Sands by the Sea Motel

2.5 star property
Beach motel near Short Sands Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by the Sea Motel

Relax in this spacious living area with a high ceiling and large window, featuring a dining table, sofa, and floor lamp.
Kitchen with central island, gas stove, oven, and cabinetry.
Enjoy a beachside getaway with access to the ocean and parking convenience.
Kitchen features a refrigerator, microwave, and wooden cabinets.
Relax by the pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, with the ocean and a distant lighthouse in view.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, ME, 03909
  • Short Sands Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • York's Wild Kingdom
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Long Sands Beach
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

One Bedroom Suite- 39

  • 500 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed

The Sea Glass Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

One Bedroom Suite- 38

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 500 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Three Bedroom Cottage

  • 1100 sq ft
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 4 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

The Starfish Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

The Sandpiper Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

The Seashell Suite

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Two Bedroom Cottage

  • 800 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

York Beach

Oceanside stay.You'll be steps from Short Sands Beach and within a 15-minute walk of Long Sands Beach. Also, York's Wild Kingdom is within half a mile (1 km) and Nubble Lighthouse is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Short Sands Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • York's Wild Kingdom - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Long Sands Beach - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Nubble Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Perkins Cove - 14 min drive - 6.4 miles

Getting around

  • Wells Regional Transportation Center - 21 min drive
  • Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anthony S Food Shop - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Stonewall Kitchen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Stones Throw - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Union Bluff Grill & Pub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Dunne's Ice Cream - ‬20 min walk

About this property

Sands by the Sea Motel

Beach motel near Short Sands Beach
Sands by the Sea Motel offers its guests a seasonal outdoor pool, a vending machine, and a convenience store. Public spaces have free WiFi. Sands by the Sea Motel also features an ATM and pool umbrellas. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This York Beach motel is smoke free.

  • 60 guestrooms or units
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Convenience store
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Sands by the Sea Motel offers 60 air-conditioned accommodations with DVD players and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include showers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with cable channels
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday - Thursday (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 25 and April 22.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day.

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.

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and outdoor lighting in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in April and close in October.

Property is also known as

Sands Sea Motel York Beach
Sands Sea Motel York
Sands Sea York
Sands Sea Motel
Sands Sea York Beach
Sands Sea
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel
Sands by the Sea Motel York Beach
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel York Beach

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to the airport?

Sands by the Sea Motel is 16.6 mi (25-min drive) away from the Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sands by the Sea Motel.

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 1-minute walk from Short Sands Beach and 12-minute walk from Long Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sands by the Sea Motel offer free breakfast?

Sands by the Sea Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Sands by the Sea Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Sands by the Sea Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Sands by the Sea Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a pool?

Sands by the Sea Motel features a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is closed seasonally each year from October 25 to April 22.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to downtown York Beach?

Sands by the Sea Motel is 0.2 mi away from York Beach.

Sands by the Sea Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 307 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 112 out of 307 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 46 out of 307 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 307 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 307 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Jeanine

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bathroom in terrible shape! How much does a new toilet seat cost? Roomed smelled of mold. Pillows horrible. Wont be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyla

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sourav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sokha

Liked: Staff & service
The front desk lady is a sweetheart
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley, famingham

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Never stay at this place!

Floors were not clean; feet black from dirt on floors. Toilet overflowed; valve to shut off water was missing. Obviously a past problem as plunger was sitting next to toilet. Room was cold and warmed up after learned window was wide open.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan, Chicago

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great, convenient location! Beautiful views and heated pool.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great Motel right next to Short Sands. 9 iron to great restaurants and shops.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dale

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ine block from icean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bashar

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

James, NEW HARBOR

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great spot, close to the beach and restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jean, Plainfield

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was great. Right across the road from short sands beach. Heated outdoor pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Older motel but well maintained and clean! Excellent location across from Short Sands Beach!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Carl

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room cramped beyond being safe. Literally 16" between bed and access to bathroom. Antiquated in every aspect and the world's most uncomfortable beds. A night of torture.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

john

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Nicole, Tewksbury

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay and would definitely stay again. The property overall is very clean and the location is excellent. The only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the bathroom sink. It was terrible. However, the shower pressure was great. The beds could use some new mattresses also. Overall I highly recommend. Very family oriented also.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Kathy

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to the beach across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Wanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All was ok. Staff was responsive to any requests or issues. The mattress was very tired and needed replacing.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not enough parking
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hilary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location in downtown York. Parking to most everything.onsite and you can walk
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crys

Traveled with family
The tv or the WiFi didn’t work in our room. Cable box wouldn’t turn on. We do love staying here just disappointed that the tv or WiFi wouldn’t work
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is very convenient and is walkable to all shops and beach. The room had plastic cups for use and one was used without wrapping. The TV is very small and furnishings were okay. The motel was loud until around 1:30 am. The price is not worth the stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024