Sands By The Sea Motel
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About
#5 of 9 hotels in York Beach
Location
4.8
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.4
Value
4.1
Take a trip to the beach, enjoy the views, and experience the wonder of York Beach, Maine. This unique waterfront motel offers vacation suites with spacious rooms, convenient amenities, and exceptional service. Book your stay today!
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Pool
Pool / beach towels
Beach
Convenience store
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
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Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Safe
Iron
Kitchenette
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
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Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Ocean View
Location
81Good for walkers
Grade: 81 out of 100
18Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
7Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
15 Ocean Ave, York Beach, York, ME 03909-6529
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196Reviews3Q+A63Room tips
Reviews
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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
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
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!!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Corner rooms in main building.....Sea Rose Suites or Cottages if looking for a week or have...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Needs more parking spaces.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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.
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Date of stay: August 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
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.…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Parking is first come first serve and a little crazy.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
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!!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Sea Rose suites (weekly) or at least corner rooms for view or other suite options.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
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.…
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
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PRICE RANGE
$151 - $246 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sands by the sea hotel york beach
LOCATION
United StatesMaineYorkYork Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
60
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Claim Your ListingSANDS BY THE SEA MOTEL - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (Maine/York - York Beach)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sands By The Sea Motel
Which popular attractions are close to Sands By The Sea Motel?
Nearby attractions include Short Sands Beach (0.1 miles), York's Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun Park (0.2 miles), and The Little Bull (0.09 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
Is parking available at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Sands By The Sea Motel?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Goldenrod, The Union Grill and Pub, and Inn on the Blues.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Sands By The Sea Motel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of York Beach.
Are there any historical sites close to Sands By The Sea Motel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting First Parish Church Congregational (3.0 miles) and Elizabeth Perkins House (3.8 miles).
Does Sands By The Sea Motel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Sands By The Sea Motel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.