Tropical Winds Motel & Cottages

The Tropical Winds Motel and Cottages is an Old Florida style property with a quiet atmosphere that’s geared toward budget-minded travelers -- mostly couples and families -- who want an affordable and secluded beachfront vacation. The property is divided into two sections and made up of quaint, single-story buildings with blue and white decor. Beach Units, the main office, and the parking lot are by the beach path, which is flanked by greenery, while Cottages and the manager’s house are a bit farther away from the beach. The office is a small and functional space decorated in kitschy, seafaring decor and lots of tourist brochures on hand. Overall, this is a simple, value property with few common spaces and amenities, but lovely, green grounds and an attractive stretch of white-sand beach.

The motel is located in a residential neighborhood on the west coast of Sanibel Island, also referred to as the “quiet side." A car or bike is needed to reach the nearest restaurants or markets, since there's not much within walking distance besides the beach. Bowman’s Beach is a 30-minute bike ride or five minutes by car, while trails at the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are a 22-minute bike ride. Sanibel Historical Museum takes 10 minutes by car. It’s a 20-minute drive to the Sanibel Causeway and there’s a Publix Super Market before the causeway, or it’s a 10-minute drive to the Bailey’s General Store. The Sanibel Lighthouse on Perwinkle Way -- dotted with shops, cafes and restaurants -- is a 25-minute drive. The Southwest Florida International Airport is an hour by car.

Beachy interior designs create a pleasant atmosphere in these blue-trimmed units and cottages that are furnished with rattan furniture, terrazzo floors or carpeting, and tropical bedspreads, though some of the decor and furnishings are dated, like the floral couches and pastel armchairs, and there have been some complaints about cleanliness. Most rooms have ceiling fans, ACs, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi (though signal is slow), sofa beds in living rooms, as well as dining areas and kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers and ovens/stoves. Beach Units are located on the sand, while the larger one- and two-bedrooms Cottages are a bit farther away from the beach. Bathrooms are clean and simple, with shower/tub combos, though no toiletries or hairdryers. Dog treats left for guests with pets are a nice touch. 

Palm trees hug the white fence that surrounds the well-maintained outdoor pool with its brick sun deck that is furnished with lounge chairs and patio furniture. Near the deck is a covered picnic table and beach supplies. The small laundry room offers three modern washing machines, a dryer, and laundry detergent (though sometimes the machines are reserved for staff use). Bicycles are available for rent and beach chairs, umbrellas, wagons, and toys are provided for guests’ use. The beach is great for shelling with a washing station on the shore near a shower. Picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and barbecue grills are placed throughout the property on grassy lawns or under trees on the gravel. Staff provides charcoal and lighter fluid on request.