THE INNS OF SANIBEL
Eclectic, fun and a little romantic, these four inns have everything you need to be blissfully happy for days
Eclectic, fun and a little romantic, these four inns have everything you need to be blissfully happy for days
If the name of a hotel is any indication of what you’re in store for when you check in, then the four properties that make up the Inns of Sanibel won’t disappoint. Their names alone are magical: Sanibel Inn, Song of the Sea, Seaside Inn and Sunset Beach Inn. Boutique-like and set on the Gulf of Mexico on Sanibel Island, these inns all offer slightly different guest experiences, but they all have one thing in common: to provide a truly tranquil island getaway and outstanding service.
Overseeing the operations at all four Inns of Sanibel resorts is General Manager Bill Wellman, a man with an impressive background in the hospitality industry, and a man clearly dedicated to being proactive in enhancing the overall guest experience. He talks about the polished exterior spaces and the lusciously maintained landscaping that he says, “bring life to all of our properties.” To further enhance the resorts’ awe-inspiring settings, updates, such as the cozy new fire table at Sanibel Inn and nighttime path lighting
that now winds throughout the Sanibel Inn and Song of the Sea, are made regularly.
“We’ve invested heavily in seeing to it that all of our inns provide the desired ‘eye appeal’ our guests expect when they get to their accommodations,” Wellman notes. “The entire grounds, the updating and maintenance of our gorgeous tropical trees and garden areas, the pool areas and walkways to the beach—we want to always ensure no small detail goes unattended, and our guests really seem to appreciate that about our properties.”
Sanibel Inn
The resort welcomes guests with a fresh new style that will put them in the mood for an amazing island getaway the moment they arrive. Centered around an L-shaped heated swimming pool framed by feathery palms, the Sanibel Inn is the largest of the properties with 93 guest rooms, suites and two-bedroom condos.
From the pool, paths wind through Florida scrub to the resort’s 600 feet of beautiful beach, strewn with thousands of seashells. Here chairs, umbrellas and towels await guests who want to loll on the sands all day taking in the view of the glistening Gulf. However that same watery vista is not only enjoyed from the shore, but from every room as well. And those who want some exercise after lounging on the beach will find on-site tennis courts and complimentary rackets and balls. Don’t miss the brand-new bocce ball courts, which are a big hit with guests.
This year, Sanibel Inn invites guests to participate in guided activity tours with Florida master naturalists. The daily outings include a guided beach walk, ecological and historic bike tours, and Bowman’s Beach kayak tour; they are held at 9 or 10:30 a.m. There’s also a sunset kayak tour.
When it comes to dining, the Sanibel Inn offers two highly acclaimed food and beverage experiences. The poolside Island Time Bar & Grill is the perfect place for light bites and tropical cocktails, while Dante’s Restaurant offers more substantial breakfast and dinner fare with a full menu of creative dishes inspired by a coal-fired oven.
Song of the Sea
Romantic and melodious, Song of the Sea is a top choice with couples and honeymooners who prefer more intimate accommodations. The 30 guestrooms—all of which have kitchenettes—have a British Colonial décor and feature terra-cotta tiles and plantation shutters that create a private, enchanted retreat. Guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, and in the morning, continental breakfast is served on the terrace. This beachfront beauty has a heated swimming pool and hot tub, and guests can also avail themselves of a round of golf or a game of tennis at special reduced rates at the nearby Dunes Golf & Tennis Club.
Seaside Inn
Those in search of the Old Florida will appreciate the nostalgic seaside charm of this beachfront hideaway, nestled along the Gulf shore near the Sanibel Lighthouse. With its 1960s cottage character, the Seaside Inn has 32 guest accommodations, including suites and cottages with full kitchens. It even has a shuffleboard court, where guests can play the game that was popular during Florida’s 1960s resort heyday. Extra special touches include the complimentary breakfast basket of fruit, breads, juice and coffee provided every morning during your stay— and, of course, waking up just steps from the sand.
Sunset Beach Inn
Set on four acres of tropical foliage with 350 feet of sandy white beach, the Sunset Beach Inn is the ideal spot for sunset gazing over the Gulf of Mexico. But before the day ends, the resort has plenty to offer including one of the largest heated pools on the entire island. The two-story buildings, reminiscent of midcentury modern architecture, are home to 46 spacious guestrooms and suites. The property welcomes pets with a limited number of pet-dedicated rooms. Considered one of the best values on Sanibel, the resort also offers a wide range of amenities, including tennis courts and pickleball (complimentary rackets and balls), plus rental bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards, and even grills for beachside barbecues.
“As a family-owned group of resorts, we know the importance of providing just exactly what our guests are looking for,” Wellman explains. “We don’t try to be everyone’s favorite vacation destination, but rather cater to those families and couples who want a truly original, authentic island getaway experience in a setting unlike any other.”