3287 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island, Florida, United States | (251) 219-4428
Small rooms close to beach, some with kitchenettes
Outdoor heated pool
Free continental breakfast served daily
Picnic area with two gas grills
Tennis courts and shuffleboard
Free loaner bikes, beach towels, tennis racquets, balls, and umbrellas
Free Wi-Fi
Membership at 18-hole golf course included with room price
Some complaints of spotty cleaning, worn carpeting, and damaged accessories
Continental breakfast very basic (no other on-site restaurants)
This mid-range beachfront property offers small guest units at reasonable prices near the water, along with an outdoor pool and free beach gear to borrow. Don’t expect a luxury spot, and there have been a moderate number of complaints about insufficient deep cleaning in rooms, particularly of carpets and the lack of daily housekeeping in certain cases. The inn provides free loaner bikes, though some guests have noted they are often in a state of disrepair. And others have commented it’s wise to contact the hotel when booking through third-party sites as there are minimum stay requirements enforced during holiday periods that aren't always reflected in search engines.
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Scene
Low-key charm in very simple grounds and buildings
Slightly boxy, long two-story stucco structures lined with screened-in porches make up Sunset Beach Inn. The grounds are not without their charm despite the somewhat bland nature of the buildings. A refurbished lobby floored in imitation wood linoleum features a few wicker chairs and a pile of recreation brochures. Pine green walls with leafy silhouette patterns offset a white reception desk backed by a shell and photo collage. Trimmed grass cut through by gravel paths surrounds the pool and a smattering of palm trees. Apart from a picnic area with gas grills and a shuffleboard court, there’s little else to the property.
Location
In the center of the Sanibel coast with direct access to the beach
The hotel is situated, like many others, on West Gulf Drive, and is set slightly back from the street, directly abutting the beach. Some rooms have waterfront views. Several hundred yards to the right of the inn sits another property, though it is mostly hidden from view by bushes and palm trees. Shops and restaurants appear about two miles inland, about a five-minute drive away, including venues like Bailey’s General Store, The Island Cow, and The Blue Giraffe as well as chain retailer CVS. Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is less than three miles northeast, while Southwest Florida International Airport -- accessed by Causeway Boulevard -- is about 45 minutes east by car. Still keep in mind that with traffic getting off Sanibel can take longer since the hotel is oriented toward the island’s western end.
Rooms
Plain, with old carpeting and slightly dinged-up furniture, but cited as comfortable
Brown and beige striped carpeting, old wood furniture, and wood laminate kitchen built-ins make for slightly grim rooms. Still, most guests report they are relatively tidy if in need of a deep clean in the carpets and deserving attention to details like rust in shower drains and fixtures. All units have air-conditioning, toasters, coffeemakers, microwaves, safes, hairdryers, and fridges. Some rooms also have kitchenettes with small, four-coil stoves, and most rooms have outdoor spaces in the form of modest, screened-in patios with seating. Bathrooms are done up in beige and darker browns with marble countertops and shower/tub combos, toiletries included.
Features
Tennis and shuffleboard courts, business center in lobby, and loaner umbrellas and beach chairs
Sunset Beach Inn serves a free, no-frills continental breakfast in the administrative building lobby on a daily basis. Also on hand are a tennis court, for which the hotel provides rackets and balls, and a pair of shuffleboard courts. A picnic area has a wooden table and two gas grills while beach towels and umbrellas are available to borrow for free. Loaner bikes are free as well, as is Wi-Fi service. Membership at The Dunes Gulf & Tennis Club is also included in room rates.
