Sanibel and Sundial Resort stay
Jun 4th, 2003, 06:09 AM
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Sanibel and Sundial Resort stay
My family and I recently returned from Sanibel Island at Sundial Resort. We have stayed at Sundial almost yearly for the past 8 years.
We were very disappointed in the resort and in our condo this time. The condo neded updating - worn and stained carpets, faulty appliances, holes in the ceiling, LOTS of ants in the kitchen. When we complained to the manager - mostly about the ant situation- he offered to have the room sprayed, which with two kids was not my first choice while in residence. He did not offer to move us. We eventually were credited with one night's stay, whcih was fair considering that I thought it unwise to cook or store food in the ant-infested kitchen. When I chatted with others staying at the resort, I found out that ours was not the only condo that needed a facelift.
The resort in general is looking a bit tired. The small pools in front of the condos need updating (cracked and stained tiles, stained gunite), and the pool chairs are worn, stained and old. The main pool area has been kept in better condition, but it is often very crowded and noisy.
The pool bar serves nice drinks, but closes at 5pm - not sure why. While we were there, the red tide was bad, so there were lots of dead fish on the beach which made staying at the main pool area rather smelly and unpleasant. The resort is not responsible for that, of course, but since the smaller pools were not in great condition, it was a problem.
I have two children, 8 & 12. The resort says that the kids program is meant for kids up to age 12, but it's really geared to younger kids - say, up to age 8. The counselors are nice, but could use some perking up.
The restaurants on Sanibel are great - Timbers is our favorite spot. We also like to go into Ft. Meyers when things get too quiet on Sanibel, and that drive isn't too long - good for a rainy day emergency.
We'll probably go back to Sanibel again some time, but not to Sundial.
We were very disappointed in the resort and in our condo this time. The condo neded updating - worn and stained carpets, faulty appliances, holes in the ceiling, LOTS of ants in the kitchen. When we complained to the manager - mostly about the ant situation- he offered to have the room sprayed, which with two kids was not my first choice while in residence. He did not offer to move us. We eventually were credited with one night's stay, whcih was fair considering that I thought it unwise to cook or store food in the ant-infested kitchen. When I chatted with others staying at the resort, I found out that ours was not the only condo that needed a facelift.
The resort in general is looking a bit tired. The small pools in front of the condos need updating (cracked and stained tiles, stained gunite), and the pool chairs are worn, stained and old. The main pool area has been kept in better condition, but it is often very crowded and noisy.
The pool bar serves nice drinks, but closes at 5pm - not sure why. While we were there, the red tide was bad, so there were lots of dead fish on the beach which made staying at the main pool area rather smelly and unpleasant. The resort is not responsible for that, of course, but since the smaller pools were not in great condition, it was a problem.
I have two children, 8 & 12. The resort says that the kids program is meant for kids up to age 12, but it's really geared to younger kids - say, up to age 8. The counselors are nice, but could use some perking up.
The restaurants on Sanibel are great - Timbers is our favorite spot. We also like to go into Ft. Meyers when things get too quiet on Sanibel, and that drive isn't too long - good for a rainy day emergency.
We'll probably go back to Sanibel again some time, but not to Sundial.
Jun 4th, 2003, 06:18 PM
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CKK,
I am really glad and nervous that I read your post. We have vacationed in Sanibel for the last 10 years and have stayed at a variety of different condos. We have never stayed at Sundial but chose there this year thinking there would be more activity (more pools, water sports, etc)for our girls, 16 & 21. I am really starting to consider changing our plans, however could be difficult since we will be there June 14-21. I appreciate the post and plan to do more research fast!
I am really glad and nervous that I read your post. We have vacationed in Sanibel for the last 10 years and have stayed at a variety of different condos. We have never stayed at Sundial but chose there this year thinking there would be more activity (more pools, water sports, etc)for our girls, 16 & 21. I am really starting to consider changing our plans, however could be difficult since we will be there June 14-21. I appreciate the post and plan to do more research fast!
Jun 5th, 2003, 07:15 AM
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ckk, there are lots of condos in Sanibel that are showing wear and tear! And they cost the earth, too, especially at Spring Break when all of us sun-starved Midwesterners come down in droves. We've had good luck staying at the Moorings. The grounds are beautifully kept. The condos aren't especially large, but they are in good repair, which is nice. They have a website if you care to take a look.
