Diane Forquer

Any recommendations for accommodations in the
Sanibel/Captiva Island areas? Trying to stay
within the $100-$120/night range but had a
hard time finding anything beachfront that was affordable. Wondering if we'd be better
off staying in Ft. Myers beach area? Any
suggestions much appreciated!!! This is for
our 20th anniversary February 1999.

Jen

That's a tough one because beachfront,even on Ft. Myers Beach is more money. A great place to stay in Sanibel is the Sanibel Inn, most rooms have some sort of view and it's quite lovely. You might be able to get Pool view, which has some beach view beyond, in your price range. Their number is 1-800-441-1169. Great atmosphere, rooms are very nice, hotel restaurant and tiki bar, they serve a great pina colada. The beach is beautiful and they rent beach chairs and sailboats. On Fort Myers Beach, there's the Pink Shell Resort which we have never stayed but is also ran by South Seas Resorts who run The Sanibel Inn (same phone number). One last suggestion - a great deal for a very nicely decorated condo is Santa Maria Resort. It is on the bayside, right beside Fishtale Marina, where you can rent a boat. The Santa Maria's have their own docks, beautiful pool, and a video library, as well as beach "access". Last year a one bedroom with kitchen, DR, and living room was $145 or $970 for a week. The rates were $102 for Jan but go up in Feb. Their number is 1-800-765-6701. Hope the info helps and Happy Anniversary!

Sharon

There are some funky resorts on Sanibel and Captiva that might be less. Try:

http://www.sanibel-online.com/accom/beachv.htm

Also McCarthy's and Jensens on Captiva as well as the beach cottages at CapSan, the little village at the northern tip of Sanibel where the bridge to Captiva is. I'll find the name and post later. Sharon BTW: in season under $200 is considered a value on the barrier islands...if there is a recession, you may be able to do better. Many Germans and English holiday here in February, watch their economies.

Warren

We stayed on Captiva at the Tween Waters Inn four years ago in November and the rate was in the range you mentioned. It is on the beach (though our room was a bayfront view), but the rooms are nothing to rave about, though they are clean and ours' had a screened in balcony porch. There are nice beach cabanas and Hobie Cats to rent too.

betty ann

I'm afraid you've chosen THE most expensive month of the year for the south Florida coasts. If you find a beach front room in your price range, be wary!! There must be something wrong with it. Can you celebrate your anniversary in your home town with dinner at a great restaurant and come to Florida at another time? The two best months for southwest Florida (I've lived here 25 years) are May (before kids are out of school and after winter tourists have left)and November (for the same reasons in reverse). The weather is much more predictable then (Feb can be iffy), low to mid 80's, little rain, no crowds and best of all, low prices. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm for Florida, but I wouldn't want you to be disappointed by trying to do Sanibel in Feb on your budget. Besides, traffic on Sanibel/Captiva in Feb is an absolute nightmare! Congratulations on 20 years!