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4.5
#2 of 3 motels in Vilano Beach
Location
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn is ranked Top 10% of all hotels Worldwide. Receive free parking by booking directly on TripAdvisor. The only oceanfront hotel in Saint Augustine with a private beach and unobstructed views of both the sunrise over the Atlantic and sunset views over the scenic wetlands and inter-coastal waterway to the west. Our upscale, hotel has been recently renovated with new SPA style all white bathrooms featuring glass door showers, 55 Inch flat-screen TV's, Starbucks Keurig Coffee Maker, cozy lap desk, bedside candy, designer toiletries. All rooms feature a private patio and/or balcony with stylish outdoor seating. Indulge in style with our popular nightly popcorn & fresh baked cookie social with Starbucks. A 30 Item rotating menu Hot Breakfast Buffet is served from 5AM-10AM daily featuring Eggs, Southern Style Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Bacon, Boiled Eggs, Sausage Links, Yogurt, Fresh Fruits, Make Your own Waffles, Chopped Walnuts, Whipped Cream, and much more…
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
927 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Nestled on a tranquil acre of private beach, the Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn receives high marks for its serene location and easy beach access, according to guests. Many visitors commend the hotel for its cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and thoughtful amenities, including the delightful addition of fresh cookies and popcorn. While the rooms are generally well-received for their cleanliness and comfort, some reviewers mention noise issues and dated decor.
The staff's attentive service garners praise, contributing to the overall welcoming atmosphere of the inn. Nonetheless, opinions on value for money at the hotel are mixed, with some guests pointing out unexpected charges.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Quiet
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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This is my second time to stay at the hotel. I got a second floor room so I can see the ocean which is across the street. It's a quant hotel that is near some great seafood restaurants, the beach, and historic St Augustine is a 10-15 drive. What I really like about the hotel is the friendly staff and the location on the beach; the hotel is located at a spot on the beach that is a little less crowded than the beach further south (in the heart of Vilano Beach). Also, the cleaning staff was very busy to keep the hotel clean and I felt safe there during this pandemic.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Sep 13, 2021
Hello Troy, It is very much satisfying to see your positive comments about your stay. Nice to note the appreciation for the amenities and staff hospitality. We are privileged to have guests like you. Please come back again and have another fantastic stay. Sincerely, Hotel Manager.
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We enjoyed our 3 nights at this small hotel, directly across the street from beautiful Vilano Beach. This hotel had everything we needed. We were in a first floor room facing the pool, with convenient parking right outside our back door. The free daily breakfast was great! The breakfast room was small and at first glance, didn't look like it would have much to offer, but the small fridge was stocked with yogurt, hard boiled eggs, cream cheese, fruit and other items. There were bagels, muffins, pre-wrapped pancakes, fresh tangerines, a juice machine, hot chocolate, and of course, coffee. I was impressed with the healthy choices of syrup, such as the Agave sweetener. Our room had a small fridge, microwave and a small Keurig coffee machine. The king size bed was very comfortable, the place was spotless. The beach was super close, but crossing the street was a challenge, since the cars are traveling at a high speed. There is a basket near the street with orange flags, which was very helpful. Before crossing, grab one of the flags, then when you get across the street, there is another bucket to return the flag.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:If you want an ocean view, they are available on the 2nd floor, front of building.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Sep 2, 2021
Dear Guest, Thankful for your time and efforts to post this review. I'm glad we could provide great service and amenities to you during your stay. We take pride in providing the best possible guest experience, and I hope you can take advantage of more of what we offer when you stay with us next time. We look forward to serving you again soon. Sincerely, Hotel Manager.
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I can’t rave about it enough very quaint very small but staff could not be nicer. I would stay here again and again breakfast was good and included also they provide you with chair boogie boards umbrellas etc for the beach that is across the street. Room extremely clean.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heather Spice, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 10, 2023
Sorry for the very late response. I have great news! We now have all new Ownership & Management. We are also completely renovated as the new pictures show, and have all new Chiropractor Approved Simmons Beautyrest Black Beds! Next time, please be sure to book directly on our website to get complimentary parking which is a $30 value if you bring 2 cars. Additionally, our complimentary breakfast now starts at 5 AM. Sincerely, Heather Regional Manager
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They advertised free breakfast when we booked and even states free buffet breakfast on check out invoice , but was an up charge upon arrival . Not very professional but more a bait and switch . Best thing about it was really close to the beach
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:beach access
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heather Spice, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 10, 2023
Sorry for the very late response. I have great news! We now have all new Ownership & Management. We are also completely renovated as the new pictures show, and have all new Chiropractor Approved Simmons Beautyrest Black Beds! Next time, please be sure to book directly on our website to get complimentary parking which is a $30 value if you bring 2 cars. Additionally, our complimentary breakfast now starts at 5 AM. Sincerely, Heather Regional Manager
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Just to start off this will be very detailed. The place is cute and clean. Beds are extremely comfortable. Staff was warm and welcoming at check-in. Mood was set up for a great stay when you get here.
