Rio Vista Inn & Suites - Santa Cruz, California

Ayla Y

Honestly very quaint and clean place for the price. I saw another review that said there were a ton of bugs so I was very worried since I couldn’t cancel but was happy with the stay. The place has these new keypads but if you type the code in wrong 3 times it locks you out forever. Both my parents and I got locked out since we kept typing the front door code which was the second number on the sheet instead of the first.

Anyways there was some type of malfunction with the door which kept us from our room for >20 minutes and that was really frustrating. There was also never anyone at the desk and a very strong scent of cleaning products when we first walked in so had to crack a window. Also our fireplace didn’t work at first. After the lock debacle I didn’t want to complain about the fireplace - so my boyfriend fixed it and it worked great but it was also just a little annoying. Finally the location had a ton of traffic right by it which we could hear all night, very loud cars blasting music - not the staffs fault who were actually very friendly. So on an even distribution where 2.5 is average I’d say this place is just above average but nothing else.

May Anne Rosales-Marquez

Check-in is impossible after 9:30 PM, and there are no instructions provided for checking in past that time. I arrived at midnight, and no one was there. While I understand there may not be staff available late at night, there should be some way to contact an on-call representative. However, no one answered the phone, nor the Ring doorbell at the entrance. I also did not receive any text or email with check-in instructions. The staff should at least provide contact information for after-hours assistance, but instead, you're left stranded.

The location is in a rundown area, and parking is very limited, with some spaces occupied by people sleeping in their cars. It feels unsafe, and the staff seemed to expect us to sleep in our cars until the morning. The next day, we received a text informing us that the lobby was open, as if they assumed we’d just wait in our cars until then.

When you contact them, they will gaslight you, blaming you for the situation rather than acknowledging their lack of accessibility and support.

I don't recommend this place at all. Stay at a Hampton inn or any chain hotel. Don't bother with these dirty penny pinching hotels trying to masquerade as a 4 star hotel.

Jocelyn Celaya

I have stayed here about 6-7 times now and sadly last night was my last time. Usually my partner and I have a good experience however this last one completely turned us off from the establishment. I woke up at 3am completely itchy, covered in hives and COVERED IN ANTS!!! I have never seen anything like this and was immediately disgusted. We had to strip the sheets and leave immediately because of how awful it was. We cleaned up most of it because we trying to stay there- but there were just too many.

I called them later this morning to ask for a refund- assuming it would be no big deal and they would immediately want to make it right… well I was wrong, I was faced with complete disrespect on the phone from the lady at the front and was told “well they aren’t there now , so there’s nothing I can do”!!! Her claim was because I didn’t call them to inform them I was leaving and I should have called at 3am to ask for another room and show her the ants!! Absolutely crazy if you ask me!! Sadly will never be staying here again after 5 years of consistent stays. Sad that an establishment isn’t willing to make it right with someone who’s given them so much business.

Below is a picture of the bottom sheet where ants got all the way in. This was after we had wiped most of them away!!

valeriemay

Rio Vista had more potential because of the big rooms and cute ambiance. But the service is thumbs down.

No one was at the front when we got there at 330pm. The owner is not friendly and didn't want to take the time to explain everything. Check in felt rushed. Our fireplace had issues and the owner seemed annoyed to help us even though there really was an issue and it was freezing cold.

Finally, be aware that this inn does NOT accept children and is ADULT only. They said this information was on the website but I did not find it and there is no acknowledgement.

Overall, cute rooms but disappointing stay. I would not recommend.

Lenny T

Nice rooms in a fine location. However...

Parking at the annex is treacherous due to the layout of the driveway and the stone wall around it.

Water takes a long time to heat up in the shower.

Motion lights in the bathroom are a terrible idea bc my 4am "tinkle" was so brightly lit that I couldn't fall back to sleep.

Igor Zubenko

Lovely victorian house turned into a hotel. Great value for money, nice owner and wonderful rooms, very cozy. Was very quiet and atmosperic.
Disabled guests shall keep in mind the building has no elevator.

Kenzie C

My hubby and I went there for our 4 year wedding anniversary ❤️ and we love this hotal it's our second time there 1st time we were on the 1st floor love that room this time we had the 3rd floor very quite small and cozy big shower bed is cozy cute little fireplace I Truly recommend coming to this hotel. They're very clean very nice. When we come back we will stay here again.

Hannah Vincent

My stay at Rio Vista Hotel in Santa Cruz was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a picturesque setting that made me feel right at home. The hotel's location right by the San Lorenzo River is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape while still being close to all the action of downtown Santa Cruz. The views of the river and the surrounding greenery create a serene atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease. The room I stayed in was tastefully decorated and impeccably clean, with modern amenities that made my stay comfortable and convenient. The bed was cozy, the bathroom spacious, and the little touches like complimentary toiletries and downstairs coffee station added to the overall experience. The staff at Rio Vista Hotel were incredibly friendly and helpful, providing excellent recommendations for local dining and activities. Their attention to detail and genuine care for their guests truly sets this hotel apart. Overall, Rio Vista Hotel exceeded my expectations in every way. Whether you're visiting Santa Cruz for a relaxing getaway or exploring the area's attractions, this charming hotel is the perfect place to stay.