Sand Castle Inn offers a tranquil retreat by the ocean. Guests can unwind with laundry facilities, connect to in-room WiFi, and enjoy express check-in and check-out. Previous guests have praised the helpful staff.
Las Americas Premium Outlets - 10 min drive - 11.9 km
San Ysidro Border Crossing - 10 min drive - 12.3 km
Naval Base San Diego - 12 min drive - 16.0 km
Getting around
Tijuana Intl. Airport (TIJ) - 18 min drive
San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 20 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 24 min drive
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 42 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 56 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 20 min drive
San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 29 min drive
Restaurants
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - 3 min drive
Starbucks - 3 min drive
Mike Hess Brewing - 2 min walk
Pizza Port Brewing Company - 6 min walk
Jack in the Box - 3 min drive
About this property
Sand Castle Inn
At Sand Castle Inn, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of San Diego Bay and Las Americas Premium Outlets. Guests will have free perks like WiFi, self parking, and wired internet. Also, San Ysidro Border Crossing and Hotel del Coronado are within a short drive. The helpful staff and walkable location get good marks from fellow travelers.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
18 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
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.
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only, 2 total, up to 50 lbs per pet)*
Service animals welcome
Pets must be supervised
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Onsite parking limited (max 1 space per unit)
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
No alcohol served onsite
Property amenities
What to do
Beach access
Services
Laundry facilities
Virtual front desk
Facilities
Picnic area
Accessibility
Tile flooring in public areas
Room amenities
Be entertained
32-inch flat-screen TV
Cable TV channels
Home comfort
Heating
Ceiling fan
Coffee/tea maker
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower/tub combination
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi and wired internet
Food and drink
Mini-fridge
More
Housekeeping (on request)
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 50 per pet, per night
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
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
Does Sand Castle Inn offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Sand Castle Inn does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Sand Castle Inn?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total and maximum weight of 50 lbs per pet. There's a charge of USD 50 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at Sand Castle Inn?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spots may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Sand Castle Inn?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at Sand Castle Inn?
No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Caliente Racetrack Casino (14-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Sand Castle Inn and nearby?
Sand Castle Inn has a picnic area.
What's the area around Sand Castle Inn like?
Sand Castle Inn is located a short 1-minute walk from Imperial Beach. The local area is walkable and popular for its beaches.
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Reviews
Sand Castle Inn Reviews
8.2
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
8.4
Cleanliness
9.2
Location
8.6
Staff & service
8.0
Eco-friendliness
8.0
Property conditions & facilities
What guests liked
The property's location is ideal, being right across the street from the beach. (20 reviews)
The property has a great location with many dining options within walking distance. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Room
Beach
Location
Service staff
Restaurant
Air conditioning
Parking
View
Companies
Bed
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 29, 2025
Place was perfect. Very convenient. Ocean right across the street, bar food convenient store all in walking distance, staff was wonderful most important parking. I will go back.
Jose
Jose, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 26, 2025
It was a great stay beautiful view
Ernesto
Ernesto, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 28, 2025
My family had a great time everywhere we went was pet friendly, we’ll definitely be coming back!
Richard
Richard, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 15, 2025
Super cute decor next to the beach very chill
Marlene
Marlene, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 14, 2025
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.
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 20, 2025
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.
Johanna
Johanna, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 4, 2025
Good location.
Clean.
New rooms.
Good stuff.
Recommended 100%.
The best in this place
Regina
Regina, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 4, 2025
Everything was wonderful!
Andrea
Andrea, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 12, 2025
Very nice very well put
Rocio
Rocio, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 14, 2025
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.
Oliver
Oliver, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 27, 2025
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.
Shivani
Shivani, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 11, 2023
Nice place to stay.
Eduardo
Eduardo, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 25, 2024
Great beach hotel
Check in was easy, our room was nice and clean, location was fabulous. Would stay again!
Megan
Megan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 5, 2024
Enjoyable visit ... would stay again next time in Imperial Beach ...
DENNIS
DENNIS, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 16, 2022
Had a great time, the hotel is located across from the beach and plenty of food options available.
Felix
Felix, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 27, 2023
Great stay as usual. I absolutely love staying here.
Marina
Marina, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 21, 2024
Nice views
Stephanie
Stephanie, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Apr 26, 2025
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
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2024
Lovely place
Ruth
Ruth, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Mar 25, 2025
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.
Irma
Irma, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 20, 2024
Perfect location, directly across from the ocean. Great to walk to restaurants.
Sharon
Sharon, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Mar 28, 2025
The property does have a great location and the staff was responsive and would answer all question at a moments notice.what i disliked about the room was the bed sheets were dirty , stained and also had blood stains on the mattress. Aswell as the towels were stained and the shower was not properly cleaned
Gianni
Gianni, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 16, 2023
Loved it will be back
Shillagh
Shillagh, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 9, 2022
This place is awesome we loved it so much that we are looking to book it again soon. It is across the street from the beach which was great since we like to go fishing.