Certain Type of Sanibel Accomodation?

All of the regulars here on TA make Sanibel sound like such a lovely destination. Is there a certain type of accomodation that lends to the ';feel'; of the island? From what I can tell, there just seems to be all kinds here (condos, cottages, gulfside motels, and the small motel or B%26amp;B type places in Old Town). Is there any certain type that might lead to a better experience for a first time visitor?

Certain Type of Sanibel Accomodation?

Wow, interesting question that I am sure will generate a lot of feedback.

For me there are a number of ';feels';.. Tropical, unspoiled, refined, casual, a bit retro...

The island is small enough that you can stay in any number of places and get a sense of Sanibel%26#39;s many moods.

I%26#39;d say: Where you you like to stay? Rustic? Modern? Family oriented? 50%26#39;s- 70%26#39;s - 90%26#39;s architecture? Resort? Cottage?

Many many moods..

Think of what you want and then we can help steer you there!

Certain Type of Sanibel Accomodation?

This is a matter of personal preference of course, but for grins here are my preferences.

I do not like hotel rooms so much. I want a ';home away from home'; when I am on vacation. I feel trapped and held hostage when I am at a hotel/resort. I want to be able to make my own lunch rather than buy that $10.00 hamburger, and not to have to tip every person I come in contact with like you do at a resort.

So for those reasons and others, I get a condo when in Sanibel, and have it stocked with loads of groceries, and make myself right at home.

I also prefer less crowded beaches, so I like to stay on the West end of the island. I also prefer my view from the beach to be the ocean disappearing into the horizon, rather than a view of Ft Myers beach, which is what you get on the East End, or ';old town'; area.

That being said, I love the whole island, I just have my favorite areas.

If I didn%26#39;t have kids with me, I would be staying at totally different places than what I stay at now. I would pick the places on the far west end of the island that are more remote and are far more peaceful. I would also stay in Captiva. It is more ';islandy'; there, but in my opinion not as kid friendly (narrow roads, not so good bike trails), so we always choose Sanibel to be more accomodating to our kiddos.

I am looking for someplace for two adults. I am more into modern or retro than rustic. Someplace fairly quiet and unique with either a private balcony or patio/porch. On the gulf would be great, but someplace within a short walk would be fine. To me, most importantly, someplace that has some character.

I responded to your question on the other thread. If you want unique but more modern I might suggest Island Inn - they have cottages, lodge rooms and new 1 bedroom condos. Kimball lodge was updated after Charley, but the place itself is pretty Old Florida and beachy.

Shalimar - look at the 1 bedroom cottages, almost on the beach. Beachview cottages are also quaint and in a great location.

Blue Dolphin has cute cottages in one of the best shelling beaches, but no pool. For that matter - check out White Caps cottages if you don%26#39;t have to have a pool.