Sands by the Sea Motel

Name: Sands by the Sea Motel
Address: 15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, Maine, 03909, York Beach, US

Location: 15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, Maine, 03909, York Beach, US

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Motels

About this Property

Convenience at Your Fingertips
Enjoy the seasonal outdoor pool and complimentary wireless internet. Grab a snack at the on-site convenience store and take advantage of the free self-parking.

Comfortable Accommodation
Relax in one of the 60 individually decorated guestrooms equipped with modern amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and DVD players. The daily housekeeping ensures a pleasant stay.

Prime Location for Exploration
With Short Sands Beach and York's Wild Kingdom just a stone's throw away, Sands by the Sea Motel is the perfect seaside retreat for your getaway. Don't miss out on nearby attractions like Nubble Lighthouse and the Museums of Old York.

Book your stay at Sands by the Sea Motel today for a memorable seaside vacation!

Important Information

The seasonal pool will be open from April to October.
Contactless check-out is available.

Policies

Check-in: 03:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open during the following times:

Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

Amenities & Facilities

Free WiFi
Outdoor pool - seasonal
ATM/banking
Smoke-free property
Pool umbrellas
Grocery/convenience store
Wheelchair accessible parking
Parking (limited spaces)
Free self parking
Pool sun loungers
Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Rooms Available

The Seashell Suite

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
400-sq-foot individually decorated room with a balcony

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
The Starfish Suite

1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
400-sq-foot individually decorated room with a balcony

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 5 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
One Bedroom Suite- 38

1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds
500 sq feet

Layout - Bedroom
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
The Sea Glass Suite

1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
400 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 7 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Two Bedroom Cottage

1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds
800-sq-foot individually decorated room with a balcony

Layout - 2 bedrooms
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Suite

1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
400 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 4 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Suite

1 King Bed, 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
400 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 9 (4 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
The Sandpiper Suite

2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
400-sq-foot individually decorated room with a balcony

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Three Bedroom Cottage

1 King Bed, 4 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
1100 sq feet

Layout - 3 bedrooms
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 9 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
252 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
252 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
One Bedroom Suite- 39

2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed
500 sq feet

Layout - Bedroom
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Free local calls and iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) and cribs (free) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 6 (3 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free Local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Bedsheets provided
Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

2 Double Beds
252 sq feet

Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - 32-inch TV, cable channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Refrigerator and microwave
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, a hair dryer, and towels
Practical - Iron/ironing board; rollaway beds (surcharge) available on request
Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and heating
Non-Smoking

Max Occupancy: 4 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Free WiFi
- Bedsheets provided

