Accommodations on Sanibel Island

Ok, now you know where on the Island you think you want to be, but there is a catch!

If you want to stay at one of the island inns, and you want to be on Sanibel, not Captiva, you will have to restrict yourself to the mid island location. There are no inns on the quiet, west end of the island. As suggested in my earlier post, the west end of the island is the non-commercialized area of the island. The closest inns on the west end are actually on Captiva. Captiva is Sanibel’s neighboring island, and quite lovely. But you will do yourself a service by comparing prices for inn lodging on both islands as you plan your trip.

Inns are great for short stays, generally not allowed in the condo rentals. Most condo vacation rentals mandate a rental of a week or more. Inns offer the luxury of having daily maid service and some offer a place to have a bite to eat. Only a few condo complexes have dining facilities. The majority are self catering, which means you do your own cooking and cleaning while you are on holiday. You should find your condo unit clean when you arrive, and if you leave it in good condition, you will not be charged in the majority of complexes for cleaning on your departure.

Also do your home work on condo complexes. If you absolutely must have a Gulf view accommodation, be sure the unit you have chosen offers same. There are many, many complexes directly on the Gulf, but some units do not offer the view.

If a Gulf view is not an absolute, you will find that there are complexes near the beach that offer more space and better pricing.

And, in regards to pricing, if you are vacationing for 4 weeks or more, you may find your best value in renting a private rental home.

Vacation homes on Sanibel are mandated by the town to be 28 day rentals. That makes for less competition than weekly rental condos, especially in off season. Explore your options if you are planning a month’s stay on Sanibel as you well may find the best pricing on private homes for rent.

Please visit my blog for more information on Sanibel: http://sanibel-rentalsnet.blogspot.com
Author Sylvia Guarino.

Read more about Sanibel Island Vacation, click here.

Perfect vacations are found on Sanibel Island. Located just off the southwest coast of Florida, this barrier island offers activities, adventures and many ways to relax. Endless beaches remain unspoiled by tourists. This, combined with a veritable abundance of natural wildlife, promises the ideal retreat and refuge on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel has the infrastructure to support your every need and desire. A shopping district offers bargain fare and fashionable finds. Satisfy every craving at your choice of many fabulous restaurants. Accommodations are available to suit all types of travelers.

There are so many resorts and rentals available that it really is easy to find comfortable accommodations on Sanibel Island. Here are some of the best hotel and resort choices that Sanibel Island has to offer:

Beach Road Villas

Surrounded by natural vegetation and native wildlife, the Beach Road Villas offer the perfect tropical getaway. While just moments from the famous beaches of Sanibel, the water way at Beach Road Villas leads directly to the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico. Rent bicycles, beach wagons, umbrellas, hammocks, beach chairs, boat slips and more, right on the premises. Nightly rentals are available at Beach Road Villas.

Coquina Beach

Consider Coquina Beach for weekly Sanibel Island accommodations. Coquina Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in close proximity to some amazing golf courses. If you like to golf, you’ll love this spot. The courses provide perfect year-round playing conditions.

Treat Yourself to Dugger’s Tropical Village

Dugger’s is one of the better-known properties, renting quaint cottages on Sanibel Island. Every cottage is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and is located directly across the road from the revered Sanibel beach. Dugger’s Tropical Village is a prime location at an affordable price. When hunger strikes, take a short walk to the fabulous Riviera Italian restaurant.

Kick Back at Gulf Breeze Cottages

Gulf Breeze Cottages offer nightly and weekly Sanibel Island accommodation rentals on the island’s east end. It’s a combination of incomparable Florida charm with Sanibel’s natural beauty, all in a location close to the beach, shops and restaurants.

Loggerhead Cay

Families love Logger Cay for the tennis court, shuffleboard and pool. Beautifully landscaped grounds make it the perfect spot for relaxation when you just don’t feel like venturing to the beach. Great food and nightlife are nearby, including the critic pleasing “Ellington’s Jazz Bar and Restaurant”, winner of three “Taste of the Islands” awards and eight “Best of the Islands” awards. Weekly accommodations are available at Loggerhead Cay.

These are just a few of the many accommodation options you’ll find on Sanibel Island. Thanks to the natural beauty and excitement of the island itself, you’re sure to have a wonderful holiday no matter where you drop your suitcase.

Author: Farrell Harber.

Columnist Farrell Harber loves writing for numerous web magazines, on parks and recreation and sports store topics.

Although Sanibel Island’s main draw may seem run of the mill, its miles of white sand beaches are truly a sight to behold and have made this island one of the most sought after destinations in the state. Your stresses cannot help but dissipate when your eyes cast over the spectacular crystal blue expanse of the Gulf of Mexico and soak in the sharp contrast of the sand and sea. And as you glance down towards the soft sand that has gently made its way in between your toes, it becomes readily apparent why this is considered the best place for shell collecting in the country.

