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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach motel with 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

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

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, Moonstone Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Moonstone Beach Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • 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

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Sand Pebbles Inn

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  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 1,069 reviews
$135 nightly
The price is $152
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Total with taxes and fees
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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.
View more Motels in San SimeonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • San Simeon State Park - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • San Simeon Pier - 4 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Moonstone Beach - 4 min drive - 3.8 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 motel with 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa
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, 1,740 reviews
$152 nightly
The price is $171
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 9, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Nov 10, 2025 start from $99.0, 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 Park and Moonstone Beach 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 good for couples?

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

Does Sands by The Sea have a hot tub?

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 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 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 287 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 149 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 57 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 50 out of 1004 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

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

8/10 Good

Darren

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We've stayed at Sands by the Sea a few times now, and it continues to be our go-to spot when visiting San Simeon. It's not fancy by any means, but for the price and what we need during our trips, it fits the bill perfectly. Our family doesn’t spend a lot of time in the hotel room—we’re usually out exploring—so we really appreciate how affordable this place is. The rooms are definitely dated and could use some serious cosmetic updates—think worn furniture, old fixtures, and a general "tired" look. If you're someone who values modern decor and upscale touches, this might not be the place for you. That said, if you can look past the wear and tear, you’ll find that it’s a simple, no-fuss place to stay that covers the basics well. One of the big perks is its connection to the Cavalier Hotel next door. Since they’re sister properties, guests at Sands by the Sea can take advantage of Cavalier’s amenities, which is a huge plus. On this trip, we tried out the fire pits at the Cavalier and made s’mores—it was a great experience and added a fun, cozy element to our stay. We also love how close the hotel is to the beach. Easy beach access is a must for us, and Sands by the Sea delivers on that front. Overall, if you're looking for a budget-friendly, conveniently located place to crash while exploring the Central Coast—and you're okay with a hotel that’s a little rough around the edges—Sands by the Sea is a solid option.
Sunset in San Simeon, CA.
Elephant Seals
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Gypsy

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was a good location and had a restaurant which made it convenient. After a long drive to the hotel I fell asleep quickly and woke up to find I was cuddling with a blanket that had poo smears on it. They took the charge for the first night off the bill and cleaned the room again, but come on....
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Joaquin

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

William

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rude staff, poor cleaning. Hotel is older and looks like it. Needs maintenance. Will not stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Brilliant hotel for an amazing price. The room is a little old but everything else was perfect. The beach is beautiful and the restaurant is lovely. I will stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Nicole

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amelia Sanchez

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ocean is 100 feet from the beach It was very relaxing
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Amanda

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

Horrible old rooms

Floor was so dirty, carpets were stained and sticky. No one would come to clean or bring towels. Ran out of toilet paper. Fan in room dirty old and didn't work. The carpet was so dirty that we didn't let our kids walk barefoot on it. The walls hand grim all over them from dirty hands. The parking is very tight. We felt that since our race and we had kids that they didn't care for us. They treated us like poor trash compared to the others. We even called and asked if they could clean our room and no one showed. The restaurant next door is over priced and bland. The musty smell was so bad we had to sleep with the window wide open. Shower was so short I'm 5'2 and had to duck down. Toilet is very low to ground like a school size toilet for kids . The guests were all nice. I liked how the dogs were so welcomed and the beach access was nice. Hotel needs to be remodeled and they need staff to be taught to treat all with respect. They have a private indoor pool closed to guests and the outdoor pools are very cold not heated as stated.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful staff person.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

eleazar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very noce, good location. Old rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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