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Sands by the Sea Motel

Property class: 2.5
Beach motel near Short Sands Beach

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Photo gallery for Sands by the Sea Motel

The Starfish Suite | Living area
32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player
Seasonal outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers
Fridge, microwave
Seasonal outdoor pool, pool umbrellas, sun loungers

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
15 Ocean Ave., York Beach, ME, 03909
  • Place, Short Sands Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, York's Wild Kingdom
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Long Sands Beach
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

King Bed with Pull Out Twin Sofa

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

Two Double Beds with Pull Out Twin Sofa

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for The Sea Glass Suite

The Sea Glass Suite | Living area

The Sea Glass Suite

  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 7
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 39

One Bedroom Suite- 39

One Bedroom Suite- 39

  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite- 38

One Bedroom Suite- 38

One Bedroom Suite- 38

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 46 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite

Suite

Suite

  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Room amenity

Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 2 Double Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for The Sandpiper Suite

The Sandpiper Suite | Living area

The Sandpiper Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Bedroom Cottage

32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

Two Bedroom Cottage

  • 74 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds

View all photos for The Seashell Suite

The Seashell Suite | Living room

The Seashell Suite

  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for The Starfish Suite

The Starfish Suite | Living area

The Starfish Suite

  • 37 sq m
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Three Bedroom Cottage

32-inch TV with cable channels, DVD player

Three Bedroom Cottage

  • 102 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 9
  • 1 King Bed, 4 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

Individually decorated, individually furnished, iron/ironing board

Classic Double Room, 2 Double Beds

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

About the area

York Beach

Oceanside stay.You'll be steps from Short Sands Beach and within a 15-minute walk of Long Sands Beach. Also, York's Wild Kingdom is within half a mile (1 km) and Nubble Lighthouse is within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Motels in York BeachOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Short Sands Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • York's Wild Kingdom - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Long Sands Beach - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Nubble Lighthouse - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Ogunquit Beach - 13 min drive - 14.2 km

Getting around

  • Wells Regional Transportation Center - 21 min drive
  • Portland Intl. Jetport Airport (PWM) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anthony's Food Shop - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cumberland Farms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪York Beach Beer Company - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Greenleaves - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Elks Lodge 2778 - ‬7 min drive

About this property

Sands by the Sea Motel

Beach motel near Short Sands Beach
Sands by the Sea Motel offers its guests a seasonal outdoor pool, a vending machine, and a convenience store. Public spaces have free WiFi. Sands by the Sea Motel also features an ATM and pool umbrellas. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This York Beach motel is smoke free.

  • 60 guestrooms or units
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Convenience store
  • ATM
  • No smoking on site
Sands by the Sea Motel offers 60 air-conditioned accommodations with DVD players and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Bathrooms include showers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch TV with cable channels
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Sunday - Thursday (9:00 AM - 10:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (9:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between October 25 and April 22.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit 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
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector and outdoor lighting
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and outdoor lighting in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open in April and close in October.

Property is also known as

Sands Sea Motel York Beach
Sands Sea Motel York
Sands Sea York
Sands Sea Motel
Sands Sea York Beach
Sands Sea
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel
Sands by the Sea Motel York Beach
Sands by the Sea Motel Motel York Beach

Frequently asked questions

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to the airport?

Sands by the Sea Motel is 16.6 mi (25-min drive) away from the Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Sands by the Sea Motel?

As of Apr 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sands by the Sea Motel on May 4, 2026 start from CA $248, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Sands by the Sea Motel.

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to the beach?

This motel is a short 1-minute walk from Short Sands Beach and 12-minute walk from Long Sands Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Sands by the Sea Motel offer free breakfast?

Sands by the Sea Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Sands by the Sea Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Sands by the Sea Motel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Sands by the Sea Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a pool?

Sands by the Sea Motel features a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is closed seasonally each year from October 25 to April 22.

Does Sands by the Sea Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Sands by the Sea Motel to downtown York Beach?

Sands by the Sea Motel is 0.2 mi away from York Beach.

Sands by the Sea Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 131 out of 322 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 115 out of 322 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 322 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 322 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 322 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne, brooklyn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Don

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Florence, Weston

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Jodi

The location is good. The place is just very dated. Our room was very small and the beds could use new mattresses.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kathleen

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maryann, Saugus

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Aditi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super great location, staff was friendly and helpful. Check in and checkout was a breeze
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Anthony

Travelled with family

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ruth Ann

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Tracy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable beds. Extremely clean. Lovely pool
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff. Beautiful pool, and close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Jeanine

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bathroom in terrible shape! How much does a new toilet seat cost? Roomed smelled of mold. Pillows horrible. Wont be back.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kyla

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sourav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Sokha

Liked: Staff & service
The front desk lady is a sweetheart
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelley, famingham

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan, Chicago

Travelled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great, convenient location! Beautiful views and heated pool.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great Motel right next to Short Sands. 9 iron to great restaurants and shops.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Dale

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Ine block from icean
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024