Has anyone been here recently? I did a search and only found a couple of old posts. We're going to be in FL next week and are going without reservations anywhere. I thought I'd have a few places that sound interesting on my "check them out" list, so if we're in the area, we'll have some idea of what's available. Thanks for any info you might have.

The only cabbage key inn I'm aware of is in Pine Island Sound which is the bay side of Sanibel/Captiva. The island is primarily a tourist stop for boats to have a Cheeseburger in Paradise. There are a few rooms but not sure you could just show up. Accessible by boat only. The hotel and cottages are pretty primitive but inexpensive.

I'd call right away if you really want to stay here. It could be booked. LMF

Yes, that's the place. They have a website and it looks very basic, kind of old-fashioned, remote, AND not very expensive. I thought it might be good for a couple of nights. I did try to call there today and got someone who couldn't answer any of my questions and couldn't take a message because she didn't have a pen to write down my number. THAT wasn't too inspiring .... but "have cell phone, will travel" -- maybe we'll just trust our luck.
Thanks a lot for your input.
gw

From your description of the person on the phone not having a pen to write anything down, I'm sure you have the right place! That is so "Cabbage Key". It's only a short boatride from nearby ports, but it's at least a generation away in attitude. I've never spent a night there, and you need to be aware there is literally NOTHING to do, but it sure is a fun, laid back place to have martinis or beer and some decent food.

We stopped at Cabbage Key to have a Cheeseburger in Paradise.(in honor of Jimmy Buffet). However,it was a bar/restaurant with no air conditioning loaded with about 100 men going on fishing charters-drinking lots of alcohol & making rude comments to our daughters.) Thousands of dollar bills were taped to the entire rooms in the indoor dining area(from all the visitors throughout the years).If the hotel is anything like the restaurant, it's not so good. We were literally stuck there unitil our boat returned to pick us up.There is nothing else to do(besides climb a look out tower). Lots of mosquitos!I would skip the visit. But, that's up to you.
Sanibel & Captiva are nice to visit-beach shops,restaurants. Also, for more action Fort Meyers beach is also fun.(shops/more bars/restaurants,water sports).

Cabbage Key Restaurant is no "Cheeseburger in Paradise". It is overpriced, over-rated and the hosts are extremely rude. It cost us $80 for 6 cheeseburgers! Don't waste your time!