Sands Inn & Suites

2.5 star property
Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands Inn & Suites

Lobby
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | Pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
Lobby
Free daily continental breakfast

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
1930 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
  • Place, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Fremont Theater
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Economy Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(38 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(38 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)
  • 375 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(24 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 375 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

You may also like

About the neighborhood

San Luis Obispo

Within a short walk of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Sands Inn & Suites is within a mile (2 km) of Fremont Theater. This 70-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • French Hospital Medical Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Fremont Theater - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo Station - 3 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lure Fish House - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Scout Coffee Co. - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Field Day Coffee - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Bobastop - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Sands Inn & Suites

Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Guests of Sands Inn & Suites have access to an outdoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. You can take advantage of free parking if you drive. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with luggage storage, securing valuables, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include meeting rooms, conference space, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Pillowtop beds grant a restful night's sleep and bathrooms offer hair dryers. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free covered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2,500 square feet of conference space
  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 accessible parking spaces
  • Braille/raised signage
  • No elevator
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (32 inches high)

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1985
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD 75.00 per stay), plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (40 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD 75.00 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Sands Inn
Sands Inn San Luis Obispo
Sands San Luis Obispo
Sands Hotel San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn And Suites
Sands Inn & Suites Motel
Sands Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites Motel San Luis Obispo

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Sands Inn & Suites?

Sands Inn & Suites provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Sands Inn & Suites?

As of Jan 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands Inn & Suites on Jan 4, 2026 start from $80.1, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do within easy reach of Sands Inn & Suites?

This motel is located in San Luis Obispo, a short 17-minute walk from Fremont Theater and also 17 minutes on foot from Performing Arts Center. You'll also find San Luis Obispo County Library and San Luis Obispo Superior Court less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Sands Inn & Suites?

Yes, covered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking and free RV/bus/truck parking are also available for guests.

Does Sands Inn & Suites include a casino at the property?

No, Sands Inn & Suites doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

What do couples enjoy most about Sands Inn & Suites?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a pillowtop mattress as well as an outdoor pool and free breakfast.

Are there hot tubs at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Sands Inn & Suites offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Sands Inn & Suites allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Sands Inn & Suites for a fee of USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night. A deposit of USD 150 per stay is collected.

Are there connecting rooms at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Where is the closest airport to Sands Inn & Suites?

The closest major airport to Sands Inn & Suites is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), which is 4.2 mi away (13 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is around 29.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Sands Inn & Suites.

Sands Inn & Suites Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 187 out of 461 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 461 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 82 out of 461 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 461 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 29 out of 461 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed for one night with family. Rooms comfortable and had minimal amenities needed for one evening stay. Great breakfast and good customer service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Getting to the hotel was very easy to get to. We got there later than expected and the staff was very accommodating letting us check in at such a late hour. The room was clean and it was very quiet. We had a great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Tatsuki

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The best part of this hotel is the staff members. They were all very friendly and helpful. The property is a little old but conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Edward

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a good deal and the room had everything I needed
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Brook

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
The stay here wasn’t so bad. I checked in on a Friday and checked out on Sunday morning. I got the owners suite . Pros : Price was decent , staff was fairly friendly , close by where I needed to be. Cons : Rooms were dirty, floor was pretty dirty , trash left under the bed for the pull out couch . I think the worst part of my stay was that the air conditioning doesn’t work well at all. There was 5 of us in that suite and we all slept uncomfortably because it was so humid and hot and the ACs don’t work well. And to top it off, the bathroom has no vent fan or window either , so it gets so humid you cannot breath inside that bathroom. The beds were also very uncomfortable. Me and my partner woke up with aching backs . But for the price I would say it’s not too bad. I might stay again if I had no other better options .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Massimo, Chicago

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel in San Luis Obispo at this price range. Very friendly staff and super clear room. No carpet (which is good) and lots of water in shower.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa, Santa Clara

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was spacious and super clean. Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

alejandra

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice little hotel, great pizza place down the street! Staff was helpful and nice. Room was nice and spacious, clean, and good price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

seng

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and roomy. Very loud air condition machine thought
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

SANTIAGO, WALNUT CREEK

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eria Othieno

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
everything was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Updated property, comfy bed, clean and quiet. The free breakfast is great with plenty of options. The staff was very nice and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Johnna

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Although the accomidation were not great, the manager made things right. It was the only hotel available for WOW week .....
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

JINAH

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Poor environment

Overall, the facilities were old and not clean. There were bugs flying around the sink and mold in the bathroom. The bed squeaked and the blanket was too thin, so when the heater was turned on, it was too loud to sleep. In terms of price, I booked two days ago and was charged $220 per day, but found out the price was actually $79 per day. Somehow, I felt cheated. Also, the pillow was too high to sleep comfortably. I don't think I will go back again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Emily Ann

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Here’s the thing, this place is fine. But they hired the best photographers for their advertising and that’s where they went wrong. The reality is then disappointing. All the employees we encountered were nice and helpful (for example when the woman in front of me as I checked in asked the front desk clerk for ant spray for her room, the clerk couldn’t find any but gave her glass cleaner instead). Our room had a kitchenette although not a single dish or utensil. The shower had decent water pressure but the door couldn’t open all the way into the bathroom because it hit the toilet bowl. There was clearly an effort at some point to update this place but only half heartedly. Just know before you go.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Cindy

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Moldy smell, old and loud AC. And very, very uncomfortable bed. Location is great, plenty of parking.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony, San Clemente

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025