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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach location and 2 outdoor pools

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

BBQ/picnic Area
Lobby sitting area
Fitness facility
Lobby
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
The current price is AU$154
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct

Explore the area

View map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452
  • Place, Moonstone Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Moonstone Beach Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Hearst Castle
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(93 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(82 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
LCD TV
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

San Simeon

At Sands by The Sea you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. Highlights at this beach motel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and hot stone massages. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and coffee/tea in a common area. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 30-minute drive of this San Simeon motel include Moonstone Beach Park and Hearst Castle.
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What's nearby

  • San Simeon State Park - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Moonstone Beach - 5 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 5 min drive - 6.9 km
  • San Simeon Pier - 5 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Hearst Castle - 26 min drive - 14.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪JJ's Pizza - ‬8 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Beach location and 2 outdoor pools
Sands by The Sea offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. There's an onsite business centre.

Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly Sands by The Sea also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in common area, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available.

This San Simeon motel is smoke free.

  • 33 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk safe
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Sands by The Sea offers 33 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include a ceiling fan and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is offered on request and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

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
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,755 reviews
The price is AU$214
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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 centre

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
  • Smoke-free property

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
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

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Maximum 1 pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra 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.

  • 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 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 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB International and Carte Blanche. Cash is not accepted. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the motel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Sands by The Sea?

Sands by The Sea offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Sands by The Sea?

As of 26 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on 27 Oct 2025 start from AU$154.17, 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.

Is parking available at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, Sands by The Sea has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Sands by The Sea?

The closest beach to Sands by The Sea is Moonstone Beach (5.2 km).

Is there a spa on site at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Sands by The Sea. You'll enjoy services like Swedish massages.

Does Sands by The Sea have a pool?

Sands by The Sea has 2 outdoor swimming pools.

Does Sands by The Sea serve breakfast?

Yep, cooked-to-order brekkie is on offer daily between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sands by The Sea?

No, Sands by The Sea does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Sands by The Sea's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sands by The Sea?

Check-in begins at 4 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 456 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 288 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 150 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 56 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1001 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

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

2/10 Terrible

Luis

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I'd planned a special visit to San Simeon with my elderly parents, possibly their last trip together. My father is ill and wheelchair-bound, every detail mattered. I reserved 3 rooms at Sands by the Sea, hoping to create a memorable moment for my family. Upon arrival, I found the rooms in extremely poor condition, by far the most unpleasant accommodations I've encountered. I travel frequently around the world and I've never experienced anything quite like it. I was shocked and saddened, especially given the emotional significance of this trip. Roxie at reception was kind, understanding, and professional. She acknowledged the condition of the rooms and agreed that the property wasn't being properly maintained. She offered to upgrade us to The Cavalier, which I appreciated very much. Her customer service was outstanding, and I'm truly grateful for her support during a stressful moment. During the transfer between rooms, I left a ($160 new special gift) jacket. I quickly reported it to the front desk. The manager promised to follow up with housekeeping and get back to me. I received no updates. I followed up the next day and again before we left, only to be told the jacket wasn't found. I'm absolutely certain I left it in the room. The way this situation was handled was frustrating and deeply disappointing. The manager wasn't only unhelpful but rude and dismissive, her lack of empathy and accountability is unacceptable especially in a hospitality setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie, Le Grand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this hotel/motel so much that we are already planning our next trip. Easy check in next door at the sister hotel. Plenty of parking. The room was nice and beds were comfortable. Friendly staff. The pools were so nice! Gym was small, but perfect! Woke up and Enjoyed a short walk to the beach. The sound of the ocean waves were amazing at night! The fire pits were great. Plus the volleyball court and games were super cool. Definitely staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

FRANCISCO

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had 235 room in the 2nd floor with my 7yo daughter, when we got in the room my daughter explore the rooms and check the window and to my horror my daughter could almost fall from the window from the second floor because the screen of the window fall off on the ground. I was concerned about the safety of the future guest most especially with kids, its totally not safe since height of the window is below the knee and the screen is not that stable and not properly installed to hold a person, It can cause accidents and possibly death if the property did not take action on this. I went to the front desk personally to address my concern, after a few hours the maintenance guy came and tried to fix it but unfortunately the screen was still not install properly, although I appreciate that someone called and offer the a room changed and a complimentary breakfast and promised us that they will look at it asap. Were still lucky that I prevented the horrific fall of my daughter
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robbie, Clifton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lot better than my expectations. I would definitely stay here again. On the beach and good for family.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful weather

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved that it was right on the coast. Beautiful sunsets right behind the hotel. Firepits and outdoor games made the back of the hotel a great hang out. Best part of the place!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay no complaints
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent location and wonderful view and use of firepits and ocean views. Staff is always friendly, funny, personable and professional especially Roxy. The hotel is dated and find it very interesting that the shower head is about face height for me and I'm 5'7". It is nice that they offer housekeeping but they tend to come whenever they want not when you ask them to overall love the place and will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darien

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lacy

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the location next to the beach. The amenities from the cavalier hotel are nice. The hotel is dated but it was a good bed and great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

gregory

Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dog friendly. Ocean view and access was awesome. Dogs are allowed on the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Liked: Staff & service

Not sure I’d return

For the price of $99 I guess it was a good value. The bed was comfortable but the room was very hot unless you kept the ceiling fan on. The shower was very dated and small and a dog had chewed on the corner which really should have been fixed. Numerous stains on carpet who can looked like a dog accident.
Wall damage from a dog chewing ?
Shower door
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jasmine

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

8/10 Good

Desmond

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
The property itself is an amazing place when coupled with its sister property. The room itself was not very clean. I would stay here for max one night and only if there were no rooms available at its sister property next door.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Humberto

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Denae

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
😊
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Henny

We move to the other property the had bigger rooms
Stayed 1 night in May 2025