Jun 5th, 2003, 12:21 PM
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tjfergus:
If you plan to go ahead with your plans to Sundial, I would call ahead and speak directly to the manager (don't call their 800 number, that only gets you in touch with the Vacation Planning Center). I would specifically request a condo that has been updated recently. It's not crowded at the resort this time of year, so I think that there will be flexibility to move to another unit.
As for your kids, there are water sports available for them, but you might be better off one island down on Captiva Island at the South Seas resort. I think that their water sports are probably more varied. Also, your kids are old enough to be patient with the ride to Sanibel if you want to broaden your restaurant selections. Good luck!
If you plan to go ahead with your plans to Sundial, I would call ahead and speak directly to the manager (don't call their 800 number, that only gets you in touch with the Vacation Planning Center). I would specifically request a condo that has been updated recently. It's not crowded at the resort this time of year, so I think that there will be flexibility to move to another unit.
As for your kids, there are water sports available for them, but you might be better off one island down on Captiva Island at the South Seas resort. I think that their water sports are probably more varied. Also, your kids are old enough to be patient with the ride to Sanibel if you want to broaden your restaurant selections. Good luck!
Jun 7th, 2003, 02:49 AM
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Sundial has taken bids for redecorating and furnishing its condos. It is a multi-year project. The condos are individually owned by people all over the country and many are not thrilled with the cost of refurbishing (not that they have any choice).
Two fellow workers bid on this project and didn't get it as they were recommending hospitality grade furnishings more like a mid-range hotel. Always going with a low bid means the rooms get tatty pretty quick.
Tourism has been tough on Sanibel since 9/11. European tourists have been scarce and restaurants and hotels have really suffered. I would guess that some refurbishment of the common areas has been moved out.
Ask for the most recently refurbished rooms when you make your reservation and ask that it be notated on your confirmation. It is the most complete resort on Sanibel and would be a choice for me if I had a young family. LilMsFoodie
Two fellow workers bid on this project and didn't get it as they were recommending hospitality grade furnishings more like a mid-range hotel. Always going with a low bid means the rooms get tatty pretty quick.
Tourism has been tough on Sanibel since 9/11. European tourists have been scarce and restaurants and hotels have really suffered. I would guess that some refurbishment of the common areas has been moved out.
Ask for the most recently refurbished rooms when you make your reservation and ask that it be notated on your confirmation. It is the most complete resort on Sanibel and would be a choice for me if I had a young family. LilMsFoodie
Jun 7th, 2003, 06:17 PM
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Well, I guess it depends on what's important to you when staying at a "full service" resort. The fact that the smaller pools at Sundial are in less-than-good condition, combined with the limited children's programs makes the resort a less than optimal choice for a family. Sundial is not cheap in high season, and I think that any place that charges in excess of $400/night should offer well cared-for common areas, not to mention first-class accomodations. I can certainly sympathize with the tourism slump caused by 9/11, but don't continue to charge 4-star prices for a 2-star resort.
JMHO.
JMHO.
Jun 8th, 2003, 05:31 AM
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There are no four star resorts on Sanibel or Captiva either. The services are nothing like a full service hotel but the Sundial is the only resort that even tries to offer hotel type services.
Location, location, location. That is what Sanibel/Captiva offer: no traffic lights, no neon, no high rises, no night clubs. Just a family beach experience that remains the same year after year. There is some upscaling of rental condos on Andy Rosse Lane in Captiva but it is still minimal in the service department.
Depends what you want. If you want beach front, full service resorts they are all up and down the gulf coast. Sanibel is just different and that is why they can demand and get a premium on their rooms. LMF
Location, location, location. That is what Sanibel/Captiva offer: no traffic lights, no neon, no high rises, no night clubs. Just a family beach experience that remains the same year after year. There is some upscaling of rental condos on Andy Rosse Lane in Captiva but it is still minimal in the service department.
Depends what you want. If you want beach front, full service resorts they are all up and down the gulf coast. Sanibel is just different and that is why they can demand and get a premium on their rooms. LMF
Apr 1st, 2007, 12:56 PM
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We just returned from Sundial "Resort" This place is in need of updating. We requested an oceanfront room and were given a parking lot view room !! The manager agreed to give us a 25% reduction in the room fee. The beds were TERRIBLE-low to the ground and you would cave into the middle of the mattress while sleeping,or trying to sleep !The carpet was saturated with moisture/chemicals when we opened the door to the place. I could go on and on but I think you get the point.We paid over $300 a night for this place/dump. We were excited for our last 4 days @ the Marriott in Marco Island-which was HEAVEN !!!
