We just returned from 4 days at Casa Ybel. About half of the rooms were closed due to hurricane reconstruction (the construction seemed to be mostly inside the units, so it did not bother us at all). We stayed in a one bedroom unit. The rooms are large and well appointed (2 sinks in bath, clean refrigerator and stove in kitchen, fully stocked kitchen, 2 TVs with VCR/DVD, DSL, etc.). I would agree with a previous post that the linens/towels are threadbare and should be replaced, and the mattress was very soft. Our room was a bit tired looking. But, I think visitors need to understand that this is not the Four Seasons. It is a family-friendly beachside resort. Kids and families are running back and forth to the beach and pool all day long, which is hard on a room.

The one major complaint I have is that, from our first floor unit's bedroom, you hear every sound outside the door (like people coming home late and stumbling upstairs to their rooms). If I go back, I would ask for the top floor to try to avoid some of this.

The staff was friendly (we had a problem with the DSL, and someone came within 5 minutes to fix it). The room and the grounds were well kept. We saw the staff scrubbing the grills thoroughly (community grills are outside). You cannot beat the location and view (50 steps to the beach and beautiful sunsets!).

We had appetizers and drinks at the poolside bar, which is good but expensive (any hotel's poolside bar is expensive!). All other meals we had off the property.

Since some of the units are being redone because of the hurricanes, I am curious to see if the remaining units will be updated. It would be worth asking when making a reservation.

We have just returned from a week at Casa Ybel resort on Sanibel Island. We stayed in a one bedroom beachfront room. The room was very large and comfortable, however, it was in need of serious updating. The resort does not provide any activities or beach chairs and the resort does not maintain the beach area. The public beaches are much cleaner. The resort has a very small swimming pool area. Sanibel Island does not have much to offer. Everthing is very expensive. Captiva Island, however, is wonderful. We will not be returning to Casa Ybel or Sanibel Island for a vacation.

After a couple of visits to Sanibel, we tried the Casa Ybel. Now we see no reason to stay anywhere else. The resort is small enough to project a quiet ambiance, but still offer personalized service. Our one bedroom suite was perfect for two adults, with a gorgeous view of the grounds and (oh Yes) the Gulf of Mexico. Beach service is great , small but nicely appointed pool and snack bar, terrific restaurant, and friendly staff make Casa Ybel the only choice. We have found it to be conveniently located to a coffee bar (The Bean), a grocery store (Jerry's), and all the best dining experiences. Being too predictable, we really enjoy Timbers, MC T'S, The Lazy Flamingo, and The Bubble Room. We may try a few different restaurants next month but staying at The Casa Ybel is what really defines our visit.

Casa Ybel had my $1750 deposit for 8 months and now I am having trouble getting it back. I was informed 60 days prior to our arrival date that they wouldn't fulfill our reservation. The hurricane was in August and they waited until January to let us know that they had no room for us. They gave us no guidance on finding another place to stay. As you can guess most places are already full.