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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

Beach
Standard Room
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Room amenity
BBQ/picnic Area
Front of property

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is NZ$170
includes taxes & fees
23 Apr - 24 Apr

Explore the area

View 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

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

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(89 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the area

San Simeon

At Sands by The Sea you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. Highlights at this beach motel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and hot stone massages. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a gym and coffee/tea in a common area. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this San Simeon motel include Moonstone Beach Park and Moonstone Beach.
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What's nearby

  • Cambria State Marine Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • San Simeon State Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Moonstone Beach - 5 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 6 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Hearst Castle - 36 min drive - 19.2 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mojo’s Village Bean - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Fireside Lounge - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Luigi’s Pizza - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Sands by The Sea offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. There's an onsite business centre.

Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly Sands by The Sea also features a vending machine, coffee/tea in 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 a hairdryer. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include a ceiling fan and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is offered on request and an iron/ironing board 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

Beach nearby
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle
San Simeon
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 1,249 reviews
The price is NZ$239
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 Apr
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

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

Restaurants on site

  • Cavalier Coastal Kitchen

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping on request

Business services

  • Business centre

Outdoors

  • Direct access to the beach

Full-service spa

  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

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

More

  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with premium cable/satellite channels

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
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.

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

What is the cancellation policy at Sands by The Sea?

Sands by The Sea offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 22 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on 23 Apr 2026 start from NZ$170, 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.

Is parking available at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, Sands by The Sea has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Sands by The Sea?

The closest beach to Sands by The Sea is Moonstone Beach (5.2 km).

Is there a spa on site at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Sands by The Sea. You'll enjoy services like prenatal massages.

Does Sands by The Sea have a pool?

Sands by The Sea has 2 outdoor swimming pools.

Does Sands by The Sea serve breakfast?

Yep, cooked-to-order brekkie is on offer daily between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Sands by The Sea?

No, Sands by The Sea does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Sands by The Sea?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Sands by The Sea's onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Sands by The Sea?

Check-in begins at 4 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 472 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 144 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1004 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Sky-Lena

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

6/10 Okay

Rizalito

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

John, Visalia

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was isolated from everything, no access to the ocean, yet the beach was in advertising. The hotel lobby was closed: directions left “go to hotel next door.” The Cavalier next door was ready to upgrade at a cost of $106 per night. But they said they were a separate entity from the Sands by the Sea. First lie, then they said the properties were co-owned, second lie. Three people perched in the lobby backing each other up. They gave us the option to leave, they said our payment had not been charged. We left, went home, 400 miles driven and a Christmas gift destroyed. Not only did they lie about charging, but the charge was $180 above the original agreed rate, another lie and a fraudulent over charge. This charge was reversed by a future conversation with Expedia. This experience left us with a costly experience. Our ride home was long and dark with distressing feelings. The treatment by hotel personal was with extreme disregard and disrespect. We felt setup by a predator oriented system. Our cost: hundreds, my cost: embarrassment, my Christmas gift to my wife was destroyed. Five months earlier we vacationed to Hawaii, excess of $6000, went well, flights arranged through Expedia.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tomas

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bernice

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great stay for the money. I still cannot believe dogs stay free! Thank you SO much! The rooms are just fine, clean, in good repair. I stayed twice and the staff have always been great. The property is on the cliff overlooking the ocean. Sands is part of Cavalier Resort so can use all of the facilities. Restaurant on site. I would definitely stay a 3rd time if I were going to be in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Joe

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The value, clean room , great staff no frills but a great room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Soheyl, ALISO VIEJO

Old and outdated
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Nina

Liked: Staff & service
The room is simple,it's okay for overnight stay with a companion. Price is reasonable. Not bad
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenna

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

lester

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, attentive staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Amy

Liked: Staff & service
The staff checking in are great. Colleen and Roxy know how to make a guest feel welcome. The room is extremely outdated and needs to be upgraded badly. The curtains didn't close all the way, the window barely opened, the microwave the buttons all didn't work, the heater made a horrible sound that kept me up most of the night. I complained about these issues the next day was told they would see about changing my room and they would call me. Never got a call. Appears the staff does not communicate with each other and just will give lip service to a guest so they go away and become someone else's problem.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I stay at the Sands because of its location. The staff has always been welcoming. The fire pits are my favorite and the hot tub was great when it was cold and raining.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Jacqueline

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Ricardo

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pam

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location of our room was wonderful. We enjoyed listening to the surf and viewing the ocean from our porch chairs. Inside the cozy fireplace was a treat especially in our provided bathrobes. It was definitely a truly relaxing stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property is older , but clean and comfortable. Pet friendly. Loved the forepits at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Gina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, great service. Internet was poor.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025