Guest Reviews

Don (8/5): - Room was very clean but motel is dated. Staff were extremely helpful & accommodating. Very beautiful area & the pool area & beach looked fantastic. Definitely would stay there again.
Florence (8/5): - The room is very basic and old but clean. Door was hollow door and not sound proof and lock was old fashioned light weight and very worn lock - you really need to put chain on. No plugs near the night stand and no clock. I found a plug under the a/c to charge my phone, and I had 2 beds and could choose between sleeping with my my head 2’ from the window and window air conditioning or 1.5’ from the bathroom door - not great
Cheryl (10/5): - Staff are friendly and full of information 🙃. Room is ok. Ac only goes to 66 so felt very warm still. Stuffy in room. Room was clean . Ned’s a little softer than we are use to but comfortable . We slept good. It does have a rug . Which at the beach keeps all the sands in . Great location close to everything you can walk to . We would come back here again
Jodi (6/5): - The location is good. The place is just very dated. Our room was very small and the beds could use new mattresses.
Scott (10/5): - Perfect location. Jen was great she circled places on the map for us to check out and gave us recommendations for places to eat! Will definitely be back, thank you!
david (10/5): - Perfect location for weekend event. Friendly staff. Clean, Well-maintained... all that i needed for a weekend... and walking distance to restaurants, bars, shopping, etc.
Kathleen (2/5): Low Quality - Room was old, musty, mildew smell. 1 chair and that was filthy. Rugs were filthy too. Mattress's were old, cheap and horrible. Hard to sleep and had sore back and neck. I would never stay there again.
Maryann (10/5): - The rooms are not modern, but they are clean and comfortable. Location, location, location. Shops and restaurants all within walking distance. (Although some shops only opened on the weekend after Labor Day). Beach is directly across the street. Heated pool was a plus. Planning to return next year.
Aditi (8/5): - I liked the easy walk to the beach. I did not like that the space between my bed and the bathroom toilet was less than 6 inches. The layout of the room could use a better strategy. If you are going to fit two double beds in a limited space, please give it a bit more thought. The room, bed, and everything were generally uncomfortable. The service and location of the property made this worth it; however, I am never booking a room here again.
Leslie (10/5): - Super great location, staff was friendly and helpful. Check in and checkout was a breeze
Anthony (6/5): Ok place to stay - It’s a motel, close to the beach. Comfort is not the best. Twin beds with no comfort. Barely fit on bed.
Ruth Ann (10/5): - We had a great stay at the Sands. Pool was great! Accommodations were also. Could not beat the location. Will definitely go back again.Staff was friendly and attentive.
CoachK2525 (10/5): All about locale, cleanliness, pool, and staff! - I challenge anyone to find a better spot given beach/pool/nearby eating and shopping/etc in York Beach (or Southern Coastal Maine for that matter). YES, parking is tight in main area by pool....BUT...plenty of room out back. Staff, starting with Ownership and through to all housekeeping, is always ready to help and make your stay the best it can be. You can get fancier or bigger rooms but you will not get the combo of swimming pool across street from beach and as clean rooms as Sands has to offer. Already looking forward to Fall Festival and next summer visit!
Tracy (8/5): - Great location
Colleen (10/5): - Comfortable beds. Extremely clean. Lovely pool
Todd (10/5): - Great staff. Beautiful pool, and close to everything.
CoachK2525 (10/5): First but not last late season visit for HarvestFest! - First time this late (closing weekend of main hotel) as found out about HarvestFest....We now have a new tradition as Fest was awesome and hotel was till perfect. Pool at a nice and warm 85 and staff amazing!. Thanks so much for a great year of multiple visits !
Kyla (10/5): - Great stay!
Jeanine (4/5): - Bathroom in terrible shape! How much does a new toilet seat cost? Roomed smelled of mold. Pillows horrible. Wont be back.
Sourav (10/5): - Good
Sokha (8/5): - The front desk lady is a sweetheart
Verified traveler (2/5): Never stay at this place! - Floors were not clean; feet black from dirt on floors. Toilet overflowed; valve to shut off water was missing. Obviously a past problem as plunger was sitting next to toilet. Room was cold and warmed up after learned window was wide open.
Alan (10/5): - Great, convenient location! Beautiful views and heated pool.
Todd (10/5): - Great Motel right next to Short Sands. 9 iron to great restaurants and shops.
Dale (8/5): - Ine block from icean
James (6/5): - Great spot, close to the beach and restaurants.
Jean (8/5): - It was great. Right across the road from short sands beach. Heated outdoor pool.
Rachel (10/5): - Older motel but well maintained and clean! Excellent location across from Short Sands Beach!
