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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach location and 2 outdoor pools

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Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452
  • Place, Cambria State Marine Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, San Simeon State Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Hearst Castle
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(93 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(82 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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.
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What's nearby

  • Cambria State Marine Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • San Simeon State Park - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Moonstone Beach - 4 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 25 min drive - 8.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪JJ's Pizza - ‬8 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.

Similar properties

Exterior
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,754 reviews
$125 nightly
The price is $141
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

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
  • Smoking not allowed

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.

How much does it cost to stay at Sands by The Sea?

As of Nov 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Nov 25, 2025 start from $85.18, 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'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.

Is parking available on site 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.

Is Sands by The Sea a good place to stay for couples?

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.

Does Sands by The Sea have connecting rooms?

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

Can I book a room with a balcony at Sands by The Sea?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Sands by The Sea.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 461 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 284 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 148 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 57 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 50 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

agata

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Location is awesome . So serene
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

kelly

J
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mario Alberto G, Thousand Oaks

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Rooms need an update
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rodica

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room had dirty carpet and no AC. A sealing fan was available, but when I tried to leave it on during night time, the light would dim but I was not able to turn it off completely. So I ended turning off the fan, although it was hot in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent one night at Sands by the Sea and had a great time. Right by the water, and at night they had fires going and games during the day. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at the property with my daughter and grandson and it was great to be able to walk to the beach, use the heated pool and enjoy s’mores by the fire. We had an excellent time and felt safe/ the staff person who checked us in was nice and very informative.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dewayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

Traveled with family
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Gloria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The property is run down. They also run the motel next door. It is a bit confusing because you check in at the other motel lobby. The restaurant next door has good food. The staff is very nice and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Sands by The Sea and the Cavalier amenities so much we stayed an extra night. The perfect combo of price, location and amenities for us. Definitely recommend. We also enjoyed and recommend the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen restaurant. The food was great and the staff was friendly. Danny our server set us up at a window and mentioned we might even see some whales. We did and watched a very active pod for over 45mins out at the horizon as we enjoyed our meal. Dinner and a show, awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin, Peoria

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You were on a road trip so we only stayed for one day. And we had the opportunity we would extended another day or two. The restaurant was excellent. There was a fun bar across the street. The grounds were very fun to walk on. Just beautiful scene.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was AMAZING! They meet all our needs and then some. I’m a single mother with two little girls and they were very accommodating. I will definitely be staying there again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Lots of room for improvement

The front desk staff was not knowledgeable about the rooms, and not very urgent with our requests. This is part of cavalier property and they don’t seem to care much about this property. There is no AC in the rooms. And the thermostat was hanging off the wall. Also, our room wasn’t ready when we got there an hour after check-in time and wasn’t ready until 5 PM. We were told it was because the cleaning staff was running behind. But then the cleaning staff was at our door the next morning before we even got to check out, like we were being rushed out of the room.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jo Ellen

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Truly dog friendly. Great beach. Beautiful views. Very Very affordable. Kind and compassionate staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Paul

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

GIORGIO

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nothing they show in the picture is thru.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Sandi

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Virginia

Traveled with partner
I liked the location and views! Did not care for the rooms!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Victor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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

Family trip

The day was pleasant. Rooms were clean. The resort amenities were amazing. The fire pits room service was great overall it was an exceptional day.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Karina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness

Decent hotel but needs some repairs and updates

The hotel was clean. It’s an old hotel so everything is outdated. And there is no AC. My only negative is our room had a broken door for where the fridge was. So the door wouldn’t stay closed. Also one of the drawers next to the fridge was broken and would also pop open and you couldn’t close it.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Angelina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
In order to check-in, we had to go to the property next door. The room was average. We liked that the had fire pits outside they lit at night at sunset.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

The room was nice. The view was great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the bonfire
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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