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From110US$ /night
Check-in
25Jan2026Select date
Check-out
26Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

15 Ocean Avenue, York, Maine, United States, 03910
-
Steps from the beach
Great
8.0
8.0
/10
3.9
4.1
/5

Accommodations

Sands by the Sea Motel offers 60 rooms and vacation cottages, accommodating families and groups with multiple bedrooms and sleeping arrangements. Each room provides oceanfront views, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery right from their balcony. The motel accommodates both short stays and extended vacations with its array of lodging options.

Outdoor Amenities

The outdoor heated pool invites visitors to relax while enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean. Chaise lounges surround the pool area, providing a comfortable space for sunbathing and unwinding. The beachfront location allows for easy access to popular local beaches, including Long Sands and Short Sands Beach.

Location

The motel is located in the heart of York Beach, minutes away from key attractions like Nubble Lighthouse and York's Wild Kingdom. Guests can walk to various dining options, shops, and relaxation spots without needing a vehicle. Trolley services are available nearby to connect visitors to further destinations along the coast.

Family-Friendly Features

Sands by the Sea provides excellent amenities for families, including spacious accommodations suitable for groups of all sizes. Nearby attractions, such as the zoo and amusement park, offer entertainment for children and adults alike. The motel staff can guide families to various activities tailored to all ages.

Seasonal Specials

The motel offers Sand Dollar Specials that provide significant savings on stays, such as discounts or free nights for extended stays. These vacation packages accommodate various seasonal attractions and events throughout the year. Guests are encouraged to check for available promotions to make their visit more affordable.

Highlights

Location: Heart of York Beach, minutes from key attractions

Accommodations: 60 rooms and vacation cottages

Outdoor Amenities: Outdoor heated pool with ocean views

Family-Friendly Features: Excellent amenities for families

“What strikes me most is its enduring appeal as a beachfront motel since 1961, giving it a familiar, family-friendly feel; its location near Short Sands Beach and local attractions is a real advantage. For those prioritizing a straightforward, unpretentious beach vacation, this remains a solid choice.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
King Room Sofa Bed
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub
Double Room Two Double Beds Sofa Bed
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Heating
Bathtub
Deluxe Queen Studio
3 persons
2275 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
Two-Bedroom Superior Apartment
7 persons
1005 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Coffee machine
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors

Guest Parking

  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

  • Outdoor dining area

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Washing machine

Self-catering

  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

15 Ocean Avenue, York, Maine, United States, 03910
Map view
15 Ocean Avenue, York, Maine, United States, 03910
Nearby
Zoo
York's Wild Kingdom
900 ft
Restaurants
Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe
500 ft
7 Railroad Ave
Hawaiian Jim's Shaved Ice
500 ft
7 Railroad Ave
Surfside Restaurant
2300 ft
Freeman Street Adjacent to Short Sands parking lot
Explore York
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
York's Wild Kingdom
York's Wild Kingdom
4 minutes' walk
Family-friendly zoo and amusement park featuring diverse animals, rides, and picnic areas perfect for a day of fun.
Long Sands Beach
Long Sands Beach
20 minutes' walk
Beautiful sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely strolls along the coast. Enjoy stunning sunset views.
Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse
25 minutes' walk
Iconic lighthouse with breathtaking coastal scenery, great for photos. A tranquil spot perfect for picnicking.
Beach Volleyball
1 minute walking
Exciting beach volleyball at Short Sands Beach. Equipment often available nearby for a fun workout and socializing.
Whale Watching Tours
9 minutes' drive
Unique whale watching tours available in the summer months. Book ahead for a thrilling experience amidst majestic marine life.
Surfside Restaurant
Surfside Restaurant
9 minutes' walk
Casual seafood eatery with ocean views, known for its fresh lobster rolls and clam chowder. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe
Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe
2 minutes' walk
Charming candy shop offering gourmet treats. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth with homemade chocolates and fudge.
The Goldenrod
10 minutes' walk
Iconic local spot with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Ideal for enjoying evening entertainment with family-friendly options.
Locals and Legends
10 minutes' drive
Host to local artists and events, offering a cozy setting for music lovers. Great for a night out with friends.
Getting around town
City Centre
York13 min  ·  5.0 mi
Airports
Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM)46 min  ·  18.8 mi
Portland International Jetport (PWM)107 min  ·  44.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-21:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
53
FAQs
About Sands By The Sea Motel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is there free parking available at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Free public parking is available on-site without reservation.
Which popular attractions are close to Sands By The Sea Motel?
Nearby attractions include York's Wild Kingdom Amusement Park and Zoo (0.5 km) and Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse (2 km).
What room amenities are offered at Sands By The Sea Motel?
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen LCD TV, microwave, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.
What dining options are available near Sands By The Sea Motel?
Nearby restaurants include Inn On the Blues, The Union Grill and Pub, and Woody's Brick Oven Pizza, all located within 0.5 km.
Does Sands By The Sea Motel have an outdoor pool?
Yes, the motel features a heated outdoor swimming pool with a waterfall.
What is the distance from Sands By The Sea Motel to the nearest airport?
The nearest airport, Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, is located 27 km away.
What family-friendly activities are available near Sands By The Sea Motel?
Families can visit local amusements such as York's Wild Kingdom and FunOrama Video Arcade, both within walking distance.

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