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Times of the Islands Magazine

Stay, Eat and Relax at These Sanibel Island Bed & Breakfasts

Aug 23, 2017 11:27PM ● By Kevin

Tween Waters Inn. Photo courtesy of Tween Waters Inn on Facebook.

It's always nice to get away for a little bit. Whether you're looking for a nice, little staycation, or an extended stay from out of town, Sanibel Island has a host of relaxing and luxurious bed & breakfast options. We took a look around the island and compiled a list of the best options.

Blue Dolphin Cottages

Blue Dolphin Cottages.

Description (according to its website): A truly refreshing vacation awaits you at the Blue Dolphin Cottages. We are a family owned, intimate and charming motel situated directly on a tranquil, white sandy beach on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The Blue Dolphin Cottages offers a selection of accommodations in its 9 units, either bright and airy efficiencies or spacious one bedroom suites, all with completely equipped kitchens, phones and cable television. Each unit has a comfortable sun deck surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. With our compliments, you will enjoy a delicious continental breakfast every morning.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "Great place to stay. Off the beaten path and not a crowded beach at all. The manager of the Blue Dolphin was so helpful and had an answer for all questions we had. The beach was so close to the room we were there in 1 minute or less. We had a great time and will be back next year"

The PalmView

The PalmView.

Description (according to its website): Each newly decorated suite at The PalmView is beautifully appointed with a distinct theme. All suites are non-smoking and have their own kitchens, separate living area and bedrooms. Private phones and internet access. Complimentary access to washer/ dryers. Beach furniture, towels, and bicycles are available to guests.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "My husband and six year old daughter stayed in the Creole Garden. This was the perfect place for us. It was near the beach and close to other points of interest. There were a number of complimentary bikes available for use to use. We would definitely recommend this place to friends, and have already done so."

Anchor Inn & Cottages

Anchor Inn & Cottages.

Description (according to its website): Located on beautiful Sanibel Island, we offer affordable accommodations in a lush tropical atmosphere. At Anchor Inn we strive to keep room prices low while continuing to provide the very best. That’s why we offer our guests quality beach chairs, umbrellas and beach towels for free! Let us know and we will deliver what you need to your room. For your convenience, Bike Rentals are available right here at Anchor Inn.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "So pleasantly surprised with this super clean, quaint one room efficiency. The staff (Pat) and I think Mikayla, were so friendly and nice and accommodating to myself and my family. Also gained private beach access and beach/pool amenities to their sister hotel (Tropical Winds Motel and Cottages), where their staff was just as friendly!

"I know I kept bothering Pat with questions and advice but she patiently gave me answers to anything that I needed! Beach chairs, umbrella and towels were given to us and there [were] also accommodations for cleaning seashells which are in abundance on Sanibel Island. There was a small pool, but it was just perfect to hang out and get cooled off, especially after a hot day on the beach. 

"There were also bike rentals available at the cottage for the over 12 miles of biking trails on the island. 

"The beaches are beautiful with shells galore. Please take advantage of this scenic paradise and stay at either of these fine establishments! I would definitely recommend either!"

Sandpiper Inn

Sandpiper Inn.

Description (according to its website): Each spacious tropical unit is perfect for your beach getaway. Full kitchens allow you to dine in and skip the expense and crowds of restaurants. Living areas include flat screen TVs and DVD players. A full library of complimentary DVDs is located in the office. Access to washer and dryer. Private phones and internet access. Beach furniture, towels, and bicycles are also available to guests. All units are non smoking.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "We stayed here for three nights during our roundtrip and were really satisfied.  We arrived in the late afternoon and our keys were waiting for us, as the office was already closed. 

"Our apartment (Sandpiper Unit 2) was quite large for two people with two full bathrooms, kitchen, sofa, etc. The decoration and the colors showed 'beach' all over and we immediately felt like being on vacation. There is everything you could ask for, especially the kitchen is well-equipped (they even proved salt & pepper). 

"Everything was clean and there were more than enough towels (even beach towels). 
You also have beach chairs, an umbrella, a barbecue and bikes with locks that you can use for free (which I highly recommend doing on the island!). 

"There is enough parking space for all guests. They also have free wifi. The next morning we said Hi to the owner Ron, a really nice, relaxed and helpful person. He told us where to go shelling and even gave us some nets. You can also borrow DVDs at the office. 

"We enjoyed the laid back lifestyle and the 5-minute walk to the beach is another advantage of this place. The only thing that was a bit annoying was the air conditioning, which was a bit loud. We would definitely always come back here!"

Driftwood Inn

Driftwood Inn.

