I can’t decide between these places in Florida. Can anyone who has been to all comment? – Naples, Sanibel Island or Captiva Florida? This is for a Jan. trip. Ideal price range would be $200-350 night. I want a private cottage with a wonderful view and location foremost, access to the beach, bicycles to use for rides to a café for lunch, or out for coffee, a place to hunt for sea shells (more remote is better), close enough proximity to restaurants/shops to walk (1 mile or so), and the ability to get away from children would be ideal. Is this more possible in any one of these locations? Anyone have some first hand experience? I’ve looked at Casa Ybel Resort online and Gulf Breeze Cottages as well, both on Sanibel. The latter looks more “interesting” but I don’t want rustic.

Did you try La Playa Beach Resort in Naples? There are great rates on expedia. I have not stayed there but they have renovated the entire hotel. Good Luck.

Unfortunately La Playa doesn't meet my needs of a *private* cottage. I'm looking for a guest beach house more than a resort I guess. Any more ideas?

What about 'Tween Waters on Captiva? They have some cottages...don't know if they might be too rustic for you though, and doubt seriously they have bikes.

We are long-time Sanibel visitors. I'm not familiar with Gulf Breeze Cottages, but ,I think, they are small white cottages, very plain, such as linoleum floors etc. It seems we looked at them one time.Try Ch. of Commerce website : www.sanibel-captiva.org
For $200-350 you may get a private home, or at least a very nice condo.There are so many condos for rent and all are about 3 stories and most are not 'resorts'.We love Sanibel and Captiva .It's a unique place.