Sands by The Sea

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

A coastal landscape with a beach, waves, and vegetation.
A sign with "Sands by the Sea" and an American flag, with a welcome message.
A hotel room with a wooden desk, a black office chair, a microwave, and a television.
A group of people around a fire pit by the ocean at sunset.
A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a ceiling fan, a TV on a wooden stand, and a window with curtains.

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

Double king size bed

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

DOUBLE KING SIZE BED

  • Sleeps 4

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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

  • 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
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Big Sur Restaurant - ‬8 min walk

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 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 satellite premium 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

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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.

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 Sep 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Oct 29, 2026 start from $74, 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.

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.

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.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 502 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 242 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 144 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1003 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property with a large coastline and fire pits.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was really clean, just perfect for a weekend trip
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay !!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay with kids. Outdoor games and right on the ocean
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Loved the walkable views!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing cozy place, especially for this price! The staff is super nice and friendly, absolutely loved the ocean in the back with fire pits! Loved that it’s dog friendly too!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room great ocean view room service for breakfast was great
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, the restaurant was good, the view was great
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Views were great and staff friendly.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great scenic place to stay. Only complaint would be the very outdated rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great property! Staff is wonderful!! Great price for the location!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
loved the bon fire and views
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing view,
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoy this property. A lot of amenities and close proximity to the beach. Friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was perfect. And it's a great price on the weekdays
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking , everything is close by
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room and concept of being next to beach
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel has a beautiful location and very comfortable beds. The staff were friendly and welcoming, always making sure we had everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean rooms nice staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and quite
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was nice.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There is really not a better hotel for the price in the Central Coast area. The staff is always exceptional, the property is beautiful (LOVE the fire pits!), and the restaurant is reasonable with a decent menu. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
It was a clean room. No frills, just basic for a one night stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decent for the location
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026