Ok, I know it's a somewhat ghastly choice, but a lot of the places recommended on this board are either sold out or require 1-week minimum stays for the week after Easter when we're going (we don't want to stay the entire week, just 3-4 nights). Plus, we'll probably need 2 rooms (2 daughers, 11 and 13 are coming) and we can dump some Amex Reward Points into the venture, I believe. So, here's my question. It's located on 3287 W Gulf Drive Sanibel Island. Is it an isolated location, far from beaches, etc? Cause that would be a deal breaker. Are most of the great beaches accessible to the public -- meaning you can get there even if you're not staying at a hotel right on their site? Because, as long as we can wake up and quickly get to a great beach(es), we'll be ok. let me know, guys, I want to book soon! And thanks again for your help!

Have you checked the feedback for this location on tripadvisor.com? I've found really good lodging advice there.

I was looking into reviews and whatnot, and although Expedia has none, it does list a "palm-shaded beachfront picnic area." And on the maps (go to local.yahoo.com and type in Bw Sanibel Island Beach Resort in Sanibel, FL, which is actually what the hotel is called), it sure looks like it's on the beach.. I'll keep looking for more info. I have a friend who lived on Sanibel Island for a year or so last year but she doesn't remember the Best Western, so maybe it's forgetable...

The Best Western is on the beach.

I've never stayed there but I've driven past it en route to the hotel I usually stay at, further down West Gulf.

Hope this helps.

kflodin, we stayed there but it was 3 years ago so things may changed. It is right on the beach and you can walk on it as far as you want. There were plenty of shells but not big varieties so shelling to us wasn't that exciting after two days. Altough we really enjoyed the Shell Museum in Sanibel.
If you want to get from BW to a restaurant or market you have to drive.
As to the hotel/motel I would say it was worthy as we paid something like $120 and stayed in Oceanfront suite. I suggest to be very careful when booking. Our room was on a second floor (the number of the room was something like 122) but the rooms located on a first floor looked as they were half in the basement so you go down to get to them and windows are small and placed high in order to have them above the ground level. I would book rooms only on a second floor and with ocean view or oceanfront. We had a kitchen in our suite so we were able to prepare some of our meals. The breakfast was included in a rate and it was pretty decent. I cannot recall details what breakfasts included but I remember bagels and cream cheese. The room was clean, the staff nice and manager very helpful. I would stay there again but only in the oceanfront suite. The pool wasn't open but we were there in November. Don't expect a gorgeous soft sand on the beach, you have to wear shoes. Again, keep in mind we were there three years ago.

these are all very helpful, thanks. One more specific question about the beaches, I'll post in a separate email.

Let us know if you have a specific beach question: we go to Sanibel every February, and will be there in 3 weeks (happy days!)

I think Pat's comment about the beach: "Don't expect a gorgeous soft sand on the beach, you have to wear shoes" is a bit misleading. The sand itself is soft, white and talcum-y -- but because of the abundant shells, some whole and some broken, you will probably be more comfortable wearing beach shoes of some kind to walk the beach. If you're just lying on the beach, no worries.
(My 2 cents...)

In the end, I was able to get a 4 night reservation (Sunday through Wed night) for a 1-BR bayview suite at "Tween Waters, which seems to be well-regarded here on this board. I'm psyched. Was definitely panicking because lots of the "good" places -- and even some of the mediocre ones -- were requiring a 7-night stay for that week (week after Easter), which we couldn't pull off. What I also really like is that their sister property is Castaways (wanted 7 nights, BTW!), located right by Blind Pass, which by everyone's account is THE shelling beach. And with our parking permit/pass/ticket thing-y from Tween Waters, we can park at Castaways, too. Should be good. I'm psyched. Beach shoes duly noted! I'll be tweaking trip more and have other questions about things to do and places to eat (we're all foodies, including 2 teen kids), so look for more post ?s. In the meantime, thanks so much everyone for your guidance. I'll be sure to post a trip report when I return.

This is a pretty good web site and message board for all things Sanibel. Locals post to it.
http://www.sanibel-online.com/message_board.htm