Sands Inn & Suites

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

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Photo gallery for Sands Inn & Suites

Lobby
Lobby
Free daily continental breakfast
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | Pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board
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
(9 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

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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 Performing Arts Center. 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 - 4 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lure Fish House - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Scout Coffee Co. - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Field Day Coffee - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Pancho's - ‬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
  • 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 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands Inn & Suites on Jan 13, 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 20-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.

Will I be able to park 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at Sands Inn & Suites?

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

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a hot tub?

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.

Does Sands Inn & Suites have connecting rooms?

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 (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Santa Maria, CA (SMX-Santa Maria Public), which is around 29.2 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, at Sands Inn & Suites, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Sands Inn & Suites Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 193 out of 476 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 136 out of 476 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 85 out of 476 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 476 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 476 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

6/10 Okay

SOON

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Salvador

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hotel is convenient in location, near Cal Poly and restaurants. The cleanliness of the hotel is not 5 stars. The coffee maker was broken, there was a long hair hanging from the water dispenser and an old coffee bag in the water portion of the coffee maker. The towels were not completely clean, long hairs still remained in them. The bed was make but again we found hair in the sheets and on the bed. The floor was so dirty ly feet were black, after ly shower! The staff at the front desk was very friendly and that was the highlight of our stay. Its great for a place to just sleep but Im sure there are cleaner nicer places near by that would be better. We will never stay again! Very disappointed, deceived by the photos and the reviews!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Inis

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean and safe. The rooms (king) are on the smaller side. the bathrooms could be upgraded more.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

SIMMONS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect for uor needs. Great location and very comfortable room. Free parking in SF is awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Emily

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Fairly quiet, old and needs updated, unable to change room temp settings unless you can reach the AC unit high on the wall by hand, not enough towels/no wash clothes, no answer when calling front desk, gym doesn’t feel safe with machines not working and not bolted down, breakfast was typical, pool/hot tub looked dirty so didn’t use. It was fine for a quick place to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Traveled with family and small children, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was a bit thrown off as the pictures do no really reflect the rooms and the hotel. Yes, there are some updates but it really is just cosmetic upgrades. The bed was very hard, the continental breakfast was not so continental. You are better off purchasing at the mini mart across the way or eating out. Our refrigerator had mold around the edges and was not working. We were moved across the way and it was no different. Another customer complained of mold around the toilet. They should warn you to bring your own utensils if you plan on using the kitchenette. The service is not the best and I honestly felt as though I overpaid for the stay. I will not be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Toby

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff. Hard working and courteous. However, my room and the community areas were not very clean. Also the linens (bedding, towels, etc) all need to be replaced/renewed. But I should mention that the pool and the area around the pool was clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Anne

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Met Scott the GM & he made my stay, just chatting me up as I was traveling alone to visit my kids at Cal Poly & UCSB. Would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

John Murray

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

Do not recommend!!

Our toilet stopped working & we did not have enough towels & the front light in the living room never worked & the bed was lumpy & rolled inward.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Why are you forcing me to write this?
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall a nice spacious suite. The shower grout needs to be cleaned or replaced. Also it lacked grab bars and safely floor strips in the shower- a real potential fall hazard.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

wetona

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My visit with the Sands started out with an unpleasant welcome when I tried to check in at 7:30 in the evening. The lady at the front desk asked me to come back in 11 minutes because she was on her break. I had been driving for 4 hours and just wanted to check in and politely stated I need you to check me in now. She did, but wasnt happy about it. I have NEVER experienced anything like this ever. The room I requested was not av available, I booked a 2 queen room, I got a King and a pull out. I was not happy about that as well, she blamed Expedia for that mess up. the curtains were torn in the main bedroom, the bathroom had a sewer smell. overall cleanliness was about 8 out of 10. the only positive part of it all was a staff worker offered to help me with our luggage and their morning breakfast buffet wasn't bad. I would not recommend this place due to my experience overall.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Nataraj

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Nice, clean, and spacious room. Looked more posh for the price we paid. However, some electrical outlets were broken, and the covers were coming off - an electric shock hazard if you have small kids exploring things in the room. Narrow parking spots. Breakfast hardly had any choices. House flies in the breakfast area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Newly remodeled. Very convenient location. Staff is friendly. Lots of breakfast option. Only downside is the lighting and outlets in the room are not located in good spots. No outlet near the sink for curling iron, etc. hair dryer provided was plugged in at opposite end of sink, cord not long enough to see myself in the full mirror. No light above the sink other than mirror light.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jeffrey

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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