Visiting Sanibel at the end of March. Need some help in deciding on accomodations on the beach. Is the gulf side or the lighthouse side better? Hoping to find something nice, clean, nicely decorated, pool, kitchen and close enough to bike/walk to shopping or restaurants.
Any information would be greatly appreciated!

there were some recent posts about the different resorts on Sanibel. Some are more low keyed than others but all will be aimed towards quiet relaxation.

We stayed at the Song of the Sea. It was really comfortable & convenient. We had a ground floor room with a screened porch on the beach. It was beautiful to sit there in the evenings & relax. If you want quiet & relaxed you might try there.

topping

We've been to Sanibel several times, and would recommend staying gulf-side. Sanibel is shaped somewhat like a boomerang, with the lighthouse being on the extreme east side close to the marina. Gulfside addresses will be better for beach access; we preferred West Gulf, although East is OK, too. We once stayed at West Wind Inn, which is about centrally located - was nice, reasonable, restaurant on site. It's also pretty easy to drive there, as the road was only 2-lane. It will be a good stretch of the legs to walk to shopping/eat - I would drive. Also go to west tip (Captiva) for good eats/shopping - don't miss the Bubble Room for fantastic desserts!!

We stayed at the Loggerhead Cay Condo's and they were lovely. Nice pool and nice beach. The one we were in was very nicely decorated and well equipped.

late March is High Season in Sanibel and very busy but lots of fun. If you want beach then you do the gulf side. Bay side doesn't have beaches per se.

I'll suggest something off beat and at the end of Sanibel where the island joins Captiva.
Very funky, clean retro units that are literally right on the beach and something out of the 50's. A variety of restaurants are within walking distance and it is a short jaunt to Captiva.

Check out: castawayssanibel.com
I just did a quick look myself and they are very detailed about their accomodations and prices. Have a fun trip

Check out these websites :
www.sanibel-captiva.org
www.gulfcoastrentals.com
www.vrbo.com
www.westwindinn.com
We also prefer West(or Middle)Gulf Drive location on the Gulf side. West Wind Inn also rents on daily basis. Most condo units rent by week.
Have a good time !

Thanks everyone for all of the information given so far! Any opinions on Casa Ybel itself and how far is it to bike to Shopping on Periwinkle and restaurants?