Ordered room with garden view, there’s no garden. It’s a wall blocking the road. There is a sign that clearly states no pets and kids are running around with their puppy outside. We go outside to get our clothes, and a guest is urinating on the trail to the ocean. Awesome view as he waves to us like it’s normal.
I got room 103, next to owners or live in care takers quarters and right at the front of the building near check-in/out. He snores like a chain saw. So, We were up since 4am. Then the people started coming to eat at 6am. The walls in this place are so paper thin, and parents have evidently forgot how to teach their kids about inside voices, wait… they were loud and yelling through here too. It went on for hours. And nobody corrected the action. I understand that the hotel is not responsible for the quality of guest, but setting the sound stage.
They need to insulate their walls for a little sound proofing and put on doors that are a little better to keep outside noise out. For $300 a night rooms, they can put a little more into the place to make it comfortable for everyone. At a minimum, fill the front rooms last, and enforce your policies. Not worth the money charged, and definitely a horrible experience. I don't like leaving poor reviews, but the experience was just not optimal.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Nov 30, 2021
Dear Paul Anthony, Thanks for the stay. Kindly accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you during your visit. I am extremely disappointed that you had an unfavorable experience due to all the reasons you have mentioned. Please be assured that I have taken this up very strongly and the concerned team has been told to ensure that such an incident is not repeated in the future. In particular, I have made a note of your concerns regarding the issues you had and such customer feedback from valued guests as yourself will be monitored from my office. Though it is our endeavor to provide the highest levels of product and service to our discerning guests, this is an unusual happening and we seem to have fallen short in this instance. Please do let me know when you plan to visit our hotel so that we can ensure your next experience is very special. Sincerely, Hotel Manager.
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Upon check-in we went to our 2nd floor ocean view room. Yes, you could see the ocean, but had to look over the top of very busy and noisy traffic on the A1A. The thermopane glass on the sliders had failed so a clear view of the ocean was not possible. Then the slider opening onto the veranda was broken and would not open. So the outside traffic noise was not tolerable for us. The desk and management staff were very apologetic and gave us a full refund, and helped us find an alternate location which we really appreciated. Thankfully it was early in the day so that we could seek alternatives.It seemed that they are trying to get the hotel fixed up, but I’d suggest you call them to find out more about the specific room you are considering
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Heather Spice, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 10, 2023
Sorry for the very late response. I have great news! We now have all new Ownership & Management. We are also completely renovated as the new pictures show, and have all new Chiropractor Approved Simmons Beautyrest Black Beds! Next time, please be sure to book directly on our website to get complimentary parking which is a $30 value if you bring 2 cars. Additionally, our complimentary breakfast now starts at 5 AM. Sincerely, Heather Regional Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Disappointed. Badly. Paid twice what is charged just four miles away for a horribly misrepresented "King Suite".
King? Certainly. Suite? No. Exactly the same room pattern as the very least expensive room but with an "ocean view" across the A1A highway.
Yes, one can SEE the grey ocean, but with traffic and air conditioners running nearby, you certainly can't hear it.
Relaxing on the balcony demands circumspection, as you are in full view of both beach goers and all the highway traffic.
Add to all this that the hotel is renovating (without advance notice, of course) and has errors on their booking.com page, and a relaxing getaway becomes much less relaxing.
This place has some potential, but charging a huge upcharge for a "suite that isn't" is an intentional dishonesty that will prevent me from returning when there are so many other options.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The late pool hours are nice. The accompanying stoners are another matter.
The cookie social...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 11, 2021
Hello Mark, I am very sorry to read about the poor experience you had during the stay. Please accept our sincere apologies, this is indeed very unfortunate. I fully understand your disappointment and frustration due to the multiple issues you have mentioned. Whatever may be the reasons, we will definitely verify the reality and take actions against the concerned after investigations and steps to prevent such happenings in the future. We would like to inform that this is not a regular feature of our hospitality and we will properly check your comments with the team and implement appropriate solutions to please our guest. I hope you will understand and consider us again in the future as we would love the chance to change your impression of our property. Sincerely, Hotel Manager.
