Wanted to say thanks for all the replies for our recent trip to San/Cap. We had a great time (of course!) and wanted to give a quick recap of our hotels and some restaurant "reviews."

We stayed two nights at the Castaways which was disappointing; for the price, these units are very tired and, actually, not very nice. The only upside is that the beach-side cottages are a very short walk to the beach. We did not realize when we booked that they are associated with Tween Waters and that we could use all of their facilities. I had not been to the Tween in several years and it was a pleasant surprise. As as been mentioned on this site, they have done some major renovating and it shows. While their "funky" atmosphere is still evident, the renovated cottages are now beautiful and I looked at one of the rooms which has been totally updated. We had lunch at the pool and food was very good. When we go back, we will definitely stay at the Tween Waters.

We then stayed three nights at Casa Ybel in Sanibel--thank you for the recommendations on this resort--it is great, the rooms are wonderfully done and the facilities are very nice. For those of you interested in Kids Clubs, theirs is great (very reasonable in price, too) with activities throughout the day, as well as morning camps and Kids Night Out. One downside of Casa Ybel is their food was just okay and it is pricey. We did not eat dinner in their upscale restaurant; it did not seem busy, however, and others on this site did not give it good reviews. It is expensive.
Casa Ybel, while expensive, is a good value because it is well-maintained and service was excellent. One last thing, they don't serve breakfast, but there is a big supermarket across Periwinkle from the turn to Casa Ybel and the Island Bean, just up Periwinkle, had good bagels and decent lattes.

As for restaurants, we want to give two thumbs up to Key Lime Bistro. We went twice with our four-year old (early) and the food and service could not have been better. If you are only adults, this would be a great place to go as well. There are many choices on the menu, the food is great and the service is outstanding. They also have a good and reasonable wine list.

We ate at RC Otters, which was fine, but I would only recommend it if you are feeding kids. Adults can do better.

We also ate at Island Cow; again it is okay, but only if you need to feed kids.

Our poorest meal was at Matzaluna; the food was mediocre, the wait staff had no idea what they were doing and for what you get, it is pricey.

Happy to report they still make a great burger at Cheeburger Cheeburger.

Happy to answer any questions, thanks for those who wrote back to me.

Mary

P.S. We never made it to our special occasion dinner, but thanks for the suggestions which will have to wait for another trip.

I'm glad you like the Key Lime Bistro. It is my favorite on Andy Rosse Lane. Two years ago that nod would have gone across the street to RC Otters but they have declined recently and Key Lime is more sophisticated.

I've heard good reviews concerning Key Lime Bistro. We're heading down for two weeks in July, is Key Lime Bistro kid friendly? We have a 6 and a 10 yr old and we usually eat dinner early. Also, are Key Lime and RC Otters owned by the same people? We're planning on trying Doc Ford's - have heard many good reviews concerning that restaurant.

Maxie--Key Lime Bistro is totally kid-friendly--there is even a box of games and puzzles. Kids can order anything off the appetizer and lunch menus. Somebody probably knows the definitive answer on the ownership, but it seemed like they were owned by the same people. Take your dinner receipt to the coffee shop and your kids can pick out a small prize.

As I said, RC Otters was just okay for my husband and I, but Key Lime was great.

We didn't go to Doc Ford's because honestly it looked more like a bar than a restaurant and I wasn't sure it was appropriate for our 4-year old, but again, someone may have better info. on that.

Have fun,

Mary

Thanks for the trip report. We have been to Sanibel four times with our kids and it is a relaxing favorite that we all look forward to. I am always looking for a review of a new place to try and it sounds like Key Lime Bistro may be it. We don't get to try many new places because we each have a favorite that we insist on returning to Cheeburger Cheeburger is my son's favorite (next to the chocolate cake at Timbers). They make great milk shakes as well as burgers. We also had an expensive, poorly served, and very average meal at Matzaluna. Though there are many kid friendly restaurants to choose from, I still think that the Hungry Heron has the most extensive kids menu I have ever seen. The food is nothing amazing, but there is definately something for everyone, the portions are big, and the price is right.