See all properties

Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sands by The Sea

BBQ/picnic area
Lobby sitting area
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Fitness facility
Lobby

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
$112
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27

Explore the area

View in a map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452
  • Place, Moonstone Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Moonstone Beach Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Hearst Castle
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(93 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Similar properties

Exterior
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,753 reviews
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

About this property

Sands by The Sea

San Simeon motel with 2 outdoor pools
This smoke-free motel features 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a restaurant. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a fitness center, coffee/tea in a common area, and a business center are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Sands by The Sea offers 33 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. LCD televisions come with premium satellite channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include ceiling fans and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered on request and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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.
Sands by The Sea features 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. The motel offers a restaurant. This motel offers access to a business center.

Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. This beach motel also offers a vending machine, coffee/tea in a common area, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Complimentary self parking is available on site.

Sands by The Sea is a smoke-free property.

Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Cavalier Coastal Kitchen - This restaurant is located on the beach. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.

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

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

Sands by The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 456 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 288 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 150 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 56 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1001 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amelia Sanchez

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ocean is 100 feet from the beach It was very relaxing
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Amanda

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

Horrible old rooms

Floor was so dirty, carpets were stained and sticky. No one would come to clean or bring towels. Ran out of toilet paper. Fan in room dirty old and didn't work. The carpet was so dirty that we didn't let our kids walk barefoot on it. The walls hand grim all over them from dirty hands. The parking is very tight. We felt that since our race and we had kids that they didn't care for us. They treated us like poor trash compared to the others. We even called and asked if they could clean our room and no one showed. The restaurant next door is over priced and bland. The musty smell was so bad we had to sleep with the window wide open. Shower was so short I'm 5'2 and had to duck down. Toilet is very low to ground like a school size toilet for kids . The guests were all nice. I liked how the dogs were so welcomed and the beach access was nice. Hotel needs to be remodeled and they need staff to be taught to treat all with respect. They have a private indoor pool closed to guests and the outdoor pools are very cold not heated as stated.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and helpful staff person.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

eleazar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very noce, good location. Old rooms
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Luis

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I'd planned a special visit to San Simeon with my elderly parents, possibly their last trip together. My father is ill and wheelchair-bound, every detail mattered. I reserved 3 rooms at Sands by the Sea, hoping to create a memorable moment for my family. Upon arrival, I found the rooms in extremely poor condition, by far the most unpleasant accommodations I've encountered. I travel frequently around the world and I've never experienced anything quite like it. I was shocked and saddened, especially given the emotional significance of this trip. Roxie at reception was kind, understanding, and professional. She acknowledged the condition of the rooms and agreed that the property wasn't being properly maintained. She offered to upgrade us to The Cavalier, which I appreciated very much. Her customer service was outstanding, and I'm truly grateful for her support during a stressful moment. During the transfer between rooms, I left a ($160 new special gift) jacket. I quickly reported it to the front desk. The manager promised to follow up with housekeeping and get back to me. I received no updates. I followed up the next day and again before we left, only to be told the jacket wasn't found. I'm absolutely certain I left it in the room. The way this situation was handled was frustrating and deeply disappointing. The manager wasn't only unhelpful but rude and dismissive, her lack of empathy and accountability is unacceptable especially in a hospitality setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie, Le Grand

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this hotel/motel so much that we are already planning our next trip. Easy check in next door at the sister hotel. Plenty of parking. The room was nice and beds were comfortable. Friendly staff. The pools were so nice! Gym was small, but perfect! Woke up and Enjoyed a short walk to the beach. The sound of the ocean waves were amazing at night! The fire pits were great. Plus the volleyball court and games were super cool. Definitely staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

FRANCISCO

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had 235 room in the 2nd floor with my 7yo daughter, when we got in the room my daughter explore the rooms and check the window and to my horror my daughter could almost fall from the window from the second floor because the screen of the window fall off on the ground. I was concerned about the safety of the future guest most especially with kids, its totally not safe since height of the window is below the knee and the screen is not that stable and not properly installed to hold a person, It can cause accidents and possibly death if the property did not take action on this. I went to the front desk personally to address my concern, after a few hours the maintenance guy came and tried to fix it but unfortunately the screen was still not install properly, although I appreciate that someone called and offer the a room changed and a complimentary breakfast and promised us that they will look at it asap. Were still lucky that I prevented the horrific fall of my daughter
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robbie, Clifton

Traveled with partner
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

Michael

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

Beautiful weather

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved that it was right on the coast. Beautiful sunsets right behind the hotel. Firepits and outdoor games made the back of the hotel a great hang out. Best part of the place!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay no complaints
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent location and wonderful view and use of firepits and ocean views. Staff is always friendly, funny, personable and professional especially Roxy. The hotel is dated and find it very interesting that the shower head is about face height for me and I'm 5'7". It is nice that they offer housekeeping but they tend to come whenever they want not when you ask them to overall love the place and will come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darien

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lacy

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
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

8/10 Good

gregory

Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dog friendly. Ocean view and access was awesome. Dogs are allowed on the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Liked: Staff & service

Not sure I’d return

For the price of $99 I guess it was a good value. The bed was comfortable but the room was very hot unless you kept the ceiling fan on. The shower was very dated and small and a dog had chewed on the corner which really should have been fixed. Numerous stains on carpet who can looked like a dog accident.
Wall damage from a dog chewing ?
Shower door
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jasmine

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

8/10 Good

Desmond

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
The property itself is an amazing place when coupled with its sister property. The room itself was not very clean. I would stay here for max one night and only if there were no rooms available at its sister property next door.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Humberto

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

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

8/10 Good

Denae

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

10/10 Excellent

Henny

We move to the other property the had bigger rooms
Stayed 1 night in May 2025