We stayed here for one night and the pictures on their website do not match the suite! The person who spoke with us on the phone said it was modern and clean. Yes, we had terrific views of the ocean but felt like we were in a fishbowl with the staff and other guests walking/standing and talking on their phones right outside our window/door. If you are looking for privacy, this is not the place. It smelled musty and smoky as well. They told us we had free internet although it had super low strength and continually disconnected. The kitchen, bath and living space is outdated(definitely not what the pictures showed) and for the $ 400 plus fees we paid for the night, you can get a gorgeous and modern ocean view room at the Wickannish! We will come back to Tofino but never to Pacific Sands.
Michael K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
We stayed here for 3 nights in a two-bedroom beach house. These are two-story townhouse-style units, with five units per building. The master bedroom was fantastic, with an incredible beach view(and a small deck), and a great soaking tub that is just outside the bathroom(so that you can take advantage of the great view). We used this for baths for kids, but I trust it would be pretty great for a romantic soak, too. The other bedroom faces the parking lot, so the view is not as wonderful, but it’s still a good room(with two queens). The first floor has a larger deck, more great view, and a full kitchen. You can buy some basic food supplies and some frozen meals at the main desk, if you’d like. You can also get games or videos. It’s a pretty good setup. The beach access is great, and the beach itself sports white sands, and secrets coves that will delight your kids(and adults, too). There are also gas and charcoal grills available for your use. We didn’t try them, but the looked like they were in great condition. WiFi is free, but questionable. Low signal strength, and bandwidth that ebbed and flowed, with lots of ebbing. But you’re not here to surf the ‘net, so get over it. Hit the beach!
Hungry M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Burnaby, Canada
First time to Tofino and we are in love with it! The beach house and Pacific Sands was perfect for this family of 3. The view from the living room and master bedroom were breathtaking. And we loved waking up to the sound of waves rolling in and out. Great to take a morning stroll or jog down the beach. Very quick drive to downtown Tofino. Cleaning staff were always cheerful and friendly. Parking was just steps from the front door. Will definitely be back.
Susan M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Bothell, WA
We were blown away. At the end of February 2012 we spent 4 days of our honeymoon at Pacific Sands Resort. It was perfect. The room overlooked Cox Bay and we could hear the surf pounding when we opened our patio door. The room was wonderful with a great view, the staff was very helpful with suggestions for restaurants in the area. We walked along the nearly empty beach, watched the surf pound against the rocks and watched beautiful sunsets. Next time we hope for a serious storm. We are definitely planning to go back.
Kye G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Vancouver, Canada
We spent 3 nights at Pacific Sands this past weekend in the two bedroom beach house. There was just the two of us so the second bedroom was moot but clearly would be great if you are traveling with kids or even a second couple. Although if with a second couple they definitely lose out on the amazing view from the master bedroom. The check in process was great. Quick and easy. Amazing views! Massive windows and perfect angles to maximize the great scenery. The units are luxurious and very comfortable. Have most things you need to be self sustained if you never wanted to leave. Just bring what you need for food and drink and you are set! As with most places with kitchens the frying pan situation is one traditional pan, so as I’ve learned over the years bring your own non stick or two. Staff was friendly and helpful. Great movie selection in the lobby area as well! Wandered down to Long Beach Lodge and checked out their rooms. Nice and all but you are pretty much stuck eating in their dining room or driving ten minutes to town. This is not a problem at Pacific Sands. You can do either or. Which we did. Actually ate at Shelter for both the meals we had out. All in all we extremely pleased with our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the beach houses or even the smaller units to anyone.
FU Yelp F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Las Vegas, NV
Love this place. We go there for our anniversary every year or so, in December, for the storm watching. Helpful staff; clean, spacious, comfy rooms, terrific beach and close to town for the great Tofino restaurants. Prices, though not cheap, are considerably better than the neighbouring resorts.
Stephen A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Surrey, Canada
Pacific Sands is a comfortable mix of casual and a more conventional resort, perfectly located on a gorgeous beach with plenty of space, waves and wildlife. As relaxing as you want it to be, or as adventurous as the west coast welcomes you to be. Unless you just want to sit back and read, you’ll probably spend a lot of time outdoors. This is a great place to return to at the end of the day. There is no restaurant on site, but the full kitchen in our condo unit was perfect to prep real meals for two families, so this was much easier and cheaper than finding places to eat every day.(Most restaurants in the Tofino area are either trying too hard to be posh or not even trying hard enough to be casual). There are a few shared bbqs on site, and I really like the big communal fire pit shelter. A perfect place for kids to roast marshmallows, even when it’s rainy and windy. The townhouse style unit was nicely appointed, though it was starting to show its age. The master bedroom was stunning; big windows looking out to the sea, fireplace, two person tub with an ocean view, and a very comfy bed. Oddly, the shower was small and dark. The TVs are placed way too high(above the fireplace) to watch comfortably, and they are tucked into the walls, which muffles the speakers to the point of being very difficult to hear. I know that we aren’t really supposed to watch TV while on vacation in Tofino, but this made it hard to have movie night for the kids. For those who want/need to stay connected to the real world, wireless is available, but the signal was weak most of the time. Considering all the options in the area, Pacific Sands is definitely worth the price if you’re planning to be here for a vacation.
Jordan V.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Port Moody, Canada
Great value, nicely designed and decorated suites, and amazing views. Staff presence and better amenities would greatly increase the quality.
Kim S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Miami Beach, FL
Beautiful location with private beach. Rooms are like a condo more thsn a hotel, which is fine. Views are spectacular. They don’t have a restaurant on site but there is an amazing restaurant at the long beach lodge. Great for families and surfing access is right at the beach. Staff is very friendly. Good value.
Christine R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New Westminster, Canada
Five stars for location, value, and all-around loveliness. The Pacific Sands is located between the two fancy resorts of Wickanninish and Long Beach Lodge, but is much more affordable than those two. It’s located right on the beach in Cox Bay, where you can hear the ocean pummel the beach and watch the breakers coming, right from your room. They have a wide variety of rooms — from multilevel condos to studios — and all have ocean views. From our ground-floor suite in the lodge, we could walk right out to the beach, or take a hike up to the viewpoint where you get an awesome view of the waves rolling in. There’s no restaurant or spa at the resort, but all the rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes and there are tons of cool restaurants and cafes nearby. The hotel is family-run and they’re really friendly; plus there’s a video rental at the front desk and books on loan. Pacific Sands is perfect for the budget-minded traveller who wants a quiet, low-key experience. I found it a great place to connect with the natural spirit of Tofino, without giving up the comfort and style of a hotel.