Sanibel - Anyone stayed at or familar with Castaways or Beachview Cottages?
 

Love Sanibel and Captiva Island. Last trip stayed at South Seas Resort which was fine, but this trip I'm traveling in May with kids, two nieces 11 and 7. Prefer nice, clean, beachfront accomodation. A nice pool is also a must have. From their websites, I like the location and setup of both Castaways and Beachview. Anyone with any recent experience? Should I stick to the resorts instead? -- Sundial, Casa Ybel or South Seas again? Appreciate your opinions.

TTT

Castaways is a funky, 40's looking group of cottages, some on the beach and some across the road. It is located at the pass that divides Sanibel and Captiva. There are a few restaurants there and a small store but not much else. The pool is minimal. Probably the best shells on Sanibel as it used to be a pass but it filled in completely a few years ago with shells after a storm.<BR><BR>I think they are owned by Tween Waters resort. Actually, I would recommend Tween Waters or Casa Ybel for you with your nieces. More to do, especially at Casa Ybel. I do find the funky appearance of the Castaways appealing for a beach vacation.<BR><BR>Have you checked their website? LMF

Thanks LMF for the reply. I've checked their websites and like the fact that they're &quot;beachfront&quot; units. Tween Waters is the sister property, but understand you have to cross the street to get to the beach. Maybe no big deal, but really wanted something sitting on the beach. However, the pool is important too for the girls. The Casa Ybel is almost $100 more per night. Don't know if I want to swing that for a quick family outing. <BR><BR>LMF, why would you recommend Tween Waters over Cataways. Location, nicer pool, other amenities? Appreciate hearing others opinions too.

Thanks LMF for the reply. I've checked their websites and like the fact that they're &quot;beachfront&quot; units. Tween Waters is the sister property, but understand you have to cross the street to get to the beach. Maybe no big deal, but really wanted something sitting on the beach. However, the pool is important too for the girls. The Casa Ybel is almost $100 more per night. Don't know if I want to swing that for a quick family outing. <BR><BR>LMF, why would you recommend Tween Waters over Cataways. Location, nicer pool, other amenities? Appreciate hearing others opinions too.

the road you cross from Tween Waters is really nothing...a two lane street actually as traffic is about 30 mph here or less and it is two lane and everyone gives pedestrians the right of way. They have a nice pool, the restaurant has awesome breakfasts, the NasCrab races at the bar are family fare and lots of fun. The pool, if important, is much better at Tween Waters but we are not talking about some fabulous resort pool with waterfalls and tiki bars, but it nice and will have many children for you nieces to make friends with. The Canoe Club on the property is fun...I believe Olive Oyl has described the antics of the otters coming up to the restaurant (right on the back bay). LMF