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Sands by the Sea Motel

2.5 star property
Salt air and seasonal outdoor pool, near Short Sands Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by the Sea Motel

Relax in this spacious living area with a high ceiling and large window, featuring a dining table, sofa, and floor lamp.
Relax by the pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, with the ocean and a distant lighthouse in view.
Enjoy a beachside getaway with access to the ocean and parking convenience.
Kitchen with central island, gas stove, oven, and cabinetry.
Kitchen features a refrigerator, microwave, and wooden cabinets.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, ME, 03909
  • Short Sands Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • York's Wild Kingdom
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Long Sands Beach
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 39

One Bedroom Suite- 39 | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

One Bedroom Suite- 39

  • 500 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for The Sea Glass Suite

The Sea Glass Suite | Living area | 32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

The Sea Glass Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 38

One Bedroom Suite- 38 | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

One Bedroom Suite- 38

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 500 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa | Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Three Bedroom Cottage

32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

Three Bedroom Cottage

  • 1100 sq ft
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 4 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for The Starfish Suite

The Starfish Suite | Living area | 32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

The Starfish Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for The Sandpiper Suite

The Sandpiper Suite | Living area | 32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

The Sandpiper Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Room amenity

Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for The Seashell Suite

The Seashell Suite | Living room | 32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

The Seashell Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Bedroom Cottage

32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

Two Bedroom Cottage

  • 800 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

York Beach

Sands by the Sea Motel places you next to Short Sands Beach and a short stroll from other popular sights like Long Sands Beach. This 60-room motel has in-room conveniences like refrigerators, microwaves, and TVs.
View more Motels in York BeachOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Short Sands Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • York's Wild Kingdom - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Long Sands Beach - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Nubble Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Perkins Cove - 14 min drive - 6.4 miles

Getting around

  • Wells Regional Transportation Center - 21 min drive
  • Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anthony S Food Shop - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Stonewall Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Stones Throw - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Union Bluff Grill & Pub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dunne's Ice Cream - ‬20 min walk

About this property

Sands by the Sea Motel

Salt air and seasonal outdoor pool, near Short Sands Beach
Guests of Sands by the Sea Motel enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an ATM. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. Other amenities at this beach motel include a convenience store and a vending machine.
32-inch TVs come with cable channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Refrigerators, microwaves, and hair dryers are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • ATM
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with cable channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday - Thursday (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 25 and April 22.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • 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. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector and outdoor lighting.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from April to October.
  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Sands Sea Motel York Beach
Sands Sea Motel York
Sands Sea York
Sands Sea Motel
Sands Sea York Beach
Sands Sea
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel
Sands by the Sea Motel York Beach
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel York Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Sands by the Sea Motel?

Sands by the Sea Motel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Jul 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by the Sea Motel on Jul 18, 2025 start from $346.71, 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 near Sands by the Sea Motel?

This motel is located in York Beach, a short 1-minute walk from Short Sands Beach and also 12 minutes on foot from Long Sands Beach. You'll also find Nubble Lighthouse and York's Wild Kingdom within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Sands by the Sea Motel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Though parking is limited, accessible parking is also available.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel feature a casino?

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

Is there an indoor pool at Sands by the Sea Motel?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool is normally open from April until October.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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

No, Sands by the Sea Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Sands by the Sea Motel though service animals are welcome.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Sands by the Sea Motel?

The closest major airport to Sands by the Sea Motel is Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.), which is 16.6 mi away (25 minutes by car). Another top airport is Sanford, ME (SFM-Sanford Seacoast Regional), which is located 24.4 mi away (32-minute drive).

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

Yes, some guestrooms at Sands by the Sea Motel offer a balcony.

Sands by the Sea Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 307 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 112 out of 307 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 307 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 307 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 307 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Jeanine

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bathroom in terrible shape! How much does a new toilet seat cost? Roomed smelled of mold. Pillows horrible. Wont be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyla

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sourav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sokha

Liked: Staff & service
The front desk lady is a sweetheart
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley, famingham

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Never stay at this place!

Floors were not clean; feet black from dirt on floors. Toilet overflowed; valve to shut off water was missing. Obviously a past problem as plunger was sitting next to toilet. Room was cold and warmed up after learned window was wide open.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan, Chicago

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great, convenient location! Beautiful views and heated pool.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great Motel right next to Short Sands. 9 iron to great restaurants and shops.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dale

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ine block from icean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bashar

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

James, NEW HARBOR

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great spot, close to the beach and restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jean, Plainfield

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was great. Right across the road from short sands beach. Heated outdoor pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Older motel but well maintained and clean! Excellent location across from Short Sands Beach!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Carl

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room cramped beyond being safe. Literally 16" between bed and access to bathroom. Antiquated in every aspect and the world's most uncomfortable beds. A night of torture.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

john

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Nicole, Tewksbury

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay and would definitely stay again. The property overall is very clean and the location is excellent. The only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the bathroom sink. It was terrible. However, the shower pressure was great. The beds could use some new mattresses also. Overall I highly recommend. Very family oriented also.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kathy

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to the beach across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Wanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All was ok. Staff was responsive to any requests or issues. The mattress was very tired and needed replacing.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not enough parking
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location in downtown York. Parking to most everything.onsite and you can walk
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crys

Traveled with family
The tv or the WiFi didn’t work in our room. Cable box wouldn’t turn on. We do love staying here just disappointed that the tv or WiFi wouldn’t work
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is very convenient and is walkable to all shops and beach. The room had plastic cups for use and one was used without wrapping. The TV is very small and furnishings were okay. The motel was loud until around 1:30 am. The price is not worth the stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024