Beachview Cottages

The overall vibe here is island casual. The property has existed for decades and despite its renovation, retains a slightly low-budget, charming appeal. The ceramic-tiled lobby in a red clapboard structure at the entrance to the main driveway is a pleasantly crowded, drop-ceiling room with an eclectic mix of wicker furniture, wall-mounted island maps, and a mirrored case displaying sunscreen for sale. The grounds between bungalows consist of tidy packed sand paths lined with palm trees.

The hotel is situated along West Gulf Drive, a small road which runs parallel to the southern coast of the island; it sits in a small, semi-private grove of palm trees just off the street, which itself is rarely high-traffic. Some of the bungalows have direct views of the water, though the majority of them are set back from the beach. None are more than a few hundred feet from the water. The Beachview is also a few minutes’ drive to Tarpon Bay Road, which has stops like Bailey’s General Store and Timbers Fish Market. Other destinations, like Finnimore’s Cycle Shop and the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, are five and 10 minutes away by car, respectively. 

The rooms here consist of small bungalows with ‘80s-style decor (though much of it has been renovated) that include glass-top wicker tables, framed posters of flamingo paintings, and fake house plants. Most of the freestanding cottages share a wall with another structure, though guests have generally found the rooms to offer a decent level of privacy. Most of the rooms have separate living and sleeping areas, the former with kitchen tables and wicker couches; larger rooms have multiple couches.

All bungalows have tile floors and kitchenettes with medium fridges, electric stoves, microwaves, toasters, and coffeemakers. Other amenities include flat-screen TVs and screened-in lanais. Bathrooms (which are on the smaller side) have walk-in showers in plastic stalls or, in updated rooms, pebble floor inlays. There have been a few comments about loose bathroom fixtures and couch pillows that need deep cleaning.

A small, heated outdoor pool sits among the cottages. (Some guests have remarked that it is dipping size only.) The Beachview also offers a limited number of rental beach chairs and bikes, one of the best ways to get around the island. A computer and printer are in the lobby for guest use as well.