Hotels in Sanibel, FL

“We loved our relaxing beach time. Shelling was very good, as well as our suite and service. Loved visiting with the groundskeeper and learning about all the plans they have for rebuilding. It was fun to experience the beach renourishment going on.”

“Mr. Joe and his assistant Miss. Denisse, were very welcoming and showed us around and let us know where to go and what to do. Every room had chairs, umbrella and a wagon to get them to the beach, bike to rides for everyone. Shell cleaning station, outdoor shower to clean yourself after the beach. We had a short stay for my husband 40th Birthday, while visiting Fort Myers on the Birdhouse. Very cozy and clean room. Sanibel people and its beaches are lovely. If we ever visit again, we will definitely stay here again.”

“Waterside Inn was the place I enjoyed staying the most on Sanibel. The location was great, the rooms were large, comfortable, and well priced, and the staff was awesome. I was sick to my stomach to see it completely gone. It's been a year and a half since the hurricane, and this was my first visit since then. I had hoped they only sustained damage and could repair and reopen.I truly hope they are able to rebuild, because I will be one of their first guests.”

“Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club: Sanibel Delight Florida is a large U.S. state with demographics climate zones, geography, and economies that are extremely varied. The visitor is likely to spend several years touring the state to enjoy the variety of activities and opportunities that Florida offers. One charming, congenial, guileless, and serene location is Sanibel Island. "Sanibel Island on the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida and is linked to the mainland by the Sanibel Causeway. A short bridge over Blind Pass links Sanibel to the unincorporated town of Captiva-on-Captiva Island. More than half of the two islands are preserved in its natural state as wildlife refuges. Visitors can drive, walk, bike, or kayak through the J. N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge." Nearly 6,500 people reside on the Sanibel, and a primary source of income is tourism. Interval International currently lists 16 different timeshare properties on Sanibel and Captiva. These properties are different, and Interval International lists 13 properties as "premium" properties. Timeshare visitors will have their own "favorites." An important variable to bear in mind is how well did the property survive Hurricane Charley in 2004. Sanibel and Captiva are prime hurricane targets. We are fond of the insouciance of Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club. We have heard Ybel pronounced several ways, and the locals pronounce the "Y" as a short "I" as in "igloo." Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club (2255 West Gulf Drive Sanibel Island, FL 33957.239-472-3145). Perhaps a map from the visitors' center is useful, but it is difficult to imagine getting lost on Sanibel and Captiva. This is not Los Angeles. And while we thoroughly enjoy Hilton Head and its urban neighbors to the north and south, Sanibel and Captiva invite an irenic and serene lifestyle. The Interval International description is very accurate: "Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club is set on 23 tropical acres, with more than a quarter mile of private beach. The three-story lodges offer terraces that overlook the Gulf of Mexico. On-site are an Olympic-sized heated pool, a wading pool, a poolside bar, and a heated spa. Guests also can enjoy six tennis courts, barbecue grills, and the Thistle Lodge Waterfront Bar and Grill restaurant." The limited photos at the Interval International do not do justice to this premium resort. Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club provides a full kitchen, comfortable living room, excellent bedrooms (all units are two bedrooms) and the all-important large, screened lanai. All the units will have a Gulf of Mexico view, and all units will provide a tropical Florida view. The two bedrooms are located on the second floor. The master has a king size bed and there are two twin beds in the guest bedroom.We have stayed at Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club during spring break, summer holiday, and during Christmas. The heaviest traffic naturally occurs in the winter due to the city of Ft. Meyers and the nearby Ft. Meyers' Beach. Our first Christmas holiday fifty years ago was spent at Ft. Meyers' Beach, and it felt "decadent" to enjoy sun, beach, and Gulf of Mexico when our friends and neighbors were battling the ice, snow, and Ohio winter. It did not require many southern Christmas vacations to overcome this misperception. Casa Ybel Beach and Racquet Club in December is a pure enrapturement. Sanibel and Captiva do not suffer in the winter from the "snowbird invasion" that infects Ft. Meyers. Creative is the best concept to apply to the homeowners and to the business Christmas decorations. Many tall palm trees take on the green and red Christmas lights in December. The on-site swimming pool is an Olympic size pool, and this pool provides swimming for adults, while children have other water areas. My wife enjoys the beaches for sunning, swimming, and perhaps most important, shelling. "The best shelling is found on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The islands rank tops in t”