Sanibel Island - Florida
 

Need suggestions for the best hotel/resort on Sanibel Island. A nice beach is important to us.

Southseas Plantation. Probably the only "resort" on the island. I'm not suggesting that there aren't other good accommodations, it's just that I think this is the only resort. It's beautiful and has a wonderful beach.

I have stayed at Song of the Sea (very nice, more for adults than families with kids) and Casa Ybel where we had a one bedroom suite. Both are very nice. Casa Ybel has a nice restaurant plus some organized activities. I have had dinner at the Sundial which looks nice. It is pretty big - they have several restaurants and activities.

Think South SEas Plantation is actually on Captiva, the island just north of Sanibel. It's a lovely place with a good dining room. Pretty beach and nice swimming pool area. It's been years since we've been to Sanibel, I'd love to return.

check out the Shalimar Resort. Wonderful and not the high rise condo scourge that covers much of Sanibel and Captiva. Spent a week there last Dec. Great shelling, wonderful, uncrowded pool. They couldn't have been more accomodating. If you enjoy shelling check out the trip that leaves from the sanibel harbour resort marina and goes out to cayo costa.

My friend goes to Song of the Sea every year and the photos always look nice. It is quieter and more relaxing than SS Plantation. Depends on what you want. I think Sanibel/Captiva is still a quiet, relaxing vacation spot (one I've never been interested in). If you have kids and want more activities than SSP is probably the best.

There have been a number of posts on Song of the Seas (mine included); a search should pull them up. We stayed there in Nov. 98, and thoroughly enjoyed the facilities and its location on the beach.