Carl (4/5): - Room cramped beyond being safe. Literally 16" between bed and access to bathroom. Antiquated in every aspect and the world's most uncomfortable beds. A night of torture.
Nicole (8/5): - We had a great stay and would definitely stay again. The property overall is very clean and the location is excellent. The only thing that could be improved is the water pressure in the bathroom sink. It was terrible. However, the shower pressure was great. The beds could use some new mattresses also. Overall I highly recommend. Very family oriented also.
Kathy (8/5): - Easy access to the beach across the street.
Wanda (8/5): - All was ok. Staff was responsive to any requests or issues. The mattress was very tired and needed replacing.
Ronald (8/5): - Not enough parking
CoachK2525 (10/5): If you give less than 4 stars you are lying or have a vendetta or are a bot!! - Neer ceases to amaze me how much fun and how relaxed we are when here. YOU WILL NOT GET A BETTER SPOT on all counts--staff, clean, locale, offerings. Be "warned"...rooms are small and some parking tight.....that's not what you are here for....We here every year and already looking to 2025 visit!!
Hilary (10/5): - Great location in downtown York. Parking to most everything.onsite and you can walk
Crys (10/5): - The tv or the WiFi didn’t work in our room. Cable box wouldn’t turn on. We do love staying here just disappointed that the tv or WiFi wouldn’t work
Sandra (6/5): - The location is very convenient and is walkable to all shops and beach. The room had plastic cups for use and one was used without wrapping. The TV is very small and furnishings were okay. The motel was loud until around 1:30 am. The price is not worth the stay.
janelR5783HW (10/5): Short Sands Beach Best Motel💜😎 - Sands by the Sea welcomes you with open arms! The owner and staff are friendly and very much care about your stay. Each and every guest is treated so well that you want to start planning your next visit before you even leave 🇺🇸🌊😎The shoppes, restaurants, and Johnnies Candy Store, plus the local York’s Wild Kingdom and Nubble Lighthouse are just a few places you can visit!
Mollie (10/5): - This hotel was good for a 1 night stay. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. It is an old place, but it was clean. I would stay here again.
Andrew (10/5): - People really nice
gustavo (8/5): Very GOOD - Very GOOD the wifi is Bad but it's a Nice place to sleep an enjoy the beach
Robert (8/5): - Lady at checkin was extremely nice. It was clean and bed was good.
Masaki (10/5): - Staff are very nice and kind.
John (8/5): - Easy access to the beach and heated pool. The room was outdated with dark carpeting, too soft unsupportive mattress and worn toilet seat.
Joan (8/5): - Front desk staff so friendly!
christiana (8/5): - Definitely outdated, but the location cannot be beat. Super quick walk to Short Sands Beach and local restaurants and shops. Room was tired, no bathroom ventilation, missing outlet covers, very old a/c heat unit. Fountain in the pool was broken, so, in its place, there is an arcing pvc pipe throwing a hard spray of water into the pool. Small pool was murky for all three days we were there, so we didn't go in it. No coffee in the room or lobby. Narrow stairs to access second level (no elevator). It was a comfortable room but in definite need of updating. Not sure I'll stay here again, especially for what I paid.
Augustus (10/5): We come every year - Nice weather placed beautifully in town within walking to Everything !
Jamie (8/5): - This property is so convenient if you want to be close to the beach. Staff was super friendly. Rooms are a bit small and mattresses could be updated. Other than that, I’d definitely stay here again.
Susan (8/5): - Great location good shopping restaurants nice beach across street nice pool friendly accommodating check in Very old & dated but good price comfy bed
Excursion19660696220 (2/5): Bad experience - Awful place drugged out guests, screaming and yelling at night, no phones in rooms to call for help, no Wi-Fi, nobody works over night, mold in rooms, smells like urine Just a big waste of money and ruined vacation
Caroline (8/5): - Needs new mattresses, and terrible mold in the bathroom. But location is perfect, and the staff was very nice.
Bruce (10/5): - Early check in, no problem. limited parking, but not a huge problem.
J. B. (10/5): - comfy bed, great ocean view of short sands from balcony, clean, pool was awesome...couches to sit on, umbrellas, chaise lounges, etc.
CoachK2525 (10/5): Only regret is having to leave to go home!!! - Been coming here for years (before current owners The Duffys) so have a good idea of what is in area and what I am getting. Duffys never stop as far as comfort, service, cleanliness. YOU WILL NOT BEAT LOCALE!...Pool at short sands is a huge bonus. Rooms in main building are ok size and simple, but all you need when here. You will not need a car during your stay, The staff will take care of anything that could happen. Prices for locale/offerings/etc are best in area!! See you in 2024!!
