Sands by the Sea Motel
Motel, 2-star9355 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA, United StatesShow on map
7.6 · Good1,595 reviews
- Check-in from 4:00 PMCheck-out by 11:00 AM. The front desk is staffed around the clock, so a late arrival is fine.
- Fabulous locationGuests rate the location 8.7 out of 10, at 9355 Hearst Drive.
- Free parkingThe property states parking on site is free for guests.
Convenient Location Situated just 4.5 km from the famous Hearst Castle, Sands by the Sea Motel offers easy access to popular attractions while providing a peaceful retreat.
Comfortable Accommodations Each guest room is thoughtfully furnished with modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat screen TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee machine. Select rooms even feature fans for added comfort.
Relaxing Facilities Unwind in the heated indoor pool, enjoy complimentary continental breakfast at a nearby restaurant, and take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and business center services provided for your convenience.
Experience comfort and convenience at Sands by the Sea Motel - book your stay now!
What this place offers
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Free Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
Rooms
7.6
Good
Rated 7.6 out of 10 by 1,595 guests who stayed here.
- Cleanliness6.2
- Service8.2
- Location8.7
- Rooms6.7
- Amenities8.2
- Value7.2
- Food & drink7.8
Guests mention
Good locationHelpful staffFunctional amenities
AideenGermanySchöne Preiswerte Unterkunft in wunderbarer Lage direkt am Meer mit wunderschönen Sonnenuntergängen
SophieUnited StatesThe hotel completely matched our needs.
We were grateful to be on the ground floor. Since we are older adults, being on the ground floor gave us more confidence to move around. Thank you.
Everything was fine. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. The…
IreneNLVriendelijk personeel en een ruime, schone hotelkamer
De dame bij de receptie was erg vriendelijk! Mijn hotelkamer was goed te bereiken, ruim, comfortabel en schoon.
EricUnited StatesShower was a little small and Shower head was short. I have come to expect this on the coast.
YusufUnited StatesBest motel in San Simeon based on cost and amenities.
Location next to the beach, access to two pools, and yummy restaurant nearby.
Spider webs outside of room. Spiders in room.
SergueiMexicoThe hotel is perfectly fine for a one-night stay; the oceanfront is very appealing once the evening breeze dies down. Th
Not much—the photos look better than reality—but the ocean coast makes up for a lot.
The room is a bit basic, there’s a smell from the carpet cleaning, and the windows could use a wash.
Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated January 2026.
Where you’ll be
9355 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA, United States
Guests rate the location 8.7 out of 10 — fabulous.
Things to know
Cancellation
Each room shows its own terms before you pay.
Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.
Non-refundable rates are marked as such.
House rules
Check-in from 4:00 PM until 10:00 PM
Check-out by 11:00 AM
Children welcome
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No pets
Free parking on site
Non-smoking rooms available
Payment & property
Paid when you book, not at the desk.
Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.
The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.
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All guests staying at the Sands by the Sea Motel will receive a confirmation message from the Best Western Cavalier Inn San Simeon about their stay.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. A deposit may be required at the property.
What we’d check for you here
- That the step-free room is actually free on your dates, and whether it is a roll-in shower or a bath, which the listing never says.
- That the desk is staffed when you land, and that the room is held past cut-off.
- The pet fee and any size limit, which is where these bookings usually come apart.
- Whether there is room for a pickup, a trailer or a van, not just a car.
- Whether breakfast is in the rate or added at checkout, and what time it runs.
- Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
- What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.
Questions about Sands by the Sea Motel
What time is check-in and check-out at Sands by the Sea Motel?
Check-in is from 4:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.
Does Sands by the Sea Motel allow pets?
No — the property states that pets are not allowed.
Is there parking at Sands by the Sea Motel?
Yes — the property states that parking on site is free. Whether a space can be reserved in advance varies, so we check it against your dates.
Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a pool?
Yes — a pool is listed among the property's facilities. Seasonal closures are common, so we'll confirm it's open for your dates.
Is breakfast included at Sands by the Sea Motel?
Breakfast is offered at the property. Whether it's included depends on the rate — the board type is shown on each room once you put your dates in.
Does Sands by the Sea Motel have Wi-Fi?
Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.
Does Sands by the Sea Motel have wheelchair accessible rooms?
The property lists step-free or accessible facilities. That flag is the one least able to settle the question: a hotel can carry it and still have a step at the entrance, or a bath rather than a roll-in shower, and it does not say whether the accessible room is free on your dates. Tell us what you need and we'll ask the property directly rather than reading you the flag.
Can I check in late at Sands by the Sea Motel?
The property lists a front desk staffed 24 hours, so a late arrival should be possible. Standard check-in is from 4:00 PM. Rooms are still released after a cut-off at some properties regardless of the desk hours, so tell us your arrival time and we'll have them hold it.
How do I book Sands by the Sea Motel?
Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.
Where is Sands by the Sea Motel?
9355 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA.
Other places we book in San Simeon
Nothing to do with the booking above. The same market, priced the same way, for if this one is not it.