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First of all, Katie checked us in. She was super nice and even showed us different rooms to pick from. The beds are fabulous, it’s like you’re sleeping on clouds. From then on it went downhill fast. Carpet worn and not very clean. Breakfast is adequate but there’s no place to sit and eat, except for a couple of tables outside facing parking lot. The room was very clean but A/C is terrible, the fan blows right towards the bed and you can’t do anything about it. So you’re freezing when it’s on and hot when it goes off. When we went out the next morning the housekeeper who was cleaning the room across from ours said that if we wanted ours cleaned we had to tell them at the front desk. We did, and the gentleman on duty explained that because of Covid those were their rules. So we said we wanted it cleaned and also asked for fresh towels. We were gone until late afternoon and when we walked in the room we were unpleasantly surprised. There were the wet towels on the floor, the trash hadn’t been emptied, the bed was not made. This is not a cheap hotel, but when we told the person at the front desk, she acted as if we were inconveniencing her. She told us that because of COVID they were not coming in our room. We were never told this when we made reservations nor when we checked in. The following is copied from their website: * “Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay” (Notice it says guests have the option to cancel cleaning services. Not the option to request them, like they told us at front desk) To get to the beach you have to cross a very busy highway (A1A),there’s no easy access like they advertise. We were there three nights and NOT ONCE were the beds made nor the trash emptied. Very disappointing experience. We’ll never go back and will NOT recommend.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Apr 13, 2022
Dear Guest, I absolutely regret the unpleasant experience you had during your stay with us. This is not what we want to provide to our guests. We take feedback from our guests very seriously. I have noted the issues highlighted by you and will get them resolved by the concerned team. Hope you will give us yet another opportunity to serve you better. Sincerely, Hotel Manager
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My friend and I set out from Charlotte, driving south with no destination in mind...but wanting to stay at small, locally-owned places. We weren’t looking for luxury...just a place to eat and shower. We made it all the way to St Augustine before deciding to stop. We drove out to Vilano Beach and found the Magic Beach Motel, but their staff had left for the night, so we decided to try Ocean Sands. When we arrived, we were thrilled to find a friendly staff in Lashanda and Jay. They checked us into a clean ground-floor room, and we were so happy to get to park right outside our room and just carry our luggage right inside. It was a huge convenience. The beds were comfortable, which was great, because we were tired. Admittedly, we heard a little noise from upstairs, but otherwise, we heard nothing. This is NOT a luxury hotel. Most of the time, we opt for luxury, but our goal on this trip, as I said, was to try small, locally-owned places. We give it a 4 out of 5 because it fulfilled the need we had, and the staff was super friendly! Bonus: this hotel is directly across from a lovely stretch of beach, which we visited and enjoyed. When we returned to take some photos before leaving, Leah, who was working the front desk at the time, very graciously offered to take pics for us in the parking lot. It was a pleasant stay. Ask for a ground floor room for the convenience.
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Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 11, 2021
Hello Kelly, It is really nice to note that you liked the stay and services at our hotel during your recent visit. Nice that you liked the hospitality and appreciating Jay and Lashanda. Glad to see your positive overall observations which shall definitely motivate us to serve our guests still better. We look forward to welcome you again soon!!! Best Regards, Hotel Manager.
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I should have given this a higher rating, because everything was fine and our recent trip there. The reason for this is because we booked with the previous owners and got our usual price. Apparently it is under new ownership, and the rates have skyrocketed!We have been staying there at least once and often two times a year for the past 17 years. We absolutely love the place! Unfortunately, I think they have priced us out. When we first started staying there, prices for rooms began well under $100. Recently, things are more expensive in general, but we have been paying $120-$130 a night. I recently did a search what it would cost to book under the new owners. The price for a Monday was $269. A weekend? Close to $500! The previous owners offered water, soda and snacks for $1. Now there is an in room rip off mini bar style thing. Tube of M&Ms? $4. Bottle of water? $5. Complete new staff. The old staff remembered us and knew us by name. Prices are comparable to the new resort hotels down the road. Brand new big chain hotels. This is a shame. Ocean Sands used to be such a gem.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Don’t pay these outrageous prices.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Manager, Owner at Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach
Responded Jun 26, 2021
Dear Guest, Thanks for the stay. Kindly accept my sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you during your visit. I am extremely disappointed that you had an unfavorable experience due to all the reasons you have mentioned. Please be assured that I have taken this up very strongly and the concerned service staff has been to ensure that such an incident is not repeated in the future. In particular, I have made a note of your concerns regarding the issues you had and such customer feedback from valued guests as yourself will be monitored from my office. Though it is our endeavor to provide the highest levels of product and service to our discerning guests, this is an unusual happening and we seem to have fallen short in this instance. Please do let me know when you plan to visit our hotel so that we can ensure your next experience is very special. Sincerely, Hotel Manager.
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Our hotel has an 1 Acre Private beach which makes for a beautiful stay. Our rates do fluctuate with rates Upto $500 per night. We have never charged anyone $1435, and do not plan to even when the Super Bowl is here. Ps: Always be sure to book our Free Parking Package to save even more.
There are more places to choose from in the Vilano Beach area.
PRICE RANGE
C$162 - C$411 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
ocean sands beach hotel saint augustine, ocean sands hotel, ocean sands motel
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaSt. AugustineVilano Beach
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Are there any historical sites close to Ocean Sands Beach Boutique Inn - 1 Acre Private Beach?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Old Jail Museum (3.5 km), Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (4.3 km), and National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios (3.8 km).
