We stay at the Beachview Cottages regularly. There's nothing else like it. You can get a cottage right on the beach, so you can go shelling as early or as late as you'd like, and go swimming whenever too.

The cottages are 50-60's design, and we love it that way.

The cottage I usually book is number one, right at the front of the beach. The units have nice screened in porches {to leave your sandy shoes (broom included)} and also to sit out in at night, listening to the surf, protected from insects.

The cottage is nice-sized, with a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchen/dining room. As an efficiency, everything you need is there--dishes, utensils, towels, flatware. Each unit has an outdoor grill, and a clothesline to hang wet bathing suits. The porch has a little table and chairs, as well as citronella candle.

The hotel has a covered shelter with picnic tables on the beach for any guests to use. We met wonderful people there in the mornings, as it was a popular place to bring your breakfast, or at night, to sit and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.

The pool was quite refreshing and clean, and guests can use bicycles for free, to pedalto Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to rent a kayak at Tarpon Bay. Bring your camera—you can rent a waterproof case for a buck or two. Two of you can easily follow the signs on the water trail through the bay, where you'll get real up-close looks at marvelous creatures, such as herons and spoonbills.

Sanibel is not the place to go if you want to be or need to be entertained. It is a natural island. People usually come here for the best seashelling in the US, for the birdwatching, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, and the refuge. It's a wonderfully relaxing place, where you can spend a day outdoors either in the bay or by the sea, and then enjoy a scenic dinner at night at a great restaurant with tons of atmosphere. If you want nightlife, pick another destination. I completely disagree that it is not a good place for kids. Of course, if your kids need a video arcade or a mall, yes, it may not be the best choice. But we always see lots of children swimming, shelling, playing in the sand, taking boat tours of the refuge, "oohing and "aahhing" at alligators and flocks of birds, enjoying sailboat rides next to schools of dolphins, fishing, and riding their rented bikes along the miles of easy to manage boardwalk trails. What could be more entertaining than that? Also, if you wish to be pampered, there are many, many other spa-type condos and hotels on Sanibel. These are cottages! Think privacy, room to make a mess, a home away from home. Think cabin on the beach. If you need luxury, pick a spa resort. If you want natural, laid-back, comfort and coziness, book one of these cottages! They’re a vanishing breed!

One word about the island (and Captiva too)--there's a possibility that a Red Tide may be affecting the area, so you may wish to call and speak to the desk person before you plan a trip.