psb0303 (8/5): Fourth of July in York - A nice hotel for families. Great pool and surrounding area for eating at the picnic like table or laying on the chaise lounges. Very comfortable pool area. Right across from the beach at Short Sands. Walk to anything in town. No need to take your car.
Eileen (10/5): - First family trip to York beach. This place is in a great location!! Staff were so nice and accomadating. Nice pool area-Kids lived in the pool rain or shine. Motel is a bit outdated but didn’t bother us was perfect. Will be back next summer.
Jason (10/5): - Great the beach is across the street parking not so great got to park our back if front is full and it's full a lot
ANTHONY (8/5): - The place needs to be upgraded
Brad (6/5): - Location is really it here. Heated pool looked nice. For the price it’s about the location
Samantha7677 (6/5): Outdated but good! - We went into this room/motel knowing that it is old beach town motel and if you do that you will not be disappointed. It has a GREAT location and proximity to everything that you would want at the beach. The rooms are small, outdated, one side of our bed was broken but it was still fine, looked like maybe some black mold in the bathroom, water feature in pool is missing all the tile and water is coming out of a pvc pipe instead of the waterfall feature. But even will all of that said it was clean the pool was heated, front desk lady was very nice and plenty of hot water for showers! It served its purpose and we would return again!
James (8/5): - Clean but extremely small- could use a coffee maker as nothing nearbye is open in the morning. Friendly personel
Marguerite (8/5): - Rooms need a lot of work! Updated beds to start!!!
Georgine (10/5): - This was a beautiful iconic road house built in the late 50's early sixties. Felt wonderful to be there even though had not been updated. Great staff, very clean and the property showed that the owner and staff really loved it, and took care of it. A true Atlantic "Route 66" experience.
Marlene (8/5): - Clean room, located near shops, pleasant staff at check-in.
Glenn (8/5): - The staff was very friendly. We enjoyed the pool area. The rooms are clean but dated.
Rhonda (10/5): - Great location and friendly staff. Parking was a bit challenging.
Christine (8/5): - Great location. Property could use a little updating
ericcL5339FX (2/5): Smells like cat pee - Holy smokes, almost every negative Tripadvisor review I thought the reviewer was being way too picky or snobby. But then I spent 10 minutes in a room at this place. And I wonder for the love of humanity, who is leaving positive reviews for this hotel? The room literally smells like the carpet is drenched in cat pee. The carpet next to the refrigerator was soaking wet. The bathroom sink was clogged. Literally the only thing going for this place is the location. Which is probably why the owners don't care if their rooms smell like cat pee. This hotel is an embarrassment to York Beach.
pawser45 (4/5): Not always the friendliest staff, and service is not #1. Great location! - Sands by the Sea is truly a 2 star motel (that is what it is rated). This is a no frills motel. Including housekeeping, (unless you make a complaint to management). My husband and I were told that they couldn’t offer housekeeping because of being short staffed, and in the same breath we were told they never offered housekeeping. Since we complained (the 4th day we were there were once again no clean towels in our room). We were given housekeeping on our fifth day in which the housekeeper did an amazing job! So the routine is supposed to be bring dirty towels to a bin outside off the laundry room (always overflowing) and trash to the dumpster. They will then give you clean towels (if they are not out), and new trash bags. Would I stay there again? Sure would, and why? The location was awesome and the room was clean enough, because we kept it clean.
Brittany (6/5): Just an okay hotel - The room was very smelly, AC unit did not work properly.
CoachK2525 (10/5): Thanks Sands for another great visit!! - Another summer break in York, another great time and great week and happy to give a 5 star review to Sands!!....Things did go off center (washing machine issue) but Tate & Crew addressed asap and not a beat was missed as far as a great week. 2023 deposit will be paid as soon as can be to ensure another fun week away next year!!
Verified traveler (10/5): Best location - Perfect location! You never have to move your car and can easily access everything like the beach, restaurants, shopping. So relaxing to not have to worry about parking or paying for parking. Pool is great after a day on the beach. Rooms are clean and comfortable. View of the ocean from balcony. Have stayed here many years and will continue to stay for many more.
KATHERINE (10/5): - Very happy
Claude (10/5): - Great positioning
Tyler (8/5): - The location was perfect, and the staff was great. My only complaint would be the uncomfortable beds.
Shelly (8/5): - Crowded but pleasant
goober196550 (6/5): Tight courters - It was okay. Little pricy for small room. 2 double beds comfy but very close to bathroom. Has a good size pool but we didn't use it. Ocean is right across the street. Stairs are narrow, not much to hold on too.
