If you are looking for an affordable no-frills place to stay directly on the beach, this is the place for you. The layout of the motel reminded me of a 60s movie, and the furniture and decorations were definitely retro chic but we didn't mind it because we didn't spend a lot of time inside. The efficiency we stayed in was pretty small, it consisted of a living room with two daybeds, a bedroom with two queen size beds, a tiny bathroom and a very tiny kitchen, but it was big enough to sleep our family of five (three teenagers). I loved the fact that the Sands was directly on the beach which was the main reason I chose to stay there. It is within walking distance to several restaurants, an ice cream shop and John Pass Village and Boardwalk. The staff was friendly. Parking though can get pretty tricky. There is not a lot of parking in front of the motel but I was told there is an alternative parking. This place is definitely no luxury hotel but not to be overlooked when it comes to location and price.

I made my reservation in the middle of the week and went there to check it out that coming Sunday. The AC in our room that they had reserved for us didn't work. The young lady at the office assured me she knew nothing about it, and she would let the manager know and have it fixed before the next weekend when we were to arrive. I called back in a few days and was told by someone else, a guy, "I'm sure it works, someone stayed there this week." I called back a day later to ask again, same answer. He said to call in the morning and talk to Judy the manager. I missed her and talked to the guy again and he said the maid said it is running. We showed up Saturday the 10th and went and checked the AC before signing in. The fan was blowing but not cold air. As I went back to the office to tell the girl, there was another woman signing in and she said that room hasn't had AC working in 2 YEARS! Room 208.

If you want to see a rusty fridge along with a rusty kitchen table, by all means stay here after spending prime dollars for a place on the beach. NEVER AGAIN, I would rather have stayed home! It was supposed to be a "mini-vacation" the only thing that turned out good was the weather, thank heavens. Don't waste your money here, stay at the Sea Chest or Page Terrace (which were both full for our stay) or even the newly remodeled Algiers. If I hadn't had reservations and wouldl have been charged a $50 fee, I would have walked away.

First of all, we loved it. Just our style. Nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable. Well maintained. Friendly, helpful staff. Clean pool. The kitchenette was the coolest old (antique) setup. The sink, cabinets, range top, oven, and fridge all in one! Too bad the old fridge no longer worked, but there was a working modern model in the room along with a microwave. Some dishes, flatware, drinkware provided. If you stay here, just remember you aren't paying for a resort, so don't expect one. Take beach towels, dish detergent, coffee filters, paper towels... stuff like that. We had an efficiency with a balcony. We loved every minute of our stay.