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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property
Ocean views set the stage for relaxation at this beachfront retreat where spa treatments rejuvenate and coastal cuisine satisfies hungry travelers

Choose dates to view prices

Travelers find oceanfront relaxation at Sands by The Sea, with views complementing spa treatments and massages. The Cavalier Coastal Kitchen serves cooked-to-order breakfasts, and free in-room WiFi keeps everyone connected. Two outdoor pools and attentive staff await.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

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
(99 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 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
(83 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
Refrigerator
LCD TV
Ceiling fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
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About the area

Located in San Simeon, Sands by The Sea is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Moonstone Beach and Cambria State Marine Park, while Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay and Cambria Center for the Arts are cultural highlights. Sebastian General Store and Stepladder Ranch and Creamery are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing, surfing/body boarding, and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails. Visit our San Simeon travel guide
View more Motels in San Simeon
Map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452

What's nearby

  • If you have never seen wild seals before, great spot with tons of harbor seals and elephant seals basking in the sun. I found it to be delightful
    San Simeon State Park
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • aerial view of surf at Moonstone Beach at sunset, Cambria, California
    Moonstone Beach
    6 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Moonstone Beach Park featuring a beach and a garden
    Moonstone Beach Park
    7 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
    Hearst Castle
    26 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Cambria State Marine Park
    3 min walk - 0.3 km

Getting around

  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP)
    58 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cambria Coffee Roasting Company
    6 min drive
  • Mojo’s Village Bean
    8 min drive
  • Main Street Grill
    6 min drive
  • Luigi’s Pizza
    7 min drive
  • Linn's Bakery & Eatery
    8 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Motel near Moonstone Beach
Consider a stay at Sands by The Sea and take advantage of a gym, a business center, and a full-service spa. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage or other spa services. The on-site restaurant, Cavalier Coastal Kitchen, features a beachfront location. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a bar.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Free self parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), a front-desk safe, and coffee/tea in the lobby
  • Free newspapers, smoke-free premises, and a vending machine
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Room features
All guestrooms at Sands by The Sea have amenities such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • LCD TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

Similar properties

Beach nearby
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,258 reviews
The price is CA $131
CA $147 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 9 - Mar 10
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

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 center

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
  • Smoking not allowed

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 available
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 stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the 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

Does Sands by The Sea have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

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

As of Mar 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by The Sea on Mar 23, 2026 start from CA $107, excluding 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 Sands by The Sea pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows pets (limit 1 total).

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sands by The Sea?

Check-in start time: 4 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Sands by The Sea?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 150.

Where is Sands by The Sea located?

Offering direct access to the beach, this San Simeon motel is within a 10-minute walk of Cambria State Marine Park and San Simeon State Park. San Simeon Nature Preserve and William Randolph Hearst State Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Sands by The Sea Reviews

8.2

Very good

7.8

Cleanliness

4.0

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 478 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 285 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 140 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 47 out of 1010 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are amazing , room was clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Joe

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

8/10 Good

STEPHEN

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

10/10 Excellent

Pam

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Outdoor amenities can’t be matched! Outdoor heated pools, nighttime fire pits, sand volleyball, chess/checkers/tictactoe, and ocean views!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

KENNETH

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Check in very simple, staff made eveything very easy
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

CISKA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is outdated room but clean. Area closed to the beach. Quiet & nice beach.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was friendly and helped us out after we left an item in our room after leaving. Would definitely stay again on our next trip.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

agata

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Location is awesome . So serene
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel is right on the water, Beautiful sunset!!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Crystal

Great location but room desperately in need of upgrades. There was rust on metal fixtures, broken furniture and torn chair in room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very friendly receptionist, quick check in and was able to accommodate changing rooms (due to needing a ground floor room), loved that they are pet friendly, and lots of beautiful spots to sit and watch the ocean. Definitely will be coming back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jorge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location is amazing!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Bianca

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location, super friendly staff, but inside feels like a sleezy motel 6 with stained carpets and mild and rust and dirt everywhere. Very very dirty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hassaan

Gd for a stop over, hope you enjoy sitting around fire pit as they have them at night going on by the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rush

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent restaurant nearby
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

andres

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and amenities and great price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joni D.

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

Great stay

We had a great day at the Sands by the sea hotel. The room was very spacious clean and the bed was very comfortable clean bathroom great stay will come again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel is clean and safe. Staff was very friendly. Breaks was not included but tgere is a restaurant next door. Room was old and needed updating. Bed was comfy but no ac and wall ac unit was rusty.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and helpful! Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is amazing!! The staff is super friendly especially Roxy!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ray

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was very clean and the staff was very friendly..
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lot better than my expectations. I would definitely stay here again. On the beach and good for family.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lacy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the location next to the beach. The amenities from the cavalier hotel are nice. The hotel is dated but it was a good bed and great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025