Description (according to its website): A short drive from the causeway and you have arrived on Donax Street just off of Periwinkle Way. We are located two short blocks from the beach, and have everything you need for your next visit to Sanibel. We're sticklers for ensuring your stay is the best it can be. We offer spacious rooms that are designed to fit anyone's budget and taste. Choose from either a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom cottage or a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom cottage. Each room offers you free access to Wi-Fi since we know you need some of the pleasures from back home. Your sure to enjoy your stay with us. We offer spacious rooms that are designed to fit anyone's budget and taste. Choose from either a 1 bedroom/1 bathroom cottage or a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom cottage. We also have a full kitchen area in each unit.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "My daughter and I planned a small getaway because they allowed my lab. Mom wanted to join in so, the 3 of us plus large fur baby went. It was so great! Place was super clean, comfy and very cutely decorated! Close to the beach and top Sanibel restaurants. Bridget was very helpful and friendly. Just left today and already booked last slot for Thanksgiving, 4 [months] to go and can't wait!"

'Tween Waters Inn Island Resort & Spa (Captiva)

Description (according to its website): For a nostalgic feel, with all the comforts and privacy of today, choose our charming, beautifully appointed seaside cottages that have welcomed some of the world’s most celebrated names. A total of 19 unique cottages await you — Gulffront, Bayside or Courtyard — in one-, two- and three-bedroom options.

Dating back to 1931, these independent cottages are located on property at ‘Tween Waters Inn and feature all of the amenities of the a resort or hotel, while maintaining the the historic Florida rental cottage atmosphere. Amenities include on-site Olympic-sized pool, kid’s wading pool, fitness center, free wifi internet, free parking, daily newspaper and free continental breakfast buffet, plus daily cleaning service, access to the beach and marina, on-site restaurants and so much more.

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "Tween Waters Inn is like charming old Florida, not the same as every other hotel with slides and overcrowded pools, and lots of noise. The staff was so helpful and friendly and we found more unbroken shells than any other beach here."

West Wind Inn

West Wind Inn on Sanibel Island.

Description (according to its website): All at West Wind Inn on Sanibel Island! Our family-friendly inn is nestled on 500 ft. of peaceful white-sand beaches decorated with miles of natural shells and graced by a unique sunset each evening. A vacation at West Wind Inn is really just as simple as doing what you love! Unwind in our lounge chairs directly settled on the beach for you to rest up in the sunshine as you experience TRUE relaxation! Warm up by our pool and enjoy happy hour specials at The Upper Deck pool bar every Friday! Explore the islands’ 21 miles of bike paths with bike rentals available on site. Ready to explore?  Try fishing and shelling in addition to canoeing kayaking and boating opportunities! Visit our activities page for details. Choose from our recently renovated cozy gulf-front or gulf-view rooms. In addition to The Upper Deck, try out our Normandie Restaurant, featuring an all-new menu with a delicious assortment of breakfast, lunch and dinner options just for our guests!

Rating (according to TripAdvisor): 4.5 stars

Best review (according to TripAdvisor): "Absolutely no detail left uncovered. The West Wind Inn on Sanibel is such a class act - amazing. I definitely would have planned a longer stay if I knew how gorgeous, clean, well kept and perfectly located this resort is. From the minute Michael greeted us at the front desk I was impressed. As soon as I supplied my last name, he knew about the details of my reservation and had us ready to enjoy. August in Florida is unbearably hot and humid. I put the AC on the 'meatlocker' setting and the room was super comfortable. Trip Advisor reviews reported a small bathroom. I wouldn't care if you couldn't turn around in the bathroom. Everything else was so perfect. You don't even have to mess around with a password to get free Wi-Fi. There's a little efficiency in each room with a small refrigerator, a microwave, a sink with dishes and utensils, and a coffee pot with the essentials. They've even provided a little dish soap for the guests. The biggest and smallest details were thought of and covered. Parking was a breeze, and we had a bike rack jutting out behind the pick up. There's even a shell wash station there. Each room has a little screened in porch. Our lower level room faced the pool and the ocean ... Definitely eat in. The chef is skilled and the food is fabulous. I recommend the pesto omelet if you have breakfast there. The Capri salad, and the bruschetta at the poolside upper deck was excellent. Live music was great. I have to figure out how I'm getting back there. You should go there, too."

Plan Your Stay With Sanibel Vacations

Description (according to its website): Nobody puts more dream in your dream vacation than Sanibel Vacations. That’s because no other vacation home or condo rental company on Sanibel brings you such a variety of high quality vacation rentals, from one week to one month or more. Plus, should you desire, you can enhance your stay and let SBL Outfitters deliver kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles,  and much more — right to your door.

Got a favorite bed & breakfast not listed? Add it to our directory and let us know. We will add it to the list, or include it in a future guide.