Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

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

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
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(86 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.

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 - 6 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 7 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 26 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
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Luigi’s Pizza - ‬7 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 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 Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Mar 29, 2026 start from $95, 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 parking available 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. 473 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 282 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 142 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 58 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 47 out of 1002 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Outdoor amenities can’t be matched! Outdoor heated pools, nighttime fire pits, sand volleyball, chess/checkers/tictactoe, and ocean views!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Armando

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

BALDOMERO, Fresno

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All went well, would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Great location but room desperately in need of upgrades. There was rust on metal fixtures, broken furniture and torn chair in room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darcie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The ladies when i checked in were so nice and welcoming! The bed was comfortable with good pillows. The property is so neat in its location and all it has to offer. I had take out from the restaurant on the property which was very good. I wish i was there longer. I will come back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Konstantina

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love the beach!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Yes it was just had a stinch but other than that is was fine
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laurel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Christmas lights in cambria Had a great week end.. High tides were nice to see and hear. Lots of sea life...
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Lawrence Nicholas

Room location! I was the only one in the south wing and put in unit 235
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernest, Paso Robles

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

willow

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I absolutely love the staff. Roxy is my favorite front desk clerk. But she's more than a desk clerk. She goes out of her way beyond and above the call of measure to help the guests. She really makes you feel at home when you walk in. And that's truly a gift.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

willow

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful staff wonderful room Love it
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesus

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Alex

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
The room was very dated. The heater made clicking noise all night. I would not stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Bianca

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location, super friendly staff, but inside feels like a sleezy motel 6 with stained carpets and mild and rust and dirt everywhere. Very very dirty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Christian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was so dirty. Fan was falling off ceiling, mold in the shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannette

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

CISKA

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is outdated room but clean. Area closed to the beach. Quiet & nice beach.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Christina

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
The floors and walls in rooms and bathroom were dirty, the tv stand was old and not in good shape, the rooms need updating and painting. The window screens falling off so didn’t feel save leaving window open to get a breeze
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

john

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very nice, staff great
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grant, Los Angeles

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025