The 12 miles of sandy waterfront that surrounds the island can be almost magnetizing, making it difficult to drag yourself away from this unbelievable strip of beauty. However, when you retreat to your vacation rental accommodations, you never truly need to leave the beach behind since you are just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge and the gentle lap of the waves is always within sight from your balcony and bedroom windows. Even during sunset, you can saunter across the stunning sands directly behind your condo or house rental without worrying about making it back in time for a family dinner.

When the sun begins to shine on this stunning scenery and the pull of the water begins to overwhelm, you simply need to grab your immediate supplies and go. Walk down to Bowman’s Beach, considered the most popular on the island, and spread out for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and shelling surrounded by lush greenery on one side and gorgeous blue waves on the other. And if you happen to forget your sunglasses or some reading material, a simple stroll up the sand will lead back to your much needed supplies and back to your sunning spot in mere minutes.

In addition to the prime waterfront adventures that lie at your doorstep, many Sanibel Island vacation rentals offer their own form of active amusement for those times when you need a break from the sandy Gulf. A large private pool will certainly appease the kids when you want to relax in the shade, while the soothing hot tub is the surest way to melt away your sore muscles and stress. You can also take advantage of the pristine weather to get in a tennis match or two on the private courts or grab one of the kayaks or canoes that come with your rental for an afternoon of exploration.

When selecting the right Sanibel Island rental for your getaway, consider one that has the spectacular J.N. (“Ding”) Darling National Wildlife Refuge as its neighbor. The wildlife refuge is one of the best in the state and is teeming with recreational activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking, and, of course, wildlife viewing. The perfect place to commune with nature and appreciate the natural gifts that have been bestowed upon Sanibel Island, you are just a hop, skip, and a jump away from more adventures than you ever imagined.

Since Sanibel Island focuses on its au natural amusements and countless outdoor pursuits, the majority of any getaway is bound to be spent soaking up the splendor of the great outdoors. While your getaway will certainly be exciting when you stay close to the beaches and the “Ding” Darling Refuge, your vacation rental is waiting with wireless internet, a big screen TV, DVD players, and a fully-stocked kitchen to satisfy your entertainment needs when night has fallen on your outdoor wonderland. Inside or out, your vacation has never been more enjoyable or relaxing than when you stay in a vacation home or condo rental.

Author: Jennifer Weiss.

GreatRentals.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Sanibel Island vacation rentals for your next trip off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Sanibel Island is in southwest Florida to be exact, and its unique orientation makes it perfect for scooping up all the shells in the area. Everywhere you walk you’ll find the finest specimens the ocean has to offer, so train your eyes on the shoreline, the sandy strips, and the parking lots, for that matter, because you never know where you’ll uncover a stunning seashell to remember your trip by.

The best place of all to find a basket full of conchs or scallops would be right outside your back door, the back door of your charming vacation condo, that is. There are dozens of properties in Sanibel Island that would make even the most jaded vacationer’s knees weak, including many that are right along that magical place where the ocean meets the sand. Nothing beats having a backyard filled with sand, wildlife, and breaking waves, so if you have a strong desire for some quality ocean time be sure to check out these privileged properties.

Excellent weather all year round will ensure that no matter when you are able to break away from work or school you’ll be greeted with pleasant breezes and sunny days. Also, if you’re flexible, you can start looking for the perfect vacation rental now and hold out for a special deal. Everyone loves a bargain, and even properties by the sea go on sale every now and again.

If you’re bringing the kids along for this one, look into renting some bikes and exploring the island that way. Paved paths will take you anywhere you want to go, including past popular hangouts for birds, rabbits, and even alligators. Watch for regal herons and egrets as they search for their dinner, and feel the goose bumps rise on your arms when you catch a glimpse of a long brown snout cruising through the marshy waters. The gators pose no danger to you, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself pedaling a little bit faster after visualizing the rest of this predator’s physique.

After a day of active sightseeing, make yourself at home in your condo or villa. A comfy sofa will ease your nap attack, the patio is perfect for reading your book, and the hot tub will encourage tired muscles to totally de-stress. Have a snack by the pool or a cocktail on the lanai and take the chance to chat with your loved ones. A game closet will further bring everyone together over cards or a board game. All in all, you’ll certainly have plenty to do as you reconnect with the people you value most and collectively recharge your batteries.

Many Sanibel Island vacation rentals are pet-friendly, so calm your fear of dog kennels and invite your furry friend along. Special needs of all kinds, from wheelchairs to baby gear, can often be accommodated in rental properties, so check things out beforehand and ensure that you’ll be set up for success.

Does all of this sound too good to be true? If you think so, you must be pretty overworked. All the more reason to head out on your vacation as soon as possible, before you become even more cynical about what to expect when you pack up your bags and leave town.

Start researching Sanibel vacation home rentals today in order to have the largest variety to choose from. Your upcoming holiday is sure to be a hit, and you’ll only have yourself to thank and reward.

Article by Caitlin Moore