Sands Motel
10625 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505, Riverside, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 2.6 / 5
Sands Motel is a relaxed, budget 2-star motel on Magnolia Ave in Riverside, California, about a 12-minute walk from Castle Park Riverside and Buccaneer Cove at Castle Park. Rooms are unpretentious and include complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, microwaves, minifridges, and tea and coffeemakers for simple self-serve stays. Parking is included, and there’s an outdoor pool with a terrace for warm-weather downtime. The motel sits about 1 mile from the Riverside Freeway, positioning it as a straightforward stopover for drivers. For local outings beyond Castle Park, nearby attractions include Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet (about 2.9 km away) and California Citrus State Historic Park (about 4.0 km away). Downtown cultural stops such as the Riverside Art Museum, UCR ARTS, the Mission Inn Foundation & Museum, and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are roughly 12 km away.
Best for
Best suited to budget-minded travelers who prioritize quick access to Castle Park Riverside and an easy drive to Riverside Freeway connections. It can also fit guests who want in-room basics (Wi-Fi, microwave, minifridge, coffeemaker) plus free parking and an outdoor pool rather than full-service facilities.
Travel tips
If Castle Park Riverside is on your itinerary, it’s close enough to reach on foot (roughly 600 m), which can save parking and time on busy days. Drivers can use the motel’s included parking and the nearby Riverside Freeway (about 1 mile away) to reach downtown Riverside museums and attractions around 12 km away. Dining options may be convenient in the immediate area; some guests note a restaurant located in the same parking lot.
What guests say
Guest feedback is mixed and leans negative, with repeated complaints about cleanliness problems and poorly maintained bathrooms/plumbing and fixtures. Some reviews also mention functional issues in rooms (such as TVs not working) and concerns about doors/locks and overall room condition. Service experiences vary: a few guests describe friendly staff and smooth late check-in, while others report long waits at checkout and unhelpful or rude interactions. Location is a frequent bright spot, including convenience to nearby attractions and on-site/adjacent dining.
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