Hilary (8/5): - Exactly what I needed in a motel room by the beach
RANDY (10/5): - Location is the best and loved the spacious balcony/ porch. Perfect no matter the time of day. Place was super clean and they are there to please.
Vinicius (10/5): - Near the beach cool place
Laurel (8/5): - Good value for the money. Close to the beach.
Denise (10/5): - This hotel is just perfect for anyone who wants to park the car and just walk for days. It is convenient to everything and the staff is fantastic.
Debra (10/5): - Talk about going above and beyond! The staff here was amazing. We had some last minute changes to our plans, and the staff did everything they could to make our experience as smooth and easy as possible. They were so nice that we decided to stay there a second time on our drive back! Traveling while disabled is usually difficult, but these folks made it as easy as possible.
Cecilia (8/5): - property is in good condition but bathrooms kept making noise need to be repaired hard time sleeping because of noise otherwise bed comfortable . pool nice location very convenient only steps to beach restaurants and shops
Charles (8/5): - Loved the pool area
Francine (8/5): - It was a clean friendly and convenient hotel.
Jurnee (10/5): Worth coming back to again! - Place was cute and quaint. Location was perfect and pool area was nice as well. Worth the cost. Beds were a little springy feeling but defintely doable. We had the double full room and we had plenty of toom to play Switch Sports. Bathroom was nice and come with buily in body wash which was nice too! If we venture back to the area we would defintly book here again
Christine (10/5): - The gentlemen checking us in was WONDERFUL!!
John (10/5): - Very nice place and great location
William (4/5): - Very old and dreary. Well located. TV service awful
Alicia (4/5): - Booked 2 nights only stayed for one ( it was late otherwise I wouldn't have stayed at all- used my own pillow & blankets), left and went and stayed at another hotel. Room was dingy, out dated, smelled musty, window curtain didn't close in the middle nor did it reach the bottom of the window- anyone walking by would be able to see in and possibly watch you while you slept.
Mehrdad (10/5): - No frills motel. 2 star is about right. On the beach and next to the shops and restaurants. Rooms are ok, clean. Wifi is password protected although i think everyone has the same password. Just one thing, they need to get a nicer airfeshener for the rooms!
Joshua (10/5): - Love the smoke free environment.
lenO908 (4/5): Fix the stinking bed! Too expensive for what you get. - Great location and nice staff. Right across from the beach. Though for $240 a night, the bed should not be severely sagging in the middle. Was a pain trying to keep from rolling into the middle and colliding into my wife all night. Rooms are old and sparse, but at least they are clean.
RockPadula (2/5): Awful - Pros: Location is near the ocean, and in walking distance to attractions in the area. AC worked good! Cons: Check-in is confusing because very congested area. Man who checked us in kind of chuckled. No welcoming attitude. Door was not secure—no deadbolt; door not fitting frame properly; lock was faulty; chain lock on inside. Scary. Dirty clothing, including undergarments, from someone’s previous stay was inside of two drawers of the dresser! Gross. Some of pillow cases appeared dingy/brownish. Flying bugs. Sofa sunken in. Beds uncomfortable. Very little water pressure in sink. 12 inches between bed and bathroom door. Extension cords used for lights on wall near bed. Dusty ceiling, falling on you. Tattered curtains. Mirror rusted/clouded. Soap dispenser in shower broken. Towels like sandpaper. Parking is very tight. Other areas of motel (laundry area) appears filthy and old. Overpriced, even considering the location. We really wanted to leave. Couldn’t wait until daylight. Will never stay here again. Sorry, owners. Just being honest.
CoachK2525 (10/5): 2022 visit is already booked!!! - This place is the Cal Ripken of consistency and quality in Short Sands area. Simple and contained, the staff attention to detail is amazing and the ability to be right in the center of everything (so no need for a car!) and only outdoor pool truly steps away from ocean. Thanks Tate, Andrea, Romeo, and staff and sad week already over but ready for 2022!!!
Verified traveler (6/5): - Rooms too small, no house keeping services, parking very difficult. Safe place, pool very nice
Verified traveler (8/5): - Very convenient location to all amenities, beach and playground area. Very family friendly!
GhosttBoyy (2/5): MOLD! PLease stay anywhere else!! - I recently stayed at Sands by the Sea with my girlfriend. I was very unsatisfied to find a bunch of mold in my bathroom and the room smelled heavily musty. It caused me breathing issues. Would suggest any other hotel.
Verified traveler (10/5): - Mom and pop type of feel and it’s convenient to all things York Beach has to offer!