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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

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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

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Showing 2 of 2 rooms

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
(100 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
(90 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in San Simeon, Sands by The Sea is near the beach. Hearst Castle is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Moonstone Beach and Moonstone Beach Park. Cambria State Marine Park and Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay 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.
Map
9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA, 93452

What's nearby

  • San Simeon State Park
    San Simeon State Park
    6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • aerial view of surf at Moonstone Beach at sunset, Cambria, California
    Moonstone Beach
    5 min drive - 6.2 km
  • Moonstone Beach Park
    Moonstone Beach Park
    6 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
    Hearst Castle
    36 min drive - 19.2 km
  • Cambria State Marine Park
    3 min walk - 0.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Motel near Moonstone Beach Park
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 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), coffee/tea in the lobby, and a vending machine
  • A front-desk safe, smoke-free premises, and free newspapers
  • 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

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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.

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).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Sands by The Sea Reviews

8.2

Very Good

7.8

Cleanliness

4.0

Location

8.6

Staff & service

7.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 473 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 279 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 146 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1007 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel has a beautiful location and very comfortable beds. The staff were friendly and welcoming, always making sure we had everything we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decent for the location
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love it here. Affordable and by the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Israel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel for the price. We did a weekend getaway with our toddler and puppy both enjoyed. Best part is the beautiful views from the courtyard. Staff were helpful and friendly. Overall a great hotel with a peaceful atmosphere.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

4/10 Poor

Aldo

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Clean decent rooms with absolutely no view of the ocean. Staff was friendly and very helpful and tried to be accommodating with the very c***** room I got
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tina

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet, clean and comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maricel

The room was clean and the staff are helpful. I love that there is a microwave and ref in the room. There are also multiple outlets to plug your devices and best of all, wifi is free! We also love the hotel backyard with access to the beach and different games for family. Beautfiful spot to watch the sunset. We will definitely come back to this hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lizette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed one night on road trip, have stayed before..quick checkin…clean room…great access to beach ..restaurant is right next door, only complaint is air conditioner didn’t work?
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alberto

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

8/10 Good

Marlo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great, room was clean. Even though it was missing a curtain.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always a comfortable stay. The front desk employees are very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keri

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Proximity to the beach, Cambria and Hearst Castle were great. The swimming pools and fire pits were a great touch.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Roxanne was very friendly with our check in procedure. Property is a bit older but very comfortable and a great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Marcy

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The inexpensive "Sands" section of the Cavalier Oceanfront Motel where we stayed was quite shabby; refrigerator didn't close, carpet was filthy, no AC. Fortunately, it shared all the amenities with the next door Cavalier with it's large oceanfront lawn, restaurant, and pools. Loved hearing the surf at night and watching the sunset from the lawns.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Arrived on site and asked before check-in to be sure we had a room with the ocean view. I was upgraded for just a few more dollars. Arrived to the room and the one complaint is the air conditioning clearly does not work. Staff arrived shortly after to prep the fireplace. Another staff member checked in to see if we were good and gave us a fan. Later to my surprise, they came back to the room with a bucket of ice and champagne completely unexpected. The properties absolutely stunning!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great spot for my husband and I and our 2 dogs. Our room did not face the ocean, but it was a close walk and the trails around this area are great for walking the dogs. The room had a larger refrigerator than most hotels, which since we brought lots of food worked out perfectly. Would absolutely stay here again as for the price, it was awesome.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidy

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This property is Amazing, especially if you have a pet, lots of space for a walk, baggies everywhere for the clean up. Try booking at the Cavalier the rooms are more up to date, at the Sands by the Sea is not well maintain:( the shower in room #233 was built for 5foot people my husband had a hard time showering, there was ZERO UPGRADES! As is a busy spring break week, so we managed and made the best of it. They have Fire pits to enjoy at night that is Super fun and warm. Make sure to eat before 9pm EVERYTHING CLOSES BY 9pm. Super close to the Hearts Castle.
Out of date furniture, so don’t expect much.
This is the smallest shower n if you are taller than 5 feet tall, change to the Cavalier Hotel.
Beautiful wood firing evenings , waiting for you to enjoy the evening. Is stunning view.
Easy access for a walk on the beach. If you want proper steps walk all the way down the property n they are there.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

consuelo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and spacious. Only complaint was the heater sounded like a roulette table. It clicked all night long. So keep that in mind for cooler weather travel
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very pet friendly. No extra fee and a large green area. Also a dogfriendly beach right out front. Hotel is older but furniture robust and bed comfy.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

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
Verified

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