Rio Vista Suites

overpriced for undersized rooms; not a safe area since it’s next to the junkie and hooker sleaze motels — be very careful

This is a recently refurbished (2014) Victorian Mansion that was vacant for 70 years. That tells you something, the money invested must have been huge! As such everything is clean, new and shiny and polished. Everything works, nothing is broken. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
However, there are several things that I didn’t like. Where to begin?
There was a sign outside that advertised ocean and river views. Well, the river isn’t much to see and the ocean is only viewable from a room or two, and only over all the buildings between here and there (see a map). Marketing exaggeration, if you ask me. Also, the dirty linens were piled up outside all day long, right next to the entry way from the parking lot. Not very classy. They also blocked the wheelchair lift, so that if needed, someone would have to yell for help before they could use it.
The building has no sound deadening. We were on the third floor and lobby noises came right up the staircase and through our doors. Fortunately mostly just a problem when the maids where cleaning.
My biggest issues, however, were decisions made during the refurbishment, meaning there is no easy way to fix it now. As I said, they spent a lot of money on this place, so obviously they want to get that money back. However, I think they chopped up the building too much! Many of the rooms are tiny, some so tiny you can’t really walk in them! There are no closets or dressers, every room has a small Armoire to hang clothes in. This is fine, except in our room the refrigerator was in the Armoire, pretty much making it useless. (Not to mention that keeping a fridge in an tiny enclosed space causes it to use way more power…) There is also a lack of horizontal surfaces. No desks is a big one, but even in the bathrooms, no shelves for shaving cream, toothpaste, hairbrushes, makeup, etc.
This over-​chopping really stands out on the main floor, where there are 3 guest rooms. The lobby is very tiny, cramped and uncomfortable. The breakfast machines and storage space and shelves etc. are crammed in around the edges and makes the whole place feel crowded and doesn’t look attractive at all. Really lacks the class it could have had. They should have used the space on the main floor to have a separate breakfast room and perhaps even a lounge beside the main lobby.
This problem extends to the parking lot — which is tiny and cramped with very narrow spaces in order to have enough spots. A big car then takes up two spaces which is a problem, since the street parking is reserved for the surrounding residences. And when the staff showed up during the day, they had to double park!
This place could have been excellent if it only had 8 rooms, but with 12 rooms, it’s only so-​so.

My fiancé and I stayed here over the weekend. We loved it!!! Very clean, the staff was very nice and accommodating to our needs. The rooms were beautiful. We will definitely be back again.

I was trying to find a decently priced hotel in the Santa Cruz area (since I was going to a trade show in Santa Clara, 40 minutes away). Accidentally I found Rio Vista, it looked like a cozy B&B, well located close to the boardwalk.
It is an old remodeled house, but well appointed and the rooms have all amenities. Deco is modern and clean. Breakfast included (continental style), free WiFi, free parking.
My only complaint: the breakfast area is tiny, you have to grab your food and coffee and eat it in your room.
Staff is friendly and efficient.
Recommended!

Came here for our 1 year anniversary and couldn’t have been happier. Check in was a breeze, cute Victorian converted house. Character of the house was not lost. Like any wood flooring home footsteps carry but its to be expected. Bed was very comfortable and spacious room with nice stainglass piece above our window. Outside traffic does come in if you open the window. If you want quiet sound proof place this is not for you. If you want quaint room with character and friendly hospitality then look no further.

Stayed here with my bf the weeks of April 22. We really enjoyed our stay here. The staff was friendly, the rooms were clean. We stayed in suite #9 which you can tell used to probably be an attic. It was really a unique shaped room. The beds and bathroom were comfortable. The room was a bit small but tolerable! Parking is tight, however I cant really complain because we did find parking all weekend, however I could see how it would be annoying to have to park on the street. It is a very easy walk to the boardwalk. My only complaint would be the continental breakfast, it is definitely a below average breakfast, some of the pastries were stale. I agree with another reviewer’s comment, for the price you pay they could do a little better on that end. Other than that I would definitely stay here again!

I base a lot on the quality of the coffee. ;)
This place was really special. Great service and very comfortable sleep. 12 unique rooms with cool bathrooms (What does that mean? You will see.) and all you might need. I looked all over Santa Cruz for hours for something a little different yet upscale. This is your place. Seriously, for like $ 20 more than the nasty Days Inn you get star treatment and full run of the place. Get in before 9pm and ask for the free late checkout at 12pm, they will probably be happy to accommodate as they did for me. I recommend and will be back. No need to look further.

