On the barrier island of Sanibel off Florida’s southwest coast, the newly renovated Sundial Resort is a unique tropical island destination with miles of shell-strewn beaches. Guests select from spacious accommodations complete with kitchen, living room & dining area. Voted Best Full Service Resort for nine years in a row, Sundial offers an abundance of resort amenities & services. Directly onsite are four award-winning restaurants including a Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar. Resort amenities include tennis & pickleball courts, heated swimming pools, spa, marketplace & more. A daily resort fee includes kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, chairs & umbrellas, volleyball, bocce ball, tennis & pickleball, fitness center, organized recreation and wifi.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Thai
Location
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-6521
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
3,817 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Our extended family recently booked five separate condos directly with the resort for the week after Christmas. This was our second stay at the Sundial and we were disappointed to see how they've allowed even the most prime location units become run down. Ours had a large rip in the screen door to the patio, which allowed the bugs to come in. It took several calls to have someone come over to put duct tape on the screen but it couldn't be repaired during our stay despite our being there for 8 nights. Also, one of our master bedroom windows had the lock sheared off so that the window didn't open. Again it couldn't be fixed during our stay. And the window shades in the guest room were broken. They did give us some compensation in a 12% reduction in the room charge, but we would have preferred a unit with screened-in windows and doors we could leave open. Also, I see from the other comments that others dealt with a very crabby person at the front desk. We did, too: Her name was Lori. She always answered every question or request we had with "No." Not only was she cranky with us, she wouldn't help my niece store her luggage the day of her departure, wouldn't help my sister with her request for a bed sheet that wasn't 100% polyester, and declined to assist us pleasantly at check-in. Others at the front desk, including Rebecca and Brenda were great. Pros: The location of the resort is great; having a small convenience grocery store as part of the resort complex is a wonderful amenity, some units are very close to the beach, particularly in buildings A and E, and with the exception of Lori at the front desk, the staff was cheerful and nice. Cons: The pool is overcrowded; too many people including infants in diapers were allowed in the hot tub and a cigar-smoker was allowed to smoke despite a complaint; and there is incredibly loud music at the pool at all times, starting early in the morning. This resort has such good potential, but that promise has not been fulfilled, unfortunately, and we are looking for another option for our next stay in Sanibel.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Buildings A and E are closest to the beach.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful property with absolutely the nicest staff. There were actually no rooms available online for our stay since we were booking last minute, but I decided to call reception and they found me two units (we switched rooms partway through). Word of caution, if you book last minute, the price skyrockets. If I booked one week earlier we could've gotten a 1 bedroom ocean view for about $300/night (inclusive of breakfast). I believe we ended up paying a little over $500 and our second room didn't have a view. Nonetheless, both rooms were well appointed and clean. My only suggestions would be to update the mattresses and have laundry available in each unit. We enjoyed the tennis courts and bikes (which were included with our stay). The activities department was very nice and accommodating. There were also always lounge chairs available by the pool and on the beach, even when we came in the early afternoon. It seemed like there was a good mix of adult guys and girls trips along with family vacations and everyone got along. The kids kind of stayed on one side of the pool while the adults hung out in the deep end. We also enjoyed everything we ate. Breakfast is a buffet which is great for groups and the restaurant by the pool serves an amazing grouper sandwich for lunch. If you end up going to the Japanese Steakhouse, request Sammy as your chef. Overall, we had a wonderful stay and would come back again.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Mar 1, 2020
Dear ElizabethOrtega, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments and the 5-Star review. I am happy that you were able to book your accommodations and enjoyed your stay and the amenities of the Resort. Hopefully, you will return to Sundial on your next visit to Sanibel. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is a well-kept property, right on the gulf, with tons of activities and amenities, such as multiple pools, restaurants, bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, pickleball and tennis. The front desk staff and servers were very nice and accommodating. The desk let me know there was a cancellation in an oceanfront room so we could move to a better room (more expensive, but worth it). My only complaint, and the reason I took off a star, is that several staff in the activity center were rude and the rules they enforced were strange and not very welcoming. Some examples: a staff member gave me a "hurry up" hand signal one time as I started asking him a question. You had to sign a waiver for absolutely everything (a bike I can understand, but pickle ball?). I was told if the bike was't returned before they close at 5 I'd be charged $50/hour (presumably that means $750 because they didn't open until 8 am!) and you had to check beach towels in and out at the pool. The property was great though, so with some retraining for staff and easing up on the rules it would definitely be 5 star.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Jan 28, 2020
