GoHotelly
2-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

Sands by the Sea

Stay at Sands by the Sea, a 3.7-rated motel with free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and indoor pool, just minutes from San Simeon's beaches and Hearst Castle.

9355 Hearst Dr, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States View on map
7.4/10
Good Based on 445 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Free parking Accessible Indoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable Stay with Beach Access and Family-Friendly Amenities

Guests appreciate the motel’s convenient location near the beach and local attractions, along with practical amenities suited for families and travelers seeking simple, accessible accommodations.

Guests often praise

  • Easy access to the nearby beach within a short walking distance.
  • Clean and comfortable indoor heated pool available for guests.
  • Complimentary breakfast that adds convenience to the stay.
  • Reliable free Wi-Fi and free parking provided on site.
  • Pet-friendly policy welcomed by guests traveling with animals.

Worth knowing

  • Some guests note the motel’s basic and unfussy style, suitable for modest budgets.
  • Family-run atmosphere may mean a more casual and personalized experience.
  • Proximity to popular sites like Hearst Castle requires a short drive.
  • Facilities may not be as modern or upscale compared to nearby hotels.
  • The 3.7 rating reflects a mix of positive impressions alongside occasional critiques.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking affordable accommodation with direct beach access.
  • Families looking for kid-friendly amenities and a relaxed environment.
  • Visitors wanting pet-friendly lodging near coastal attractions.
  • Guests desiring basic comforts such as Wi-Fi, breakfast, and indoor pool.
  • Those prioritizing easy access to natural sights and local parks.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Sands by the Sea

Sands by the Sea is a straightforward motel offering easy access to the beach, located just a three-minute walk from the shoreline in San Simeon, California. This family-run property sits off Highway 1, providing a convenient base for visitors aiming to explore nearby attractions such as the William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach and Hearst Castle, both within a short driving distance.

Accommodations at Sands by the Sea feature essential amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities in all rooms. Additional conveniences like an indoor heated pool, free parking, and a business center help cater to varied guest needs. A complimentary breakfast and on-site restaurant further enhance the stay, making it suitable for families, business travelers, and pet owners alike.

While the motel’s rating of 3.7 based on over 400 reviews suggests some mixed feedback, the overall impression highlights good value for visitors seeking comfortable, no-frills lodging close to the coast. The property is smoke-free, accessible, and kid-friendly, ensuring a practical environment for a wide range of guests.

The location also offers easy access to nature and cultural experiences, with nearby attractions such as the Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center and Hearst San Simeon State Park. Guests arriving by air can reach the property within an hour from SLO County Airport by car or via public transit.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Beach access
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchen in all rooms
Smoke-free
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Sands by the Sea

San Simeon, California, USA

A 3-minute walk from the nearest beach, this casual, family-run motel off Highway 1 is 3 miles from William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach and 9 miles from Hearst Castle.

  • Hearst & San Simeon 2 min Walk
  • Castillo @ Quality Inn 9 min Walk
  • SLO County Airport 52 min Car · 1 hr 52 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Hearst Castle 13,409 reviews

Hearst Castle

750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States

4.6 · Castle
Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center 706 reviews

Friends of the Elephant Seal Visitor Center

Shops Plaza Del Cavalier, 250 San Simeon Ave Suite 5A, San Simeon, CA 93452, United States

4.7 · Non-profit Organization
Hearst San Simeon State Park 1 reviews

Hearst San Simeon State Park

500 San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd, Cambria, CA 93428, United States

4.7 · State Park
People also viewed

Similar Motels in California

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

123 E Carmel St, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States

Hampton Inn San Marcos

Stay at Hampton Inn San Marcos with free WiFi, breakfast, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Close to Downtown San Marcos and LEGO...

4.2 (585) View
2512 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89104, United States

Motel 6 Las Vegas, NV Downtown Fremont St

Affordable stay at Motel 6 Las Vegas Downtown Fremont St with 3.4 rating, petfriendly rooms, paid WiFi and parking, close to Las...

3.4 (151) View
10000 Beach Club Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, United States

Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort

Stay at Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, a relaxed beachfront hotel near Broadway at the Beach. Enjoy spa, dining, LGBTQ+ friendly amen...

3.9 (3,853) View
143 Collier Way, Etna, CA 96027, United States

The Collier Hotel

Experience The Collier Hotel in Etna, CA with a 4.7 rating and LGBTQ+ friendly amenities. Find honest reviews and detailed locatio...

4.7 (34) View
2600 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, United States

Anderson Ocean Club And Spa

Experience oceanfront comfort at Anderson Ocean Club And Spa in Myrtle Beach, featuring pools, spa, minigolf, free WiFi, and eas...

4.3 (3,872) View
708 N Beaver Dam Ave, Damascus, VA 24236, United States

River Trail Inn Damascus

Stay at River Trail Inn Damascus, VA, rated 4.9 with 117 reviews. Enjoy free WiFi, parking, and airconditioned rooms near Damasc...

4.9 (117) View
1540 S Main St, Virginia City, NV 89440, United States

Gold Hill Hotel and Crown Point Restaurant

Stay at the historic Gold Hill Hotel and Crown Point Restaurant in Virginia City, NV. Enjoy free WiFi, parking, a rustic bar, pet...

4.4 (415) View
209 Medical Park Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117, United States

Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Mooresville

Relax in spacious suites with kitchens, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool at Home2 Suites by Hilton Charlotte Mooresville, near Lake...

4.1 (420) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Sands by the Sea? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.