Jensen’s “On the Gulf”

Jensen's "On the Gulf" is the only small resort directly on the beach in the quaint community of Captiva Island. The property is comprised of 10 condos on the Gulf of Mexico, with the main amenity being the beach itself. Rooms are spacious and include full kitchens. Each unit is surrounded by seagrass and trees.

There’s no pool or on-site restaurant, but Jensen’s is within walking or biking distance of all the restaurants on Captiva Island. Plastic beach chairs are scattered throughout the well-kept grounds, and many units have private porches. The resort also provides beach chairs, umbrellas, and toys. The resort’s marina is a popular spot to view manatees during the colder months.

The hotel sits toward the south end of the cottage community of Captiva Island, a sliver of white sandy beach that juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Restaurants within walking distance include the Mexican-themed Cantina Captiva, Sunshine Seafood Cafe, the Mighty Duck seafood restaurant, and Keylime Bistro, which is part of Captiva Island Inn and offers live entertainment seven nights a week. Also within a 15-minute walk are Starbucks, a post office, and Chapel by the Sea, a Christian ministry whose building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors looking for quicker access to the village may prefer to stay at the resort’s sister property, Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages, where accommodations face the marina.

Amenities vary from cottage to cottage, but each unit has separate bedrooms, a living room and dining area, and a full kitchen that includes appliances, dishes, and flatware. The furniture varies among the units from more upscale, hotel-style to homey and cozy -- and slightly dated, but the decor is always beach-inspired. Rooms have large windows revealing views of the garden or the Gulf of Mexico. There isn't a daily housekeeping service or towel exchange service.

Guests usually book a room at this property because of its beach access and island vibe, not for the amenities. There isn't a pool, fitness center, or restaurant on the property, although Jensen's is within walking or biking distance of all of the hot spots on Captiva Island. There is a coin-operated laundry room, and beach chairs and umbrellas are available for guests' use. The same company owns a marina with a small shop and boat rentals available nearby.