resort
4.0 star property
9.0
Wonderful
1,001 reviews
View
A large ceramic pot with a rustic finish, placed on a circular stone base surrounded by small pebbles.
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
2.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
1,000 reviews
View
A spacious lobby with high ceilings, large windows, and a variety of seating arrangements including sofas, chairs, and tables.
Hampton Inn & Suites Gilroy
2.5 star property
9.4
Exceptional
784 reviews
View
A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola
3.0 star property
9.4
Exceptional
1,000 reviews
View
A spacious living area with a stone fireplace, green walls, and a large window.
Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
9.2
Wonderful
1,001 reviews
View

Hotels recommended for families in Rio del Mar

Our guide on where to stay in Rio del Mar

Find the best Rio del Mar areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Seacliff

If you're spending some time in Seacliff, Monterey Bay and Seacliff State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Aptos Village

Aptos Village might not have many top sights, but Seacliff State Beach and Rio Del Mar Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Top Rio del Mar Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Rio del Mar

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Rio Del Mar?
The best area to stay in Rio Del Mar is along the Esplanade and the surrounding streets near the beach.

This area is the heart of Rio Del Mar's visitor experience, offering direct access to the beach and the Pacific Ocean. The Esplanade itself is a scenic road running parallel to the coastline, lined with a selection of beachfront properties, local eateries, and a few small shops. It's a relaxed, family-friendly area, great for those looking for a coastal escape.

For families, staying near the Esplanade is ideal. You'll be just steps away from the sand for building sandcastles and playing in the waves. The Rio Del Mar State Beach provides ample space for children to play, and there are often lifeguard services during peak season. Many accommodations here offer easy access to the beach without needing to drive.

Couples looking for a peaceful seaside retreat will also appreciate this location. The sound of the waves and the ease of access to beach walks, especially at sunset, create a relaxing atmosphere.
When is the best time to go to Rio Del Mar?
The best time to visit Rio Del Mar is typically during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months, from May through to October, for the most pleasant weather.

During these months, the weather is generally warm and sunny, making it ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities. You can expect average temperatures ranging from the high teens to mid-twenties Celsius, with less chance of rain compared to the winter months. This period is superb for those looking to relax by the ocean or explore the local area comfortably.

Couples often find this period particularly appealing for a romantic getaway. The longer daylight hours allow for leisurely strolls along the beach, enjoying sunsets, and dining outdoors at local eateries. The pleasant weather also makes it easier to explore nearby attractions without the chill or dampness that can sometimes characterise the off-season.

For families, the summer months, especially June, July, and August, are prime time. The warmer ocean temperatures are more inviting for swimming and playing in the sand, and the extended daylight means more time for family activities.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline − this is often within 24 to 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our 'Fully refundable property' filter during your search to find the right Rio del Mar hotel for you.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Rio del Mar with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Rio del Mar hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Rio del Mar?
Hotel prices in Rio del Mar often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates and sort search results by 'Price: low to high' for our cheapest rates.

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