Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Sand Castle Inn

2.5 star property
Beach motel in Imperial Beach with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Sand Castle Inn

Balcony view
Porch
Deluxe Queen Studio Island Suite Garden | Private kitchen | Mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker
Deluxe One Bedroom Queen Suite Oceanview | Living area | 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV
King Suite with Ocean View | Terrace/patio
The Sand Castle Inn provides a peaceful oceanside escape where travelers can take advantage of practical amenities like on-site laundry facilities and in-room WiFi. The staff receives consistent praise from previous guests for their helpful service throughout the stay.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
Balcony view

Near the beach

This motel offers direct access to the beach. Head outdoors and bask in the sun on the sandy beach.

View from property
View from property
What guests liked about the beach

The property's location is ideal, being right across the street from the beach.

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 15 - Sep 16
Check availability for tonight Sep 15 - Sep 16

Tomorrow

Sep 16 - Sep 17
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 16 - Sep 17
Available filters for rooms
Showing 17 of 17 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe One Bedroom Queen Suite Oceanview

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe One Bedroom Queen Suite Oceanview

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Queen with Sofa bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Queen with Sofa bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe One Bedroom King Suite Oceanview

Deluxe One Bedroom King Suite Oceanview | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe One Bedroom King Suite Oceanview

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View

Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Two-Bedroom Suite with Ocean View

7.6 out of 10
Good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Apartment Suite with Ocean View

Apartment Suite with Ocean View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Suite with Ocean View

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Futon

View all photos for Deluxe Queen Studio Suite Garden

Deluxe Queen Studio Suite Garden | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Queen Studio Suite Garden

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment Suite with Garden View

Apartment Suite with Garden View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Apartment Suite with Garden View

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Two Queen Beds with Partial Ocean View

Two Queen Beds with Partial Ocean View | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Two Queen Beds with Partial Ocean View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Standard Queen Room

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Queen Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Heating
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Queen Studio

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Studio

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed with Sofa bed, Kitchenette

Highlights

Heating
Kitchenette
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Sofa bed
Fan
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Queen Studio Island Suite Garden

Deluxe Queen Studio Island Suite Garden | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Queen Studio Island Suite Garden

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Heating
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Portable fan
Separate bedroom
Sofa bed
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Imperial Beach, Sand Castle Inn is near the beach. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Las Americas Premium Outlets and Seaport Village. Check out an event or a game at Petco Park, and consider making time for USS Midway Museum, a top attraction not to be missed.
Visit our Imperial Beach travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in Imperial BeachOpens in a new window
Map
785 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA, 91932

What's nearby

  • Imperial Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • San Diego Bay - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Las Americas Premium Outlets - 10 min drive - 7.4 miles
  • San Ysidro Border Crossing - 10 min drive - 7.6 miles
  • Naval Base San Diego - 12 min drive - 10.0 miles

Getting around

  • Iris Avenue Trolley Station - 8 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 20 min drive
  • Tijuana Intl. Airport (TIJ) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Tin Fish Imperial Beach - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mike Hess Brewing - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Sand Castle Inn

Motel near Las Americas Premium Outlets
Sand Castle Inn provides laundry facilities and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this motel include:
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, express check-in, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Sand Castle Inn offer amenities such as free WiFi.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and ceiling fans
  • Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels
  • Mini fridges, coffee/tea makers, and housekeeping

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Virtual front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Direct access to the beach
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in public areas

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
A virtual front desk provides assistance to guests
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in for incidentals.

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 50 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Sand Castle Inn Imperial Beach
Sand Castle Imperial Beach
Sand Castle Inn Motel
Sand Castle Inn Imperial Beach
Sand Castle Inn Motel Imperial Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Sand Castle Inn pet-friendly?

Yes, this motel allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. There's a fee of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at Sand Castle Inn?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Sand Castle Inn?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sand Castle Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is Sand Castle Inn located?

Offering direct access to the beach, this Imperial Beach motel is steps from Imperial Beach and 1.3 mi (2.2 km) from San Diego Bay. Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado Municipal Beach are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Sand Castle Inn Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.4

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

8.6

Staff & service

8.0

Eco-friendliness

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 230 out of 482 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 140 out of 482 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 48 out of 482 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 482 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 482 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Wynette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Conveniently located. Spacious room. Best quality and pricing combination in Imperial Beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a great stay beautiful view
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My family had a great time everywhere we went was pet friendly, we’ll definitely be coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wasn't looking for anything fancy; this was just right. And right across the street from the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super cute decor next to the beach very chill
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
C
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place

It was a great place to stay with my son. We enjoyed it great location thank you owners were very compatible and easy to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rocio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice very well put
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good location. Clean. New rooms. Good stuff. Recommended 100%. The best in this place
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Patricia

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
I had to text some mystery person to get anything we needed like coffee, towels, etc. I asked for room to be serviced and they left what we needed on a chair outside our room. The floor got very sandy as we were by the beach and no one came in to sweep or change sheets after a few days. Unacceptable for the price paid.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johanna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I will definitely stay again. Loved the contactless service, the Tulum vibe room with kitchenette was awesome. Across the street from the beach and next to restaurants. All walking distance. The amenities were great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was wonderful!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Looking for a 5 star resort? Keep scrolling. Looking for a small, quiet, clean, bug free room with a comfortable bed that’s less than a minute walk to the sand and 5 minute walk to the pier? If so this place is great. We stayed here 7days and it was great! Check in kind of irritated me at first but wasn’t a big deal.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty not like photos
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jorge

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Didn’t look like the pictures on the website
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shivani

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I recently stayed at the Sandcastle Inn on Imperial beach and I can honestly say this is such an underrated hotel! My boyfriend and I came to San Diego for my birthday and we decided we wanted to stay in a quiet, peaceful beach town. This hotel was right across from the beach as well as in walking distance to many restaurants. I never thought I’d like the non traditional check in, but I loved it! The hostess's make you feel reassured and immediately answering any questions. The rooms itself have so much to offer. The aesthetic of the room is cozy, making you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. It even comes with a kitchenette! It was such a clean and wonderful place. I would 10/10 recommend anyone to stay here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

DENNIS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable visit ... would stay again next time in Imperial Beach ...
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Michael

Liked: Amenities
First time here , the “ contactless “ check in process seemed almost harassing Nothing on the Expedia website said you had to pay for parking yet I seem to recall the motel saying I had to pay extra for parking , which I did not . The room is nice but the 5 messages seemed excessive
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Irma

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room itself was great, very clean. We had some trouble with our code to get in and the room doesn’t lock from the inside so I had to put the coffee table in front of the door so my toddler wouldn’t try to open it.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay as usual. I absolutely love staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Felix

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a great time, the hotel is located across from the beach and plenty of food options available.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great beach hotel

Check in was easy, our room was nice and clean, location was fabulous. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice views
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.