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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach location and 2 outdoor pools

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
Fitness facility
Lobby

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, No View

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, No View

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(80 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, No View

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, No View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(93 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood

Located in San Simeon, Sands by The Sea is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Moonstone Beach Park and Cambria State Marine Park, while Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay and Cambria Center for the Arts are cultural highlights. Sebastian General Store and Stepladder Ranch and Creamery are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing, surfing/body boarding, and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
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Map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452

What's nearby

  • San Simeon State Park - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Moonstone Beach - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 5 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • San Simeon Pier - 5 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 26 min drive - 8.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪JJ's Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Spot - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Motel near Moonstone Beach Park
Consider a stay at Sands by The Sea and take advantage of a gym, a business center, and a full-service spa. Treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage or other spa services. The on-site restaurant, Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, features a beachfront location. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a bar.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), free newspapers, and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • A front-desk safe, smoke-free premises, and a vending machine
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Sands by The Sea have amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Languages

English, Spanish

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

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the 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

Does Sands by The Sea have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

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

As of Aug 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Aug 20, 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.

Is Sands by The Sea pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much is parking at Sands by The Sea?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sands by The Sea?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Sands by The Sea?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 150.

Where is Sands by The Sea located?

Offering direct access to the beach, this San Simeon motel is within a 10-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 456 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 292 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 149 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1009 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 52 out of 1009 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Alison

Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Truly dog friendly. Great beach. Beautiful views. Very Very affordable. Kind and compassionate staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was AMAZING! They meet all our needs and then some. I’m a single mother with two little girls and they were very accommodating. I will definitely be staying there again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

The room was nice. The view was great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

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

lawrence

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

10/10 Excellent

andres

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and amenities and great price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Helen

Pleasant stay. Nothing fancy but reasonable price for stay near the ocean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean, easy beach access
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rush

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent restaurant nearby
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robbie

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

6/10 Okay

Gloria

Liked: Staff & service
The property is run down. They also run the motel next door. It is a bit confusing because you check in at the other motel lobby. The restaurant next door has good food. The staff is very nice and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Virginia

I liked the location and views! Did not care for the rooms!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You were on a road trip so we only stayed for one day. And we had the opportunity we would extended another day or two. The restaurant was excellent. There was a fun bar across the street. The grounds were very fun to walk on. Just beautiful scene.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lacy

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

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the bonfire
Stayed 1 night 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

Sarah

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

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Sands by The Sea and the Cavalier amenities so much we stayed an extra night. The perfect combo of price, location and amenities for us. Definitely recommend. We also enjoyed and recommend the Cavalier Coastal Kitchen restaurant. The food was great and the staff was friendly. Danny our server set us up at a window and mentioned we might even see some whales. We did and watched a very active pod for over 45mins out at the horizon as we enjoyed our meal. Dinner and a show, awesome!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Liked: Staff & service
The staff was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

eleazar

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

8/10 Good

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's conveniently located to Cambria, Moonstone Beach, elephant seal viewing and Hearst Castle. They didn't charge a pet fee which was a MAJOR plus. Staff was very nice. Definitely would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

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

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and helpful! Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025