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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Beach motel with 2 outdoor pools in San Simeon

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Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

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

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
    ‪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

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(95 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

About the neighborhood

San Simeon

Steps from the beach.Your stay at this San Simeon motel places you 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 miles (5 km).
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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 - 4 min drive - 4.1 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
  • ‪JJ's Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Beach motel with 2 outdoor pools in San Simeon
Sands by The Sea offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. There's a restaurant on site. There's an onsite business center.

Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly Sands by The Sea also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in a 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 hair dryers. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include ceiling fans and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered on request and irons/ironing boards 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

Beach nearby
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,254 reviews
$86 nightly
The price is $97
Jan 18 - Jan 19, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

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

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

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

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Maximum 1 pets

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Property 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

How close is Sands by The Sea to the airport?

Sands by The Sea is 42 mi (58-min drive) away from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Sands by The Sea have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sands by The Sea.

How close is Sands by The Sea to the beach?

This motel is 3.2 mi (5-min drive) from Moonstone Beach and 3.3 mi (4-min drive) from William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sands by The Sea offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Sands by The Sea, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 5 and 30 for adults, USD 5 and 30 for children. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Is there a casino at Sands by The Sea?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

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

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

Is there free parking at Sands by The Sea?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Sands by The Sea have a pool?

Sands by The Sea features 2 outdoor pools.

Does Sands by The Sea have a restaurant?

Sands by The Sea is home to Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, which features a beachfront location.

Does Sands by The Sea have a spa?

This motel has a spa, which features sports massages.

How close is Sands by The Sea to downtown San Simeon?

Sands by The Sea is 0.1 mi away from San Simeon.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 474 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 282 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 139 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 58 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1002 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruben

Liked: Staff & service
It was a nice place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was just ok. There was no air conditioning and the room was musty. I woke with a headache. Coffee was not available in reception until 7:00 a.m. The outside area around the beach was excellent. The lady who checked us in was very friendly and made recommendations for shopping and eating.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel is right on the water, Beautiful sunset!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Bruce

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellen

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Hanford

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked it it was nice the room was clean. I wished the windows would open more but it was fine
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at check in made me feel welcomed, they were attentive to my questions, professional, coupled with that home town hospitality. Made me feel like a regular although it was my first visit. Made an impression on me.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Gunhilde

Traveled with family
The best part are the fire pits by the ocean
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

julia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay! Check in at cavalier resort, then we stayed in a clean but admittedly outdated room on the sands by the sea side. The property had a restaurant which we dined out- nothing fancy but it was up to my standard and a fair priced. The property was awesome and we loved sitting by the fireplace after sunset. Convenient location for visiting Hearst castle and Cambria. I would definitely stay here again- good experience and good value!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Carpet was so dirty that we had to wash our feet - which turned the cloth brown - after showering. Carpet was stained and felt wet in spots. We travel frequently and have never had a room that had carpet this disgusting.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

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

2/10 Terrible

Donald

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location and near the beach but carpet in room was very very stained and bad condition.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Victoria

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room itself was dirty. The desk was dusty. It needs a good deep cleaning. Carpet was really dark which almost looked normal until you saw the light colored carpet under the ledge of the nightstand.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I'll first start by saying the area is lovely for going on walks along the beach, walking to nearby restaurants, and hanging out by the fire pits at night. The heated pools add a nice touch as well. The rooms were in need of a remodel. The carpets had that sticky feeling and the shower head was to low. There was no handsoap in our room and when we called they did not answer their phone so we walked to the front desk and asked for soap so they gave us face soap and said they would bring the handsoap later. An hour later they still did not bring any handsoap so we tried calling again and after 2 minutes of ringing they finally answered and said they would call the room service lady again. They came and handed us 2 face soaps. I guess there is no handsoap and they just give face soap. Then the shower walls were dirty and the chair in our room had the leather all worn off. Other than those things it was a nice stay. The area and everything soo close by made the trip fun. They just need to make some minor fixes and changes and this hotel can easily be a better stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The front desk staff was so friendly and welcoming. They were helpful when my husband lost a $1 in the vending machine. We heard them talking to the couple next to us who just got married and were doing anything they could to make their experience a memorable one. We love to see this. The room was too hot and very uncomfortable. The restuarant was the worst - the service was not great at all and the food was not worth the $$ we paid. Maybe it was what we ordered but it was not great. If the service was better, the food may not have mattered as much.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

JUN RYAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

sandra

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

Great weekend getaway

This was a planned weekend getaway. The room was nice and quiet. Falling asllep to the sound of the ocean was soothing. We had to check in at the hotel next door which wasn't a big deal but it would have been nice to have coffee and at least pastries if your not a big breakfast eater and are leaving early. Coffee was available in the rooms, but if you wanted more you had to walk over to the cavalier next door. Again, Pastries would have been nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The 1st room they gave us smelled like mildew. It was dusty on the ceiling, fan, bed skirts and the sink was clogged. The 2nd room the bed skirts were dusty, the vents by the windows were rusty, and the
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Make sure when you book it is with the hotel by the beach cause the picture is deceiving
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hassaan

Gd for a stop over, hope you enjoy sitting around fire pit as they have them at night going on by the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jozett

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worth every penny
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Nicole

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025