1231 Middle Gulf Dr., Sanibel Island, Florida, United States | (888) 635-3814
Beachside location not far from the main drag, Periwinkle Way
Rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs
Heated outdoor swimming pool faces the white sandy beach
On-site Starfish Grill restaurant serves excellent tacos
Outdoor Star Bar offers beer, wine, cocktails, and pizza
Double outdoor tennis court
Bicycle rentals on-site
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking
Gift shop sells souvenirs
Noisy air conditioners
Hard beds
Rooms facing the pool can be loud
With 98 rooms and lots of on-site amenities, the three-pearl Sanibel Island Beach Resort is one of Sanibel's larger and better equipped hotels. Rooms and suites are available; the latter come with kitchenettes and living rooms with sofa beds. The property includes a tennis court, a heated outdoor swimming pool, beach access, and an on-site restaurant. It's very popular with young families, so couples and those looking for a quiet getaway may want to look elsewhere.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Cheerful, colorful hotel surrounded by tropical gardens
Tucked away off the main road in an area surrounded by beach, palm trees, and a few condominium developments, the Sanibel Island Beach Resort maintains a cheery, casual vibe that makes it popular with families. The exteriors are a rusty red color with blue and white accents and are surrounded by large landscaped gardens interwoven with paths, tropical plants, benches, and a pond with resident turtles. The bright lobby has an intense color scheme dominated by hues of turquoise and brushed gold and the front desk is painted to resemble a large tropical aquarium. The lobby also has a computer for guest use, free coffee and newspapers, and a small seating area.
Location
Beachside property, relatively convenient to the main strip
The Sanibel Island Beach Resort is located on the beach, just south of Periwinkle Way, the island's main drag. There are condominiums on both sides of the property and a vacant green lot across the street. It's a 25-minute drive across the Sanibel Causeway to Fort Myers Beach and a 40-minute drive to the South Florida International Airport. Lighthouse Beach, at the western tip of the island, is a seven-minute drive or 45-minute walk. Parking at the hotel is free.
Rooms
Air-conditioned rooms and suites with hard beds
98 suites and rooms are painted in a pale shade of yellow with white ceilings and trim. Brick-colored tile floors and air-conditioning help keep them cool. The bed linens and window drapes feature a tropical leaf motif with alternating yellow and blue panels and rust-hued accents that match the flooring. All come with microwaves, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. Suites have kitchenettes and separate living rooms with pull-out sofa beds. All units are air-conditioned, but guests have complained that the units are disturbingly loud. Beds are reported to be on the hard side. Bathrooms have hairdryers and shower/tub combos plus a separate double-sink vanity area. Pool-facing units are the noisiest, at least when children are around.
Features
Huge number of amenities, including dining, a pool, beach volleyball, and tennis courts
Compared to many of the smaller inns and hotels on Sanibel, the Sanibel Island Beach Resort has a large number of amenities. The casual on-site restaurant, Starfish Grille, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Breakfast is included with some packages. There's also an outdoor bar that serves pizza and an outdoor swimming pool facing the beach that's surrounded by lounge chairs and tables with parasols and seating. There's a double outdoor tennis court and bicycles available to rent on-site. The beach in front of the hotel has lounge chairs and a volleyball net, and there's a ping-pong table and a few hammocks between the beach and the hotel. Wi-Fi is free in both rooms and common areas. An on-site gift shop sells cold bottled water, beach gear, and toiletries.
