Sands Inn & Suites

2.5 star property
Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Photo gallery for Sands Inn & Suites

Lobby
Free daily continental breakfast
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen
Lobby
Free daily continental breakfast

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
1930 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
  • Place, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, Fremont Theater
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Downtown SLO Farmers' Market
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Economy Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(38 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(38 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(24 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Sofa bed
Separate bedroom
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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About the area

San Luis Obispo

Sands Inn & Suites puts you in the heart of San Luis Obispo, within a 20-minute stroll of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and French Hospital Medical Center. Highlights at this motel include free continental breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .Enjoy the gym and pool loungers. 2500 square feet (225 square metres) of event facilities include meeting rooms and conference space. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of free RV/bus/truck parking. .In proximity to this San Luis Obispo motel you'll find Pismo Beach Pier.

What's nearby

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Performing Arts Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Fremont Theater - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 3 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo Station - 4 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lure Fish House - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Scout Coffee Co. - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Field Day Coffee - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Pancho's - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Sands Inn & Suites

Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites offers its guests an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this motel measures 2500 square feet (225 square metres) and includes conference space. Multilingual staff, tour/ticket assistance, and coffee/tea in common area are also featured at the business-friendly Sands Inn & Suites. Free self parking is available.

This San Luis Obispo motel is smoke free.

  • 70 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Conference rooms
  • 2500 sq ft of conference space
  • 225 sq. m of conference space
  • Built in 1985
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Conference space
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Computer for guest use
  • No smoking on site
Sands Inn & Suites offers 70 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free covered self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2,500 square feet of conference space
  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

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.
  • 3 accessible parking spaces
  • Braille/raised signage
  • No lift
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk (81 centimetre high)

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1985
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD 75.00 per stay), plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 40 lb per pet)
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per stay.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD75.00 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per stay

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Up to 2 children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Sands Inn
Sands Inn San Luis Obispo
Sands San Luis Obispo
Sands Hotel San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn And Suites
Sands Inn & Suites Motel
Sands Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites Motel San Luis Obispo

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Sands Inn & Suites?

Sands Inn & Suites offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Sands Inn & Suites?

Yep, Sands Inn & Suites has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Are there any beaches close to Sands Inn & Suites?

The closest beach to Sands Inn & Suites is Avila Beach (14.5 km).

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a pool?

Sands Inn & Suites has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella. The pool is open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Sands Inn & Suites serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, Sands Inn & Suites does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sands Inn & Suites?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Sands Inn & Suites Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 194 out of 479 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 137 out of 479 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 85 out of 479 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 479 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 479 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Julie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
good value, clean room, comfortable, quiet
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

EDNA

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in the patio suite and greatly enjoyed the extra room and kitchenette. The price per value is very good and there have been uogrades to the property that will make us return again. Heated pool and spa was especially appreciated at end of day. Pet friendly too.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good size room. Loved the pool. Breakfast was good. Lots of hairs throughout the room and bathroom. Would stay again
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miguel A, Live Oak

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Hotel! Nice staff! The Pool was great as well it just needs newer pool floaties, the floaties you had were falling apart. Other than that I would definitely book here again from my experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Matthew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Staff was very kind and courteous. Room was clean but run down. No toilet paper holder (broken), so TP was on the back of toilet. No hand soap at the sink. Hair dryer was broken.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Hillary

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Decent place - pool was great. Staff was super helpful & breakfast was decent. Stayed for proximity to farmers market
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
1 night trip. Check in and out was easy. Good water pressure for shower. Bed was decent not worn out yet. Breakfast, just like any other noting special.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rhona

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean room, friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Parking was easy
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Stacy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This motel is well located and close to downtown. The room i stayed in was a good basic room. I appreciated the fact that the breakfast byffet came with a variety of options. The staff was friendly and helpful. The walls were a little thin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathleen

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was ok. The room was NOT like the pictures advertised. Not even close. Room was very small. No wash cloths, no floor mats, awkward room layout very small for 4 people. Looked like a refresh was attempted but poorly executed. There was something spilled back behind desk and splattered down the wall. Bedding was thin. Booked for 4 people, only stocked with 3 towels. When we went to front desk for another towel, staff seemed put out. When room was cleaned did not restock toilet paper and had to go to desk to ask for more. Overall was ok for price point but I will not stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Kathleen

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Someone was given a key to our room to check in prior to check out, they walked in while my daughter was changing! When I went to the front desk, he said sorry thought it was empty??? The toaster in the breakfast area was broken and looked unsafe, tables were dirty, chairs were broken.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margareth

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sweet Suite in SLO

Sands Inn felt like a nostalgic motel of the 60s, when the world moved a little slower and life is relaxed. The rooms are clean and spacious. The bathroom upgraded and feels brand new. There is parking in front of your room which made it convenient since we had heavy luggage. Breakfast if offered as early has 7:00 am. Just make sure you check your room for the hairdryer if you need one...they were wating for their hairdryers on order.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

SOON

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Salvador

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hotel is convenient in location, near Cal Poly and restaurants. The cleanliness of the hotel is not 5 stars. The coffee maker was broken, there was a long hair hanging from the water dispenser and an old coffee bag in the water portion of the coffee maker. The towels were not completely clean, long hairs still remained in them. The bed was make but again we found hair in the sheets and on the bed. The floor was so dirty ly feet were black, after ly shower! The staff at the front desk was very friendly and that was the highlight of our stay. Its great for a place to just sleep but Im sure there are cleaner nicer places near by that would be better. We will never stay again! Very disappointed, deceived by the photos and the reviews!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Inis

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean and safe. The rooms (king) are on the smaller side. the bathrooms could be upgraded more.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

SIMMONS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect for uor needs. Great location and very comfortable room. Free parking in SF is awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Emily

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Fairly quiet, old and needs updated, unable to change room temp settings unless you can reach the AC unit high on the wall by hand, not enough towels/no wash clothes, no answer when calling front desk, gym doesn’t feel safe with machines not working and not bolted down, breakfast was typical, pool/hot tub looked dirty so didn’t use. It was fine for a quick place to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was a bit thrown off as the pictures do no really reflect the rooms and the hotel. Yes, there are some updates but it really is just cosmetic upgrades. The bed was very hard, the continental breakfast was not so continental. You are better off purchasing at the mini mart across the way or eating out. Our refrigerator had mold around the edges and was not working. We were moved across the way and it was no different. Another customer complained of mold around the toilet. They should warn you to bring your own utensils if you plan on using the kitchenette. The service is not the best and I honestly felt as though I overpaid for the stay. I will not be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Toby

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff. Hard working and courteous. However, my room and the community areas were not very clean. Also the linens (bedding, towels, etc) all need to be replaced/renewed. But I should mention that the pool and the area around the pool was clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kenny

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Anne

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Met Scott the GM & he made my stay, just chatting me up as I was traveling alone to visit my kids at Cal Poly & UCSB. Would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025