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Sands by The Sea

2.0 star property

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Beach
Front of property
Standard Room | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
BBQ/picnic area
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Room amenity

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
$95
$84 nightly
$95 total
Total with taxes and fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

Explore the area

View in a 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
    ‪25 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

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(95 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

Beach nearby
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.2 out of 5, Very Good, 1,251 reviews
$80 nightly
The price is $90
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Total with taxes and fees
The Morgan San Simeon - Cambria by Hearst Castle

About the neighborhood

San Simeon

With a stay at Sands by The Sea in San Simeon, you'll be by the ocean, just a 3-minute walk from Cambria State Marine Park and 7 minutes by foot from San Simeon State Park. .This beach motel is 8.4 mi (13.5 km) from Hearst Castle and 1.9 mi (3 km) from San Simeon Nature Preserve.
View more Motels in San SimeonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cambria State Marine Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • San Simeon State Park - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Moonstone Beach - 4 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Moonstone Beach Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 miles
  • Hearst Castle - 25 min drive - 8.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Cambria Coffee Roasting Company - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Main Street Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Linn's Bakery & Eatery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪JJ's Pizza - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Sands by The Sea

Beach location and 2 outdoor pools
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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 33 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping is provided on request.
Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. This motel also features complimentary wireless internet access and a vending machine.
Enjoy a satisfying meal at Cavalier Coastal Kitchen serving guests of Sands by The Sea. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
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
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

Reviews

Sands by The Sea Reviews

8.2

Very Good

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 467 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 283 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 145 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 50 out of 1004 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at check in made me feel welcomed, they were attentive to my questions, professional, coupled with that home town hospitality. Made me feel like a regular although it was my first visit. Made an impression on me.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Gunhilde

Traveled with family
The best part are the fire pits by the ocean
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

julia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay! Check in at cavalier resort, then we stayed in a clean but admittedly outdated room on the sands by the sea side. The property had a restaurant which we dined out- nothing fancy but it was up to my standard and a fair priced. The property was awesome and we loved sitting by the fireplace after sunset. Convenient location for visiting Hearst castle and Cambria. I would definitely stay here again- good experience and good value!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Carpet was so dirty that we had to wash our feet - which turned the cloth brown - after showering. Carpet was stained and felt wet in spots. We travel frequently and have never had a room that had carpet this disgusting.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin

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

2/10 Terrible

Donald

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location and near the beach but carpet in room was very very stained and bad condition.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Victoria

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room itself was dirty. The desk was dusty. It needs a good deep cleaning. Carpet was really dark which almost looked normal until you saw the light colored carpet under the ledge of the nightstand.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I'll first start by saying the area is lovely for going on walks along the beach, walking to nearby restaurants, and hanging out by the fire pits at night. The heated pools add a nice touch as well. The rooms were in need of a remodel. The carpets had that sticky feeling and the shower head was to low. There was no handsoap in our room and when we called they did not answer their phone so we walked to the front desk and asked for soap so they gave us face soap and said they would bring the handsoap later. An hour later they still did not bring any handsoap so we tried calling again and after 2 minutes of ringing they finally answered and said they would call the room service lady again. They came and handed us 2 face soaps. I guess there is no handsoap and they just give face soap. Then the shower walls were dirty and the chair in our room had the leather all worn off. Other than those things it was a nice stay. The area and everything soo close by made the trip fun. They just need to make some minor fixes and changes and this hotel can easily be a better stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Carmen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The front desk staff was so friendly and welcoming. They were helpful when my husband lost a $1 in the vending machine. We heard them talking to the couple next to us who just got married and were doing anything they could to make their experience a memorable one. We love to see this. The room was too hot and very uncomfortable. The restuarant was the worst - the service was not great at all and the food was not worth the $$ we paid. Maybe it was what we ordered but it was not great. If the service was better, the food may not have mattered as much.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

JUN RYAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

sandra

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

Great weekend getaway

This was a planned weekend getaway. The room was nice and quiet. Falling asllep to the sound of the ocean was soothing. We had to check in at the hotel next door which wasn't a big deal but it would have been nice to have coffee and at least pastries if your not a big breakfast eater and are leaving early. Coffee was available in the rooms, but if you wanted more you had to walk over to the cavalier next door. Again, Pastries would have been nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The 1st room they gave us smelled like mildew. It was dusty on the ceiling, fan, bed skirts and the sink was clogged. The 2nd room the bed skirts were dusty, the vents by the windows were rusty, and the
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Make sure when you book it is with the hotel by the beach cause the picture is deceiving
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

Jozett

Traveled with group, Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worth every penny
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Nicole

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

kelly

J
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mario Alberto G, Thousand Oaks

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Rooms need an update
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rodica

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room had dirty carpet and no AC. A sealing fan was available, but when I tried to leave it on during night time, the light would dim but I was not able to turn it off completely. So I ended turning off the fan, although it was hot in the room.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spent one night at Sands by the Sea and had a great time. Right by the water, and at night they had fires going and games during the day. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed at the property with my daughter and grandson and it was great to be able to walk to the beach, use the heated pool and enjoy s’mores by the fire. We had an excellent time and felt safe/ the staff person who checked us in was nice and very informative.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dewayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

Traveled with family
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Gloria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The property is run down. They also run the motel next door. It is a bit confusing because you check in at the other motel lobby. The restaurant next door has good food. The staff is very nice and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025