First time to Santa Cruz for both my husband and myself. We both really liked our stay at the Rio Vista. Very nice & clean and friendly staff. Differently going back and will stay again.

I loved this hotel. So different and quaint compared to the rest of the hotels I looked at. I took a chance that it would be as interesting as the pictures portrayed. It is.
The rooms are sweet — not that big, but super cozy. I had the Queen Suite on the 2^nd floor, and it was very nice. Bed is very comfortable. I’d like to come back this summer and try the Junior Suite on the 3^rd floor — it looks really fun with all the different shaped windows and slanted ceilings.
The staff here is nice as can be. Thanks for a nice stay!

KEEPING SANTA CRUZ WEIRD
Rooms are a bit awkward. This house was obviously cut up into a bunch of weird shapes. There was no one at the front desk most of the time. they had free coffee and tea most of the time but the water was never refreshed in the cooler. I was hoping it would because when we got there it was oranges and ice and it looked like there had been water in there but no one ever refilled it. The second day it was melted ice and old oranges. The «hair dryer» in the room was a very odd contraption (picture included) and the shower head was broken. You had to jimmy-​rig it to the rack in the shower unless you like standing there and holding the shower head while trying to wash up. There was no door to the shower so one person can’t use the mirror or toilet while the other is showering even if you are a couple Because the water sprays out from the shower into the bathroom. The other rooms and bathrooms might be different but they all kind a look like pretty odd set ups. Like I get it your unique but you got to be practical too.

Friendly and laid back staff, quiet and cozy. Better than expected and I already expected the best! Antonio was very helpful and accommodating.

A pleasant surprise on our drift down the coast for a few days. Check in here instead of a hotel and give yourself a «high five» for taking a chance. The photos in the review don’t do it justice. Called directly to Antonio at the front desk and when we arrived at 10 PM he showed us each charming room to make our choice. Picked #4. Most have fireplaces and all are completely remodeled w 12 ft ceilings and lots of pillows, soft sheets and fresh pastries w coffee in the morning. A steal for price compared to local hotels in the area. Get the best price by calling directly off the Rita Vista website. Met the owners and they are as pleasant as their hotel. Considering a second night here it’s so nice.

We stayed at the Rio Vista Thanksgiving Thursday thru Saturday.
We have been coming to Santa Cruz for about 11 years, since our son started @ UCSC 2004 and decided to make Santa Cruz his home. We have seen a lot of the city and stayed at a lot of places. There are certainly «iffy» parts of town. That being said:
The Rio Vista location is decent. It is in a living neighborhood along the river. Very near the beach, boardwalk, pier and downtown area. Very easy walk to to all of these locations. Beach towns attract all kinds. Keep that in mind if walking late at night. We did NOT feel unsafe in the area. The parking lot is tight, to say the least. Photos of parking and lodging posted here are accurate. We parked on the street the first night as there was absolutely no room to park. The car was safe on the street.
Our son lives near by. We have watched the Rio Vista come back to life over the past couple of years. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Antonio. He showed us through the Rio Vista and to our room (#4). The room was clean and well appointed. Including a gas fireplace/​heater that worked excellently. The bathroom was spacious; shower double sink and jetted tub. The bed was VERY comfortable. I am in love with the duvet and wish I could get my hands on a cal-​king.
We had a great view looking over the river back towards downtown and the Santa Cruz mountains. This is an OLD house that has been well refurbished. There was some noise from the street as well as other guests walking above and noise from interior below. Keep in mind that the innkeeper has no control over these things (travelers with no regard and outside action).
The continental breakfast was basic (Costco pastries, yogurt, breads, juices, coffee and tea. The clerk at the counter in the am was a little standoffish. The coffee in the pot was old and gross morning 1. My husband let him know and a new pot was made. Morning 2, old coffee. My husband said I’ll be back in a minute for the fresh pot. It was ready when he returned. I think the pot might be too big for the demand and thus get’s old, odd taste before being consumed.
All in all I would stay at this location again. It was clean, convenient and was within our budget. Liao (sp?) the gentleman housekeeper, was friendly and we appreciated his service.

