541 E. Gulf Dr., Sanibel Island, Florida, United States | (937) 315-4602
Beachfront property with small, clean rooms and peaceful location
Lighthouse, shops, and restaurants accessible by car and foot
Free loaner bikes and Wi-Fi
Small outdoor pool
Picnic area with two gas grills
Coin laundry
Rooms may not be adequately soundproofed
Complaints of noisy air-conditioning units and slightly worn carpeting
No elevator on property
The old Florida charm of this property draws guests seeking a simple stay. The inn's 32 clean, plain rooms with small outdoor areas outside of sliding glass doors are laid out in one- and two-story clapboard buildings with wood walkways and railings. The modest hotel, situated towards the eastern end of the island, is separated from the beach by a few hundred feet of gravel and a small outdoor pool flanked by a brick patio. Also on hand are a picnic area with two gas grills, a computer for guest use in the lobby, and a coin laundry shack.
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Scene
Modest beachfront property appeals to families and couples
One- and two-story clapboard-sided buildings surround a small pool in a U-shaped configuration that opens up onto the beach. The grounds are simple, with a laundry shack and a small administrative building at the entrance to the property. Gravel pathways link the building units and sand walkways between the dunes lead to the beach. The off-white, airy reception area is minimally designed, with a simple reception desk and rows of brochures flanking the entryway.
Location
On eastern end of island, directly on the beach and a 20-minute walk from shops
The hotel’s beachfront location is unmitigated -- there’s little between the rooms and the sand besides the pool and a few tufts of grassy dune. The property is set slightly back from East Gulf Drive and enjoys a peaceful setting isolated from neighboring properties by palms and bushes. The lighthouse is a significant walk across the eastern tip of the island (25 minutes), and the shops and restaurants of Periwinkle way are about a 20-minute walk to the north. The causeway leading off the island is about a mile and a half northwest while Florida Southwest International Airport in Fort Myers is a 45-minute drive northeast.
Rooms
Small, clean rooms, suites, and cottages, some with kitchenettes
Seaside Inn has three different unit configurations: rooms, suites, and cottages, the latter of which are housed in one-story buildings to one side of the pool. Suites and cottages both have kitchenettes with linoleum countertops, four-coil ‘50s-style stoves, coffeemakers, fridges, microwaves, toasters, and cooking and serving implements. Like the rest of the inn, decor is minimal, with white wood-panel walls, wicker furniture, slightly dated overstuffed couches, and occasional framed vintage photographs. All guest units have outdoor spaces as well, whether this be chairs set out on wood plank walkways or screened-in lanais in oceanfront suites. Most unitsalso have shower/tub combos, though a few have walk-in tiled showers.
Features
Outdoor pool, computer for guest use, and picnic area with gas grills
Amenities at the inn are generally limited, though the little perks are welcome. A small, unenclosed outdoor pool is surrounded by a brick patio and a few lounge chairs. Also on hand are a computer in the lobby for guest use, a coin laundry shack, and a picnic area with a couple of gas grills. The front desk sells a modest selection of outerwear and sunscreen and guests have access to free bicycle loans. Free Wi-Fi is available as well.
