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Sands Inn & Suites

2.5 star property
Motel near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo

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Photo gallery for Sands Inn & Suites

Two large beds with matching headboards, a desk, and a television.
Enjoy a meal with a view from this kitchen, featuring a dishwasher and stove, and a window overlooking lush greenery.
Relax by the pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
Enjoy cooking in this well-equipped kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator, black stove, and microwave, plus a convenient round table for meals.
Cozy living space with a sofa, kitchenette, and doorway to an adjacent room.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
1930 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Fremont Theater
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP-San Luis Obispo County Regional)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Queen Beds | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(21 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 375 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(33 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette) | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)
  • 375 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible

Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible

7.6 out of 10
Good
(9 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Economy Room, 1 King Bed

Economy Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, pillowtop beds, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board

Economy Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(33 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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  • Pool
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About the neighborhood

San Luis Obispo

Heart of San Luis Obispo.Stay at this San Luis Obispo motel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and 2 miles (3 km) of Fremont Theater. Performing Arts Center and French Hospital Medical Center are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Motels in San Luis ObispoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Fremont Theater - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 2 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Bubblegum Alley - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo Station - 3 min drive
  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪VG Cafe - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Firestone Grill - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza SLO - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬2 min drive

About this property

Sands Inn & Suites

Motel near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites offers its guests an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this motel measures 2500 square feet (225 square meters) and includes conference space. A terrace, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at Sands Inn & Suites. Free self parking is available.

This San Luis Obispo motel is smoke free.

  • 70 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Meeting rooms
  • 2500 sq ft of conference space
  • 225 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1985
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Sands Inn & Suites offers 70 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations.

This San Luis Obispo motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include phones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Relax by the serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and a low stone wall, perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely read.

Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo

  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,140 reviews
$82 nightly
The price is $91
Aug 19 - Aug 20
Total includes taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • 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 (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

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

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 24
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after midnight please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD 75.00 per stay), plus a deposit of USD 150 per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10.0 per stay.
  • Cribs (infant 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.

  • Pet deposit: USD 150 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 25.00 per accommodation, per night (maximum USD 75.00 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 24 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 25.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10.0 per stay

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Sands Inn
Sands Inn San Luis Obispo
Sands San Luis Obispo
Sands Hotel San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn And Suites
Sands Inn & Suites Motel
Sands Inn & Suites San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites Motel San Luis Obispo

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sands Inn & Suites to the airport?

Sands Inn & Suites is 4.2 mi (13-min drive) away from the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Sands Inn & Suites have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sands Inn & Suites.

How close is Sands Inn & Suites to the beach?

This motel is 10.8 mi (15-min drive) from Avila Beach and 10.6 mi (14-min drive) from Pirates Cove. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sands Inn & Suites offer free breakfast?

Sands Inn & Suites offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Central Coast Casino (17-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Sands Inn & Suites?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Early check-in costs USD 24 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Sands Inn & Suites?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a pool?

Sands Inn & Suites features an outdoor pool.

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Sands Inn & Suites to downtown San Luis Obispo?

Sands Inn & Suites is 0.9 mi away from San Luis Obispo.

Sands Inn & Suites Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 105 out of 263 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 76 out of 263 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 42 out of 263 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 263 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 263 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
While visiting Cal Poly, we stayed at the Sands Inn, and we enjoyed it tremendously. The hotel was very nicely kept, the location is terrific for access to both the university and the San Luis Obispo downtown, and the staff was very responsive. The breakfast was also very nice. We would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Solid Stay for a Overnight!

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

MELINA

Good
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bernardo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

christian

Disliked: Cleanliness
Disappointed and Wouldn’t Return I was really hoping for a more comfortable and well-kept stay, but unfortunately, this hotel missed the mark in several areas. The room didn’t feel very clean upon arrival, which immediately set the wrong tone. Several light bulbs were either out or flickering, leaving the space dim and poorly lit—especially in the bathroom, which made it feel even more uninviting. Noise was also a big issue. The walls were incredibly thin—we could hear conversations, footsteps, and TVs from surrounding rooms at all hours. It made it really difficult to relax or get a good night’s sleep. One of the biggest disappointments was the pull-out bed. It was in terrible condition—thin, lumpy, and clearly not maintained. It felt like an afterthought rather than a real sleeping option. Overall, the experience didn’t meet expectations. Between the lack of cleanliness, poor lighting, noise issues, and uncomfortable bedding, I wouldn’t stay here again or recommend it to others unless some serious updates are made.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Aura

Nice and quiet place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient and affordable option for a family visit to cal poly slo
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Jose, santa rosa

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Upon entering the rooms, it has an old smell and the TVs did not have a remote control and the fan was very dirty, so I didn't want to turn it on so that all the black dust that you can see wouldn't fall on me.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, 15-20 minute walk from downtown, same to CalPoly. Great pool and hot tub. Extremely friendly staff and service. Breakfast was good. Overall good deal for the money.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandro

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

2/10 Terrible

Nadine

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

ANTHONY

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mageshkumar, Petaluma

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, room and staff. Great value for family stay. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Matthew

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Claudia

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francis, Lomita

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hot tub was hot and ready, Swimming pool was cold. Room was very clean, large, with nice fixtures.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This motel is really cute and feels like someone is trying to fix it up and make it nice, unfortunately it isn't quite there. It is nice that they have options for three beds, since we have two teenagers. The breakfast is ok but not great, and the rooms have been updated, but still feel unfinished (we had a sweet with an electric stove, but the stove light and fan were not connected, and there were no instructions for how to use the stove (I even asked the front desk... Google eventually helped me figure out that "Lo" meant locked, not low!). Our bathroom also did not have a working fan, so everything stayed damp. The regular beds were comfortable, and the foldout couch was squeaky but not too bad for a hide a bed. Overall, I'd check out other options first, but I'd probably stay here again if it was the best deal on three beds in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

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

8/10 Good

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

justin

Liked: Staff & service
Its was nice
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Traveled with family
The breakfast experience was horrible, cold eggs, and limited selection. Power didn’t work in the kitchenette area but eventually did work. The shower curtain is too short and water gets everywhere. (Nice shower head) Very spacious room.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Marisa

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

Good location-Good stay

Rooms have been upgraded. Convenient to the freeway, gas stations, restaurants, Cal Poly, and downtown SLO. We stayed a Sunday night, so very quiet. We’ll definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025