Review: Sands Inn & Suites—San Luis Obispo, CA
San Luis Obispo is known for its motels. In fact, the term “motel” was coined here in 1925, when architect and developer Arthur Heineman opened the Mo-Tel Inn—the world’s first “motor hotel”.
In a time when it was typical for most road-trippers to stay in tents or wooden cabins, Heineman’s creation was considered luxurious. It operated successfully for many decades until sadly closing permanently in 1991.
Carrying on the tradition of accommodating travelers passing through San Luis Obispo, the Sands Inn & Suites boasts a prime location. It sits less than a mile from downtown and an 11-minute walk from the California Polytechnic State University, making it ideal for families, visiting students, or tourists eager to explore local attractions.
Downtown San Luis Obispo is a lively hub with farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural gems like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Fremont Theater, and the quirky Bubblegum Alley. The area is famous for its Thursday night farmers’ market, where local vendors sell fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food, drawing crowds for a festive, community-driven experience.
The hotel’s proximity to US 101 ensures easy access to nearby beaches, like Avila Beach (10 miles away) and Pismo Beach (12 miles), as well as the rolling vineyards of Edna Valley and Paso Robles wine country, both within a 20-30 minute drive. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby hiking trails, like Bishop Peak and Cerro San Luis, offering stunning views of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks.
For those arriving by air, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is a quick 15-minute drive away. Free on-site parking, including accessible spaces and an electric vehicle charging station, adds convenience for road trippers exploring the Central Coast’s diverse offerings.
With rates starting around $87 (at the time of writing), this three-star motel offers 70 rooms ranging from standard and deluxe to king suites, with some including kitchenettes or full kitchens for families or those planning longer stays. Outside the rooms, guests will find a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, modest fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. As expected in the modern era, complimentary Wi-Fi is included.
The motel also features a less modern but nostalgic perk with in-room DVD players and a free DVD rental library.
Facts & Info
Amenities
● Convenient location near downtown SLO
● Heated pool and hot tub
● Fitness center
● 24-hour business center
● Free on-site parking
● Free DVD rental library
● Pet-friendly policy
● Laundry Facilities
Nearby Attractions
● Downtown
● Mission San Luis Obispo
● Bubblegum Alley
● Fremont Theater
● Thursday Night Farmer’s Market
● Cal Poly
● Bishop Peak
● Cerro San Luis
● Avila Beach
● Pismo Beach
● Laguna Lake Park
Nearby Roads
San Luis Obispo provides an ideal starting point to explore some of the best roads California has to offer motorcyclists. A short ride away to the north, riders can head east on SR 58 toward Taft.
Once outside the small town of Santa Margarita at SR 58’s western terminus, you won’t find much in the way of infrastructure over the next 60 miles. Tree-lined sweepers through the mountains eventually give way to massive vistas of the Carrizo Plain stretching off into the distance before climbing over the dramatic barren landscapes of the Temblor Range.
Riders with a sharp eye might spot the unmarked but distinct rise in the pavement of this road where the San Andreas Fault cuts through on its way south toward the Sea of Cortez. Equally iconic rides can be found to the west of SLO as US 101 and SR 1 pass by the towns of Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay with its massive Morro Rock.
Price
Rooms from $87
Location
Find it at 1930 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA.