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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

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

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
    ‪36 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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(100 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
(91 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 - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 6 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 36 min drive - 12.0 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Luigi’s Pizza - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 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

Property map
Silver Surf Motel
San Simeon
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,388 reviews
$68 nightly
The price is $76
May 28 - May 29
Total with taxes and fees
Silver Surf Motel

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

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.

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

As of May 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on May 25, 2026 start from $112, 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.

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 hot stone 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. 473 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 272 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 146 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 63 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1003 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is very important to have the option of rooms in front of sea, we did not get the offer in the web page...
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mechelle

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

8/10 Good

Marlo

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great, room was clean. Even though it was missing a curtain.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Ray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms , customer fruendly staff and great ocean view .
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Yahia, Corona

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Luis

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Warren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our room was basic but quite adequate for our needs. You have to check in the hotel next door to check in. There were very few guests present on the night we were there. Unfortunately, we had a horrible night of sleep. We were in Room 130, which might be next to a utility room and an HVAC system for the next building. We listened to a fog horn like sound every 12 seconds and some hammer like banging at 6 am. After a not very restful night, our one night stay was over. Upon checking out, I did inform the gentleman at the front desk of the next door facility of our sleep interrupted night - mostly just to ask them to investigate these noises before the next guest stayed in that room. He apologized for our poor stay, did inform us that we should have contacted them to switch our room, and insisted on refunding us for our night's stay. I applaud the Sands by the Sea for their customer service for trying to make things right with us. I would certainly be willing to give their facility another try - so long as we are not at the very south end of the row by the utility room or whatever was next to us.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dino

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A wonderful resort, we will be back. Thank You. Had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Keri

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Proximity to the beach, Cambria and Hearst Castle were great. The swimming pools and fire pits were a great touch.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything, I loved this placed
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Lisa, COTTONWOOD

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great spot for my husband and I and our 2 dogs. Our room did not face the ocean, but it was a close walk and the trails around this area are great for walking the dogs. The room had a larger refrigerator than most hotels, which since we brought lots of food worked out perfectly. Would absolutely stay here again as for the price, it was awesome.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Roxanne was very friendly with our check in procedure. Property is a bit older but very comfortable and a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Jackie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was pretty dirty and dusty. There was dust attacked to the ceiling and ceiling fan. We didn’t even use it because of that. The room was poorly unkept. I think wanted to leave but I figured I paid already. Nothing like the reviews I saw. Wouldn’t stay again. Just too dirty and stained everywhere it was uncomfortable because it felt gross.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always a comfortable stay. The front desk employees are very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Steven

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

charles changkeun, Nanaimo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Lizbeth

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Alex

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are amazing , room was clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Mishel

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
We’ve stayed here a couple times before, it’s affordable and right by the surf spot we like, and we also know you get what you pay for, but this time around the room we got was not clean at all. The toilet wasn’t cleaned properly and there was trash under the beds. We’ve sadly decided we won’t be staying here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean and neat.bed was a super wide king. staff very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Anna Maria

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The furniture in the room was in very bad condition. The drawers wouldn’t stay closed. The laminate on the dresser was peeled off along most of the bottom. The roller chair vinyl was almost completely peeled off. The room had a bit of a odor. I realize it’s a older hotel but it needs some updating.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anna Maria

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and nice amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026