See all properties

Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

Beach
BBQ/picnic area
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Room amenity
Front of property
Standard Room | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi

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
    ‪36 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
(100 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(90 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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.
View more Motels in San SimeonOpens in a new window

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 - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 36 min drive - 12.0 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Luigi’s Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

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

Property map
Silver Surf Motel
San Simeon
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,392 reviews
$75 nightly
The price is $84
May 12 - May 13
Total with taxes and fees
Silver Surf Motel

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 May 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on May 25, 2026 start from $112, including 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.

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.

Is Sands by The Sea good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at Sands by The Sea?

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

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 rooms 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. 476 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 146 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 1013 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1013 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Johnny

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
The motel seems to have been purchased so the lobby is closed and you have to go to the neighboring property to check in. They do not service the room daily, (unless you request it every day) Also, the shower is TINY. So if you bump the shower valve you can get either cold or scolding not water instantly. You have to walk down a side street to get to the Jacuzzi, so wet use it. The heat is a radiant strip along a wall so it took forever to heat the room. Won't be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dino

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A wonderful resort, we will be back. Thank You. Had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Keri

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Proximity to the beach, Cambria and Hearst Castle were great. The swimming pools and fire pits were a great touch.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything, I loved this placed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Lisa, COTTONWOOD

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great spot for my husband and I and our 2 dogs. Our room did not face the ocean, but it was a close walk and the trails around this area are great for walking the dogs. The room had a larger refrigerator than most hotels, which since we brought lots of food worked out perfectly. Would absolutely stay here again as for the price, it was awesome.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Roxanne was very friendly with our check in procedure. Property is a bit older but very comfortable and a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Jackie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was pretty dirty and dusty. There was dust attacked to the ceiling and ceiling fan. We didn’t even use it because of that. The room was poorly unkept. I think wanted to leave but I figured I paid already. Nothing like the reviews I saw. Wouldn’t stay again. Just too dirty and stained everywhere it was uncomfortable because it felt gross.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always a comfortable stay. The front desk employees are very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Steven

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

charles changkeun, Nanaimo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Lizbeth

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Alex

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are amazing , room was clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Mishel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
We’ve stayed here a couple times before, it’s affordable and right by the surf spot we like, and we also know you get what you pay for, but this time around the room we got was not clean at all. The toilet wasn’t cleaned properly and there was trash under the beds. We’ve sadly decided we won’t be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and neat.bed was a super wide king. staff very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Anna Maria

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The furniture in the room was in very bad condition. The drawers wouldn’t stay closed. The laminate on the dresser was peeled off along most of the bottom. The roller chair vinyl was almost completely peeled off. The room had a bit of a odor. I realize it’s a older hotel but it needs some updating.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anna Maria

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and nice amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Rizalito

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

John, Visalia

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was isolated from everything, no access to the ocean, yet the beach was in advertising. The hotel lobby was closed: directions left “go to hotel next door.” The Cavalier next door was ready to upgrade at a cost of $106 per night. But they said they were a separate entity from the Sands by the Sea. First lie, then they said the properties were co-owned, second lie. Three people perched in the lobby backing each other up. They gave us the option to leave, they said our payment had not been charged. We left, went home, 400 miles driven and a Christmas gift destroyed. Not only did they lie about charging, but the charge was $180 above the original agreed rate, another lie and a fraudulent over charge. This charge was reversed by a future conversation with Expedia. This experience left us with a costly experience. Our ride home was long and dark with distressing feelings. The treatment by hotel personal was with extreme disregard and disrespect. We felt setup by a predator oriented system. Our cost: hundreds, my cost: embarrassment, my Christmas gift to my wife was destroyed. Five months earlier we vacationed to Hawaii, excess of $6000, went well, flights arranged through Expedia.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tomas

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bernice

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great stay for the money. I still cannot believe dogs stay free! Thank you SO much! The rooms are just fine, clean, in good repair. I stayed twice and the staff have always been great. The property is on the cliff overlooking the ocean. Sands is part of Cavalier Resort so can use all of the facilities. Restaurant on site. I would definitely stay a 3rd time if I were going to be in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Joe

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The value, clean room , great staff no frills but a great room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

Hotels