Sandcastle Beachfront Motel

The Sandcastle Beachfront Motel remains true to its name, complete with old-fashioned blue castle towers at the entrance. There are decorative battlements with crenels and merlons on the exterior of the three-floor budget hotel, which sits right on the beach. Interiors are well-kept, but noticeably outdated. The lobby consists of a small wooden front desk and sandcastle and seafaring decor on a fireplace mantle. Seating is limited to one easy chair and there are free coffee, tea, and books to borrow in the lobby. The motel attracts budget-conscious couples and guests with children, but dog-owners should note that pets aren't allowed. (Those with furry friends may want to consider the Shearwater Inn or Looking Glass Inn, which are pricier but allow pets.)

Located on the end of Southwest Anchor Avenue, this motel is in a quieter area of Lincoln City. It sits right on the beach and there's a small staircase that leads directly to the sand, where there are often tide pools. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant and there aren’t many dining options within walking distance. However, a short drive down Highway 101 -- the main artery that runs along the Pacific coast -- takes guests to the historic Taft District, a tourist-congested area with tons specialty shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Chinook Winds Casino is a 10-minute drive away and guests planning to drink can play it safe by hopping aboard the free weekend shuttle. The Lincoln City Farmers market -- held every Sunday by Devil’s Lake -- takes five minutes to reach by car, and it takes about the same amount of time to reach the factory outlet shops at Tanger Outlets. Siletz Bay is a 15-minute car trip, while the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse takes 35 minutes by car. The Siuslaw National Forest is a 45-minute drive away, and Portland takes about two hours to reach. 

The furnishings in rooms are undeniably dated, but overall they don’t detract too much from the clean, comfy atmosphere and scenic oceanfront views. Interiors are of the standard budget motel variety, with colorful bedspreads, classic wood furniture and low-pile carpeting. Most rooms offer flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, microwaves and mini-fridges; some have balconies, wet bars, DVD players, and living rooms. Rollaway beds and cribs are available on request in some rooms. Bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. One-Bedroom Kitchen Family Units offer living rooms with two comfy rocking chairs, dining tables, and kitchens complete with ovens and large refrigerators. King Bed Spa Tub and Four Poster Canopy Spa units are most suited to couples and offer whirlpool tubs and two-seat dining tables. The Captain’s Quarters is a one-of-a-kind wheelchair accessible unit on the ground floor, with stone interior details, a kitchen, three bedrooms, comfy rocking chairs in the living room, two bathrooms, a whirlpool tub, a kitchen, and a washer/dryer.

The Sandcastle offers a clean, large indoor pool area with a hot tub and large windows that look out on the ocean. There's also a poolside deck with plastic patio chairs and fresh towels. The small lobby provides tourist brochures, books, board games, and free tea and coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.