Hotels in Sanibel Island

Book your cheap hotel in Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, located just a short drive away from Fort Myers, Florida, sits along the Gulf of Mexico. It is rightly famed for its luxurious resorts, abundant wildlife, geography, shells, sunsets, and lighthouse. The location is home to several famous people. NBC's retired anchorman Williard Scott lives on the island, and not too far away lives the Aerosmith rocker, Joe Perry. There are many water activities to indulge in, including shelling, among the most popular activities.

The island hosts great accommodation facilities, including many luxurious beachfront resorts and hotels. However, there are also budget-friendly options available, such as inns and suites. The cheap options often offer extra perks, such as complimentary breakfast, free parking, and WiFi. Some places even offer great marina views, allowing you to see the boat docks right from your hotel room.

What to see and do in Sanibel Island

  • Bowman's Beach: This is probably the best place to perform the Sanibel Stoop (shell picking). It requires minimal effort to find them. The area is known for its gorgeous shells, primarily collected from areas with waist-deep water.
  • N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge sits on over 6,400 acres. It shelters mangrove forests, seagrass beds, marshes, alligators, crocodiles, and countless birds.
  • Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: Don't be deceived by the small size of this museum. Nineteenth-century Bajan women produced shell art for the sailors in the region to take back to loved ones at their homes. The pieces are referred to as sailor's valentines. The museum hosts many popular exhibitions of sailor's valentines. You'll also see seashells from across the world and life portrayals of the native Floridian Calusa people who once resided in the Southwest Gulf. You can also get detailed information about your seashell treasure collections.
  • Periwinkle Way: This makes up the island's main thoroughfare. Here, you'll find lots of shopping opportunities and restaurants.
  • Blind Pass Beach: Stretching across Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva Island, this beach is ideal for sunbathing, fishing, shelling, and breathtaking sunsets.
  • Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife: The clinic nurses injured wildlife. Local specialists perform emergency surgeries, provide rehabilitation, and supply medicine to the animals.

What to eat in Sanibel Island

Florida State is known for its fresh seafood, and the island does not disappoint. You'll find luscious dining opportunities all around. American, International, and French cuisines make up most of the menus. You'll also find several Italian, Japanese, and Caribbean options. Popular seafood dishes include shrimp, stone crab, grouper, and snapper.

Typical events and festivals in Sanibel Island

  • Fort Myers Art Walk: This monthly event takes place every third Friday of the month. It showcases the locality's finest galleries and artists.
  • Farmer's Market: This weekly event intends to provide local produce and food to residents, such as seafood, honey, cheeses, bread, and flowers.
  • Sea Shell Festival: Held annually in March, the festival attracts nationwide visitors. Residents display their shell collections, and you'll also find crafts and baked goods for sale.
  • Luminary Festival: The Chamber of Commerce organizes and hosts this event in December every year. It's a community-wide celebration that brings together locals, tourists, companies, and charities to spread holiday cheer and celebrate the festive season.
  • Music Festival: This annual event is held in April and comprises educational outreach programs. It also hosts various musicians providing open-air performances. Previous years featured Olga Kern, the Emerson String Quartet, and the Opera Theater of Connecticut.
  • Island Hopper Songwriter Fest: This ten-day music festival is held annually in September on the island's beaches. It attracts some of the top singer-songwriters in the city, the neighboring town of Nashville, and other nationwide cities.

How to move around in Sanibel Island

There isn't a wide range of public transportation options available on the island. For a short trip out to grab dinner or relax on the beach, the cheapest way to get around is on foot. In the area around Periwinkle Way, the restaurants and shops are all within walking distance of each other. Another convenient way to move around is by taxi, albeit expensive. The best alternative is to rent a car. There is so much to do and see on this island. It's best to have a private vehicle, so you don't miss out on any of the fun. By the end of your trip, you'll likely save enough money from not taking taxis to cover half the cost of your rental car.

The climate in Sanibel Island

The island enjoys warm temperatures all year round, including the winter months. The coldest time is from December to February, even though temperatures remain pleasant between 54° and 77° F. From June to September, you can expect temperature highs of 91° and lows of 73° F. There's a considerable amount of rainfall throughout the year, mainly between June and September, with each month raining between 12–15 days. November to April are the driest months, with each bringing only about three days of precipitation.

Sanibel Island today 68°F
73°F | 61°F

In Sanibel Island we will have soft rain, soft clothing is recommended as the temperatures is going to be warm throughout the day.

    • Wednesday
    • 72°F | 61°F
    • Thursday
    • 75°F | 66°F
    • Friday
    • 73°F | 70°F

34 Accommodations in Sanibel Island

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Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

3.8 mi from city centre Excellent location
Hotel West Wind Inn

Hotel West Wind Inn

1.2 mi from city centre Excellent location
Casa Ybel Resort

Casa Ybel Resort

2.8 mi from city centre Excellent location
Tropical Winds Motel & Cottages

Tropical Winds Motel & Cottages

2 mi from city centre Excellent location

Frequently asked questions about Hotels in Sanibel Island

If you need a hotel with disabled access in Sanibel Island, we recommend Hotel Pelicans Roost, Casa Ybel Resort and Hotel West Wind Inn.

According to our clients, if you´re travelling with children, the best hotels in Sanibel Island are Hotel Sanibel Island Beach Resort, Hotel Sanibel Inn Beach Resort and Hotel West Wind Inn.

Some of the options for hotels with non-smoking rooms in Sanibel Island are Hotel Sanibel Moorings, Hotel Song Of The Sea and Hotel Seaside Inn.

In Sanibel Island, Casa Ybel Resort, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and Hotel West Wind Inn offer 24-hour front desk service.

If you're bringing a vehicle, we recommend that you book a hotel with parking in Sanibel Island, like Hotel Sanibel Moorings, Hotel Pelicans Roost or Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

The best hotels with a pool in Sanibel Island are Sanibel Arms West Condominiums, Hotel Sanibel Moorings and Hotel Song Of The Sea.

The best-rated hotels in Sanibel Island with a gym are Sanibel Arms West Condominiums, Hotel Sanibel Moorings and Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

The following hotels in Sanibel Island have luggage storage: Casa Ybel Resort, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and Resort Sunset Beach Inn.