937 E. Gulf Dr., Sanibel Island, Florida, United States | (888) 708-2081
Rooms have large screened-in porches with seating areas
Larger rooms have kitchens equipped for cooking and washer/dryers
Free use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards
Dedicated path access to private beach
Non-enclosed heated outdoor pool
Beachfront bar with tables
On-site tennis courts
Small outdoor gear shop
Business center with computer and printer
Furniture, including TVs, may be a bit on tired side
Occasional report of stained carpeting and furniture in non-renovated rooms
Loan policy for bikes and loungers doesn't enforce timely return
Situated at the eastern end of Sanibel, less than a mile from the causeway bridge to the mainland, the 93 rooms here all offer condo-style living a few hundred feet from the sand. Comfortable beds and free bike loans -- as well as a heated outdoor pool -- are all special draws at this casual mid-range property, which consists of a few four-story pastel stucco buildings laid out among landscaped greenery. Some of the units have been modernized whereas other spaces may have slightly worn furniture or carpeting, with decor that may look dated for some tastes.
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Scene
Casual, well-manicured grounds
Terracotta tiles in the main building’s lobby area make for a slightly formal but not too fancy first impression; the rest of the property is in the same vein. The expansive brown and white reception desk is mirrored by cushioned wicker furnishings. There’s some degree of landscaping of the native tropical plants and the grounds are neat without being fastidious, crisscrossed by rock-lined gravel paths, small sections of brick, and boardwalk. Guest rooms are housed in low-lying, pastel-colored stucco buildings, with both couples and families among the visitors.
Location
Situated on the beach, near the bridge to the mainland
With immediate access to a private beach, Sanibel
Inn is located at the eastern end of the island, less than a mile from the
causeway bridge. Thus, getting on and off the island is fairly quick. Guest-room
buildings sit about a hundred yards from the oceanfront and are surrounded by
palm trees. There are other hotels a few minutes’ walk away, but the grounds
feel secluded. Commerce begins about a 25-minute walk from the inn, or a
three-minute drive. Getting to eateries like The Jacaranda and Matzaluna
The Italian Kitchen require super-short drives as well. Southwest Florida
International Airport is about a 40-minute drive northeast.
Rooms
Comfortable beds in plain, functional units with lanais; larger rooms have kitchens and washer/dryers
The Sanibel's guest units are laid out in classic condo style. Tiled floors abound except for in the bedrooms, which are covered in brown, industrial-style carpeting. Wicker and carved wood furniture, a few botanical prints, and wrought metal chandeliers all hint slightly at a colonial style. Besides this, the units are fairly plain, with some dated items like lime-green couches. Bedrooms have wood bed frames, and multiple past guests have commented on the comfort of the mattresses. All rooms have screened-in lanais with tables and chairs, microwaves, coffeemakers, fridges, and air-conditioning. Larger rooms have kitchens with dishwashers and counters that look out over living areas, ovens, toasters, cooking implements, and washer/dryers. Smaller rooms have standard plastic shower/tub combos, while two-bedroom units have tiled walk-in showers.
Features
Free beach rentals, tiki bar, and outdoor pool
The hotel maintains both a tiki bar on the beach and a loan center for beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, and bikes that are included in the room price. There is a non-enclosed, heated swimming pool in the shape of an “L” that’s dipping-size, a small outdoor gear shop where hats, towels, and sunscreen are available for purchase, and a couple of tennis courts. A business center in the lobby provides computers and printers to print boarding passes. A picnic area has gas grills for public use, and there’s an on-site restaurant with a palapa-style dining area. Free Wi-Fi is available as well.
