Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach location and 2 outdoor pools

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

BBQ/picnic area
Fitness facility
Lobby sitting area
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Front of property

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Gym

Explore the area

Map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452
  • Moonstone Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Moonstone Beach Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Hearst Castle
    ‪26 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, No View

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, No View

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

San Simeon

Located within a 5-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park, Sands by The Sea is within a 15-minute stroll of San Simeon State Park. This 33-room motel welcomes guests with 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • San Simeon State Park - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Moonstone Beach - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 5 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • San Simeon Pier - 5 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 26 min drive - 8.8 miles

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Spot - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Beach location and 2 outdoor pools
Guests of Sands by The Sea have access to a full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, and a gym. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Friendly staff can provide a safe deposit box at the front desk, and also offer advice about sightseeing. Other amenities at this beach motel include free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee/tea in a common area.
LCD TVs come with satellite channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a fitness center.

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

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the motel's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee: USD 5 to 30 for adults and USD 5 to 30 for children
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Cavalier Coastal Kitchen

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Direct access to the beach

Full-service spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out fee: USD 150

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Friday - Sunday (1:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, California 93452]
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • 1 total pets
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 5 to 30 for adults, and USD 5 to 30 for children
  • Late check-out fee: USD 150

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 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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
  • Check-in: 4 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
Driving? This property offers free 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 credit card for incidental charges and 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. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the motel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Sands Sea Condo San Simeon
Sands Sea San Simeon
Sands By The Sea Hotel San Simeon
Sands Hotel San Simeon
Sands Motel San Simeon
Sands Sea Motel San Simeon
Sands Sea Motel
Sands Sea
Sands by The Sea Motel
Sands by The Sea San Simeon
Sands by The Sea Motel San Simeon

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Sands by The Sea?

Sands by The Sea offers free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do close to Sands by The Sea?

Guests enjoy the motel's beach location in San Simeon based on their ratings, and it's within a 10-minute walk of San Simeon State Park and Cambria State Marine Park. You'll also find Moonstone Beach and Moonstone Beach Park within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Sands by The Sea?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Is there a spa at Sands by The Sea?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include deep-tissue massages.

Does Sands by The Sea feature a casino?

No, Sands by The Sea doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Sands by The Sea?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools.

What do couples enjoy most about Sands by The Sea?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this motel, including 2 outdoor pools, a beachfront restaurant, and a full-service spa.

Are there hot tubs at Sands by The Sea?

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

Does Sands by The Sea feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Sands by The Sea serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Cavalier Coastal Kitchen.

Will Sands by The Sea allow pets to stay free of charge?

Yes, pets stay free at Sands by The Sea.

Are there connecting rooms at Sands by The Sea?

Yes, this motel has connecting guestrooms you can book for your group event or vacation.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Sands by The Sea?

No, at Sands by The Sea, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 453 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 294 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 142 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 63 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 48 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

T

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this tiny little beach town of San Simeon. This is definitely a beach motel, but it’s clean and very convenient. We parked right in front of our room, which was so nice. The water in the shower got pretty hot which was also nice. The outside area of this location is great, there’s the beach behind with fire pits and a sand volleyball net. There’s a few restaurants in town which are basically all within a mile. It was just a nice stay. Super quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David Lenard

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cesar

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Excellent value. Wonderful location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

stephen

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jazmine

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is just amazing. So close to the ocean you can easily walk there. We got married and stayed here so came back year later to celebrate.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nora

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The area is well kept and beach access is great

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love this place… affordable for a last minute getaway. Fire pits to die for.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Kay

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
My room wasn't very clean. The carpet and the bathroom floor were both dirty and my drapes were broken and torn. I happened to have a clip with me which I used to keep the drapes closed. The outdoor area was nice and family friendly. I appreciated the dog friendly policy. I would search around before staying in the hotel again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Casey

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved sitting by the fire pits and watching the sunset
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Rudy

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good Value for Short Stay

This is an older property, but it's managed by its upscale neighbor (Cavalier Oceanfront Resort) and provides amenities (fancy toiletries, room service, attentive staff, beach access) that you would not expect in its price range. Definitely attractive for a short stay, for a longer stay visit its neighbor.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked the beach it was right behind Motel ..views were beautiful..
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Atul

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was beyond great. Beautiful location. And we had an actual wood burning fireplace with supplied pressed logs. It was a great evening.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Scott

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Carmela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Ocean view

This stay was good and covered all my needs for one overnight stay. The views was excellent and the location was perfect next to the ocean and a local beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Weichao

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Mario Luis

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Simple & comfy in an amazing place @ great price

We enjoyed our 3 night stay. The price was incredible for just after Christmas! We had three rooms for my my husband and I, my parents, and my brother. I had a pet friendly room, so there was some damage to the furniture and carpet, but nothing that interfered or was dangerous for our dog. It isn’t a new hotel, and they havent done any major renovations in a few years, but everything was clean, the bed was comfortable, minimum noise from above or our neighbors. The prperty sits right on the shoreline, which is why we wanted to stay there. We didnt have an ocean view, but it was a very short walk to get a beautiful view. This property is actually 2 hotels on one lot. The one we stayed in is the older side. I have stayed in the newer one and it was a little nicer, but we were perfectly happy with where we stayed. My higgest complaint is that the shower dripped water all over the floor any time you opened the door, so the floor towel got soaked, and since we were at the beach, it would never dry. We hung it up and tried, but it was still wet.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a cute place… steps from the bluff with amazing views of the ocean. Can’t wait to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Kelly Ann

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025