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Sands by the Sea Motel

Property class: 2.5
Motel near Short Sands Beach in York Beach

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Photo gallery for Sands by the Sea Motel

A spacious living area with a dining table, chairs, a sofa, and a coffee table. There is a large window providing natural light and a view of the outdoors.
A coastal area with a beach, parking lot, and buildings.
A swimming pool with a blue tiled waterfall feature, surrounded by a white fence and lounge chairs.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a granite countertop.
A living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining table. There are two framed pictures on the wall, a window with blinds, and a view of the outside balcony.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, ME, 03909
  • Place, Short Sands Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, York's Wild Kingdom
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Long Sands Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a bathroom, and a door.

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

View all photos for Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a small table, and a door.

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

View all photos for The Sea Glass Suite

A spacious living room with a leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a kitchen area featuring wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a spiral staircase.

The Sea Glass Suite

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

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 39

A compact living space with a kitchenette, a sofa, a dining table, and a window.

One Bedroom Suite- 39

  • 500 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 38

A compact living space with a dining area, kitchenette, and a sofa.

One Bedroom Suite- 38

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Beach view
  • 500 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Suite

A dining area with a wooden table and chairs, a sofa, and a kitchen in the background.

Suite

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

View all photos for Suite

A hotel room with a bed, a chair, a desk, a wardrobe, and a door.

Suite

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

View all photos for The Sandpiper Suite

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.

The Sandpiper Suite

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

View all photos for Two Bedroom Cottage

A living room with a red sofa and a white sofa, a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a refrigerator, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

Two Bedroom Cottage

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

View all photos for The Seashell Suite

A modern living room with a sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area.

The Seashell Suite

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

View all photos for The Starfish Suite

A living room with a leather armchair, a sofa, a wooden coffee table, a patterned rug, a cabinet, and a wall-mounted air conditioner.

The Starfish Suite

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

View all photos for Three Bedroom Cottage

A living room with a red sofa and a white sofa, a kitchen with wooden cabinets and a refrigerator, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

Three Bedroom Cottage

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

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a lamp, a microwave, and a window with curtains.

Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(13 reviews)
  • 252 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

A room with a wooden paneled wall, a beige armchair, a dark-colored sofa, a small table with a lamp, and a standing fan.

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

A room with two beds, a desk, a lamp, and an air conditioning unit.

Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Terrace

  • Partial ocean view
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 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, Nubble Lighthouse is within 2 miles (3 km) and Emerson Wilcox House Museum is within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Motels in York BeachOpens in a new window

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 - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Nubble Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Ogunquit Beach - 13 min drive - 8.9 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
  • ‪Elks Lodge 2778 - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Union Bluff Grill & Pub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cape Neddick Lobster Pound - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Goldenrod - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Sands by the Sea Motel

Motel near Short Sands Beach in York 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 shower/tub combinations.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and portable fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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Dec 1 - Dec 2
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • 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 self 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

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Soap
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Portable fan

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are available for USD 20.0 per day.

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Crib (infant 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. 156 out of 363 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 123 out of 363 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 363 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 363 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 363 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had an amazing weekend stay. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy going property, nice pool. Right in the middle of down town, directly across from beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good for a no frills stay close to it all. Has everything you need. We were disturbed by a noisy late night group that did not respect the posted quiet hours.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

6/10 Okay

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

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always nice to be right near the beach. Pool was warm first day but didn't seem like heater was on the next two days.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super great location, staff was friendly and helpful. Check in and checkout was a breeze
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room was super small. Had to turn sideways to get into the bathroom, and sit on the bed to adjust the ac. The blinds couldn’t close all the way and the pool was filthy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, located near shops, pleasant staff at check-in.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Room was very clean but motel is dated. Staff were extremely helpful & accommodating. Very beautiful area & the pool area & beach looked fantastic. Definitely would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Beautiful pool, and close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location good shopping restaurants nice beach across street nice pool friendly accommodating check in Very old & dated but good price comfy bed
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location. Jen was great she circled places on the map for us to check out and gave us recommendations for places to eat! Will definitely be back, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access to the beach across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are very nice and kind.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location for weekend event. Friendly staff. Clean, Well-maintained... all that i needed for a weekend... and walking distance to restaurants, bars, shopping, etc.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
comfy bed, great ocean view of short sands from balcony, clean, pool was awesome...couches to sit on, umbrellas, chaise lounges, etc.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

We come every year

Nice weather placed beautifully in town within walking to Everything !
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a great stay at the Sands. Pool was great! Accommodations were also. Could not beat the location. Will definitely go back again.Staff was friendly and attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This hotel was good for a 1 night stay. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. It is an old place, but it was clean. I would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

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