This is our first trip to Santa Cruz. Prior to coming here I looked online at several places to stay. This place looked the cleanest.
Pros–
The building is beautiful inside and out. Has some interesting history. It’s literally a two minute walk to the boardwalk. Short distance from restaurants. The rooms are very clean (which is the most important thing to me). They have complimentary drinks like tea, coffee, and flavored water downstairs which is awesome. Cute little patio with fire place. The furniture is new, modern and up to date. The guy at the front desk is very friendly and helpful.
Cons–
The rooms are tiny. I already knew it would be like staying in a hostel. But these rooms are sooooo small. I think my bedroom is way bigger than this including the bathroom and shower. The neighborhood is really trashy. Even across at the river there are bums everywhere. We’re on the third floor with an attic type window so the river view I thought we were getting is non existent unless you stand up and peek over the roof. The worst part is the parking situation. There is not enough parking for the amount of guests they have. That kind of ruined it for me. If I don’t have somewhere safe to park my car, I’m not interested in staying. After going out to dinner we found a good spot. But when we first got here we had to squeeze into this tiny spot that is made more for a motorcycle. It is soooooooo noisy. You can hear every door shut, every step on the stairs, everyone’s tv, and everyone’s water running. We ended up having to take a sleeping pill to get a few hours in. I guess I pictured something completely different. But It’s cool for a one night stay.

The house itself is nice and in a good location although the rooms are small. We had a room on the top floor which was very hot and the AC did not seem to be functioning well. The worst part was the staff– they were rude and unpleasant.

Found this place on
. The front office staff was very friendly and the prices were real reasonable. The rooms were newer and clean. We even got continental breakfast before we left. We will def be returning the next time we stay in Santa Cruz.

What a little gem among crummy motels in Santa Cruz! Victorian house turned all-​suites hotel. Ask for room on 3^rd floor, otherwise you’ll be packed in right on top of your neighbor, and will get a lot of the breakfast and patio noise. Room got hot so we had to sleep with blower/​ac on which was loud. Tons of electronic equipment in room but no instructions on how to use anything and remote controls seemed to be lacking battery power.

We stayed in the newly renovated Riverview Villa (small building next door to the main hotel). They did a great job remodeling… the rooms look awesome. However, the room we stayed in had a vibrating water pipe (there are four rooms, so I’m not sure if all of them have vibrating pipes), that made a horriible loud noise every time someone in the building ran water or flushed a toilet. We seriously didn’t get ANY sleep. We told the front desk, who said the owner is aware of it but the floor and the walls would have to be torn up/​out to fix it, so they just «keep writing it down“every time a guest complains. Had it not been for the water pipe issue, I would’ve rated this hotel 5 stars. The staff was awesome… very friendly, and great location. I would just recommend staying in the main hotel until they get those pipes fixed in the Riverview Villa.

I found this Inn on
I was a bit worried because I have found sometimes the pics can be deceiving. Well, that was farthest from the truth when we arrived here. In talking with the Manager at he desk, they had remodeled and just opened back up about 3 mo. ago.
It was absolutely beautiful when we walked in. It’s an old Victorian home that has been converted. So its vey small and quaint. They had beautiful décor, in the small lobby and also had some really great fixtures in the rooms. Also had some nice out door furniture on the patio that we actually enjoyed as well.
The staff was very friendly and chatty with us. It was a warm home feeling for the entire visit. Definitely recommend this if you visit Santa Cruz and you want something small and quiet to relax.

I found this little place on Book​ing​.Com. I was searching for a nice overnight spot for my boyfriend’s birthday; something romantic, but didn’t break my bank. I found Rio Vista Suites and I couldn’t be happier.
The first thing you notice when you drive up is the enormity of the house. There are beautiful stained glass windows and when the sun hits them just right, it’s stunning. There is private parking, which is always a plus, and check in was a breeze.
The room itself was smaller than I anticipated (a junior suite), but my boyfriend loved the cozy feel. Next time, we’ll probably go for a standard or deluxe suite, but the views from the 3^rd floor were amazing. Continental breakfast was free and super tasty.
My boyfriend and I agreed that we would stay here again and try to stay in all the rooms as we really loved it. Definitely worth the stay!