Sands Inn & Suites

2.5 star property
Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Photo gallery for Sands Inn & Suites

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen
Outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | Private kitchen
Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen | Private kitchen
Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Gym
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View 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

Room, 2 Queen Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(22 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(35 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, Multiple Beds, Patio (Kitchenette)

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Separate bedroom
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, Multiple Beds, Kitchen

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchen
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

Superior Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 2 Double Beds, Mobility Accessible

7.6 out of 10
Good
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Economy Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(34 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Pillow-top bed
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Hairdryer
Shower/bath combination
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

San Luis Obispo

Sands Inn & Suites puts you in the heart of San Luis Obispo, within a 20-minute stroll of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Fremont Theater. Highlights at this motel include free continental breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .Enjoy the gym, Hot tub and pool loungers. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a 24-hour business centre and coffee/tea in a common area. Each morning free breakfast is served. Bring your pet along and take advantage of this property's pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls. There's also the convenience of free RV/bus/truck parking. .Attractions within a 15-minute drive of this San Luis Obispo motel include Avila Hot Springs and Avila Beach.

What's nearby

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Fremont Theater - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Downtown SLO Farmers' Market - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa - 2 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Bubblegum Alley - 2 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Lure Fish House - ‬17 min walk
  • Scout Coffee Co.
  • ‪Shake Smart - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Petra Mediterranean Pizza and Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Field Day Coffee - ‬15 min walk

About this property

Sands Inn & Suites

Motel with free breakfast, near California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Sands Inn & Suites offers its guests an outdoor pool, Access to hot tub, and a fitness centre. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. Business amenities include a 24-hour business centre and meeting rooms. Free breakfast is available daily. Event space at this motel measures 2500 square feet (225 square metres) 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
  • Conference 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 centre (24 hours)
  • Conference space
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are 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 a hairdryer. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit.

This San Luis Obispo motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include telephones along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free offsite parking
  • Free self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry 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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 2,500 square feet of conference space
  • 24-hour business centre
  • Computer station
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1985
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25.00
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 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 lb 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 USD75.00 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-authorise 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 guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at Sands Inn & Suites?

Sands Inn & Suites offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Sands Inn & Suites?

Yep, Sands Inn & Suites has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Are there any beaches close to Sands Inn & Suites?

The closest beach to Sands Inn & Suites is Avila Beach (14.5 km).

Does Sands Inn & Suites have a pool?

Sands Inn & Suites has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying under the shade of an umbrella.

What makes Sands Inn & Suites a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub, plus pillowtop beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Sands Inn & Suites.

Does Sands Inn & Suites serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sands Inn & Suites?

No, Sands Inn & Suites does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sands Inn & Suites?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Sands Inn & Suites?

Dogs are welcome at Sands Inn & Suites, with food and water bowls on offer. Just so you know, there's a limit of 2 pets, with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

Sands Inn & Suites Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 298 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 85 out of 298 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 298 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 298 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 23 out of 298 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Yuli

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
The rooms were not very clean. Bedding had hair and beds weren't very comfortable. The breakfast could've been better, the waffle mix was watery like it had gone bad.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

donald

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

Nice place to stay with good amenities.

It was a nice place to stay at. Nice pool with outdoor spa. Nice breakfast room. Only issue was, I had issues with the hotel's username and password, with my laptop. Next time I will stay will be May 24th(one night) and I will have a mobile hotspot which will take care of the issue.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Clara

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good room and clean
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

6/10 Okay

Bjørn

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Day 1: they never showed up to make up the room. I reported it to the front desk and they said it would be done first thing in the morning the next day. Day 2: again they never showed up. I didn't stay long enough to find out if Day 3 would have been any different. All that being said, it was still an enjoyable stay and a nice and clean, even quite stylish, room.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Room comfort
Check in staff friendly, professional; premises basically clean; only caveat was that returned to our room at days end, and our door was open/about 12” open; we could have lost possessions; nothing lost, thank goodness. Reported to front desk. Kleenex not refilled or replaced; only about 6 tissues left.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maryam, Escondido

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was a little dated but very clean and spacious. Breakfast was great!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zaira

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First time out there for a tournament and I would deff. go back to this hotel if in the area again!!!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All was great!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Hady

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean facility but overpriced comparing to similar hotels
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Dan

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking is a bit tight. And the ADA rooms could use an armoire or a closet other than the one in the bathroom. Scott at the front desk was GREAT! Enjoyed the breakfast also. I’ll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Philip

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Careful

Hotel has tried to charge me three times so far.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

brandon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice room - great staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

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

Get Away Holiday:

The personal service was amazing!! Sabastian was personal, professional and made sure our VERY late check in was as pleasant as arriving at 3pm. The hotel is not new but is very clean and comfortable. Their breakfast is as good as any "breakfast included" hotel. Sausage, Scramble Eggs microwave style, fresh waffles, apples. The coffee though hot was not very good. We took the train and found the hotel was perfectly situated to walk the sights of SLO and other then to and from the Train Station a car is not needed. Meal prices were cheaper than San Fernando Valley or Los Angeles. (It currently cost $23.00 for a simple omelet with hashbrowns and a Hemberger is $18.00..LA has become a real ripoff and SLO is truly worth the wonderful train ride, and the beautiful and easy walk around town.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Travelled 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 traveller

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

Travelled 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

Travelled with family, Business traveller
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