We chose the Sanibel Inn based on many reviews and were not disapponted. If you want a pristine, sparkling 5 star resort, this is not it. (some reviews I read apparently did) If you want a charming, well kept, nicely located Inn with ALL the amenities, this is it. We stayed in a beachfront unit with an unobstructed view of the Gulf. Short walk to the water, Inn provided chairs out by 8 AM every day, umbrellas for $10 or $5 after 1 PM, free bicycles, great pool (too warm for me), good full service poolside bar & grill, beautiful grounds, and all the staff were great. They even had a dedicated PC in the office for airline check in. The beach is real, not a fake daily manicured creation. We saw dolphins 50 yards out one day. We really enjoyed the Sanibel Inn

We stayed at the Sanibel Inn in early June. It was our first stay there, but second for Sanibel. The seasonal rate, amenities, and reviews sold us. Front desk check in was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our room had a view of the pool and the beach, but it was quiet and we had a very nice stay. The free bikes and beach chairs are great. The road in front of the hotel is not the main road so biking along that was easy going and had very little traffic. The location is convenient to all of the restauarants and shops as well as the lighthouse area. Instead of paying for the overpriced grill food at the pool, I took a quick drive to Jerry's and picked up a picnic lunch we had at the beach. Our room had a microwave, small fridge, safe, and wifi. Housekeeping was thorough and efficient. One small glitch. It wasn't until later in the evening of the first day that we noticed a "note" left by the manager informing us the on site restaurant was not serving breakfast. It would have been nice to know that at check in so we could have stopped at the store to pick up some things. The had coffee and muffins in the lobby ($1 each), and although the note said fresh fruit would be available, none was presented. The staffer at the desk said none met their quality standards. While our room wasn't a suite, it didn't seem to be outdated and it definitely wasn't uncomfortable. A great location, nice grounds, friendly staff, and good amenities.

Just got back from a one week stay at the Sanibel Inn. I have to say it was the most peacful, relaxing getaway my husband and I have ever shared. We stayed in the Periwinkle buildng (were accomodated with a king bed even though we did not stay in a suite) and it was great waking up every morning and looking out of the balcony towards the ocean. The hotel staff was very helpful and informative and housekeeping is better than many hotels we have stayed in. Room was extra clean and had a convienient kitchenette. We were able to have breakfast and lunch everyday in our room. We only used the pool once since the beach was so wonderful the entire time we were there, but it was very nice. Pool was clean and had many lounge chairs and tables to sit around. Very convenient if you want to have a bite at the restaurant right next to the pool. They have complimentary bike rentals, and beach towels. You can also rent a beach umbrella for $10 for a full day or $5 for half a day.
Location of the hotel is very good as is it close to the main road that runs pretty much the length of the Island and is filled with restaurants and shops. I would recommend taking a drive up to Captiva as there are many cute restaurants and activites. Sanibel island does shut down pretty early (mostly everything is closed by 10pm) and it is very dark after sun down. No street light, traffic lights etc., but I suppose that is a good change of pace for us city dwellers.
Overall this hote is very quiet and a great place to stay if you are looking for some rest and relaxation.

Sanibel Island had always been a special place for me. Ever since we did a vacation there back in the sixties when I was a kid. Beaches are wonderul, water is like caribean clear. This trip was a leasure trip. I have a new kayak I just finished building.... and a new girlfriend to try out too. I have stayed in The Sun Dial Resort, as well as Song of the Sea. Both owned by the same company I guess. The resort itself is old, but well kept. Its not the ritz carlton... but its nice in a Sanibel kind of way. Landscape is nice. Pool is OK. Pool bar is OK. The rooms are fresly remodeled and have brand new furnishings. Very comfortable beds. The sheets are like 600 to 800 count (a nice touch). The A/C could put a chill on a polar bear. The bathrooms were nicely done. Granite counters. Lots of hot water without those idiotic energy saver nozels. The rooms had good sound insulation. Service was friendly and good. If you are looking for five star this isnt it (go to captiva for that), but bring a fat wallet with you cause its going to cost. The room I got was beach front...... but the beach is a ways off so its lot like you are really "on" the beach.
The only goof I had was after I checked in the front desk guy comes running after us to direct us to a different room. I got double bed instead of a single king (but it was still fine, no problem). I did schedule kind of last minute. Its a nice place to stay on a wonderful island and not crazy expensive. We didnt go the the resturants on property so I dont know if they are good or not. All and all I would recomend. Kayaking on Sanibel is amazing.