Need some input on the best accomodations in Sanibel other than Casa Ybel (wanted $420 a night). If I do stay in a condo, I like top notch accomodations (very clean and as many amenities as possible and beachfront).

Thanks!

Tortuga Beach would fit your requirements, but you will probably find it more expensive than Casa Ybel. You pay for what you get...

Try song of the sea or westwinds

If you like top notch accomodations the you need to stay at Casa Ybel and pay for it
I agree, you pay for what you get.

I agree. Casa Ybel is the best by far. So why say you want the best but don't want to stay at the best? Say what you mean, you are too cheap to pay for the best, so you want a place that is cheaper but is just as nice. Sorry, that isn't going to happen.

I guess I'll have to disagree with the previous posters. I certainly understand the philosophy of "You get what you pay for," but that doesn't mean you necessarily have to go to a place that charges astronomical rates--and personally, I agree that $420 per night is ridiculously expensive. You can find wonderful accommodations without paying anywhere near that much.

Cheryl, try the Shell Island Beach Club near the eastern end of Sanibel. A friend of mine has a time-share unit there, and he and his family have gone there every year for the last 20 years or so.

A condo that I'll warn you AWAY from is Ocean's Reach, located mid-island, near Casa Ybel. My husband and I were there last April and it was OK, but certainly not top-notch. We should've paid a little more and stayed at the Shell Island Beach Club!

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!

A few years ago, we stayed at the Loggerhead Cay Condo's on Sanibel. We liked it very much. Ofcoarse, evey condo owner decorates to their own taste, but if you look at the website you can get a good idea. We were very happy with Loggerhead Cay. Website is www.loggerheadcay.com
Good luck.
Priscilla

Lynn, I don't disagree with what you say, but you're missing the point. Cheryl wasn't asking for "good" or "sensible" accomodations. Granted Casa Ybel is very expensive, but it is generally regarded as the best, and that is specifically what Cheryl asked for -- the best. When you want "the best" you have to be willing to pay for it. If you are satisfied with second best or merely "good" then of course, that decision will save you money, but just don't expect the experience to be "the best".

The best condos in Sanibel have large pool complexes so you don't have to "try and walk" on the beach with all those shells.

This has been discussed before about the difficulty with the beaches on Sanibel. Beautiful sunsets but OUCH! my feet!!!!

Wow - so many rude people. For those that were helpful, thank you. I said best condos in my title and I said other than Casa Ybel - I know a lot about the resorts there (Sundial, Casa Ybel, South Seas (which I have stayed at when on Captiva) but need to know which of the condo areas is good. There can be big differences in the cleanliness, amenities, decorations, etc. If you want specifics, on a scale of 1 - 5, I'd like suggestions of places that would be considered at least a 3.5.

FYI - I have free airline tickets and cannot pay an extreme amount for lodgings right now due to my job situation, if I go. Actally, I have never paid over 350/night for a room ever but that is just me and I have stayed in plenty of really nice places.

I agree with Lynn and for my budget I think that is outrageous and I really don't think this particular resort is worth that amount. If I ever stay there, it will be in off season when their rates are lower.

Why don't some of you open your minds a little and stop being so obnoxious.

Cheryl-You came across as a pretentious, arrogant snob in your original question. No wonder every one was rude to you. Next time proof read what you type before you hit the post button.

Cheryl, usually one gets a better 'deal' renting directly from owner(s). We have done it. Look up the following websites :
www.vrbo.com and www.gulfcoastrentals.com
Good luck and enjoy your stay !

Thank you Eva. I'll check those out.

What about Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa? The condos are beautiful and large with great views. The resort property is meticulous (there is also a large hotel, tennis stadium, and wonderful spa) within the resort. Several pools to choose from. I visit there every year. Individual owners do decorate to their own taste. We stay in one particular unit because we know the owner - and it is beautiful. Last year, however, we did stay in another unit and it was very nice, just not as nice as our regular one.

The only drawback (for me, anyhow) is the beach. There is a small, private beach on the property (it's lovely, really), but for some reason the water is dark there and I personally won't swim in that spot. But if you don't care to swim in the ocean and just like to sit in a chair under a palm tree on the beach, it suits just fine. Have fun.

Sanibel Harbour resort is not on Sanibel. It is on the Caloosahatchee River near the causeway to Sanibel. About a 6 to 10 mile ride to beaches on Sanibel. The water would be dark as it is brackish water.

I'm sorry I forgot to mention that Sanibel Harbour is not on Sanibel, but just before the causeway. We just drive over the causeway to lighthouse beach and it only takes a few minutes. I would prefer to stay right on the island, but the beautiful accommodations and amenities at the resort sort of make up for it!

My parents stayed for years at a beachfront complex called Pointe Santo de Sanibel. It was great.