Dear Moomoos dad Thank you for taking the time the share the comments regarding your visit. I am happy that you were able to be upgraded to an oceanfront unit as it really is a beautiful view. Regarding the issues with the Activities Staff, I apologize for your disappointment with their attitude during your encounter. We are working with the team, as you mentioned, on training issues. Rules and paperwork, you are right that it seems there is a lot to cover, they are in place to be able to provide service for all guests. Quite often the bikes are not returned at all, which creates an issues for the next guest,. The paperwork for the Tennis and Pickleball courts are for liability issues as they are not always attended by a staff member. I hope on your next visit, you will have a great vacation and be able to give us that 5th star. Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our room was old, outdated, dusty, and the kitchen was full of ants. We waited 20 minutes for the host to come back to the stand to seat us at the Sea Breeze cafe. He never came back so we ended up awkwardly seating ourselves. We asked that the sweet potato fries only have salt and not the cinnamon sugar we received the previous day at Turtle’s poolside cafe. The sweet potato fries came out with cinnamon and sugar anyways. If you are going to put cinnamon sugar on fries, you MUST INCLUDE this on the menu. Who wants to eat cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries with a grouper sandwich? We had an umbrella put up by our beach chairs. I put it down for a portion of the day, and then wanted to put it back up. We couldn’t get it up on our own, so we asked the man who put ours up (and everyone else’s) for help. He was very rude and annoyed that we needed his help, even though he was already on the beach putting everyone else’s up and down. Very disappointing that Shima’s grab n go sushi was closed as the only other lunch option is Turtle’s/Sea Breeze which has the same menu. Would not recommend staying at this “resort” for the price. Only positive experience were the golf cart drivers who took us to and from the condo a few times. They were very nice, helpful, and knowledgeable.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sithembile Khumalo, Other at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Oct 31, 2020
Hi seattlemOmma First I would like to apologize about your experience while visiting our resort. I would like to let you know that we have taken the necessary steps to address and correct the areas of concerns that you brought forward. We appreciate you feedback.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am just home from my first and presumably last visit. I found the Sundial experience overall uncomfortable. Beds are too soft, rooms are marginally clean, needed to keep requesting supplies or services that should have been gimmes (took three tries to get soap for the BATHROOM SINK ew and twice for the kitchen), called maintenance one night about chirping smoke alarm...then another night for another chirping smoke alarm..then to come repair wifi router.... Cheaply appointed with contractor-grade countertops, cheap coffee, thin towels, etc. Ridiculously hard to get a beach umbrella; kid at beach activity hut told several different stories (no help, can't leave, drill is broken, I can't find my coworkers....) about why. We tried to get drinks and dessert one night at the restaurant but the server screwed up every item we ordered. We were on a lower floor and the people above us sounded like a thundering herd with tap dancing children. I would compare this overall to something like a Comfort Inn, a few steps below even a Hampton or Holiday Inn. Not worth the money. Reception area is deceptively lovely; breakfast is good. I did like the screened porch.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Lower level has only partial view due to dunes and seagrass, but resort did provide tall chairs...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Mar 1, 2020
Dear Jane B, Thank you for taking the time to comment on your recent stay at Sundial. Please accept my apology for the inconveniences you experienced. The issues you mention are not Sundial standards of service. I have forwarded your comments to the appropriate Department Managers to provide to share with their team members. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our unit was spacious and clean, which we appreciated. We didn't pay for a water view but could see the Gulf from our lanai partially. Loved being right on the beach. Housekeeping visited every day, making our beds and restocking towels, dish soap, coffee, etc. Our unit also had all the cooking items we needed. The bar by the pool had awesome drinks, and happy hour 3-5. The staff at the pool activity center were super nice and helpful.
The only downside was the crow problem at the pool. They poop on all the chairs, and wait until you leave your spot to flock and dig through your bags for food. They also took the lids off people's food trays from the restaurant and dropped food in the pool. Yuck.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Mar 1, 2020
Dear ShannaS8, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments regarding you recent stay at Sundial. I am glad you enjoyed our location and accommodations as well as the Staff members. We hope you will consider a return visit to Sundial on your next trip to the Sanibel area. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Checkin was miserable with an arrogant host and incompetent front desk personnel. Each and every step of checkin was a nightmare. We ended up finally checking in at 5pm even though we arrived at 11am and we were told we could have an early check in (checkin was to be no later than 4pm). The main pool heater was broken and the water was too cold to go in. The hotel REFUSED to give out any paddle boards or Kayaks due to a drizzle. The gym STUNK of mold and BO and the chins were slightly rusty. All the bicycles were signed out and there were no tennis courts available. When we arrived at our room, tired and hungry - and went to shower there was NO hot water. We called down to the front desk and the arrogant woman said we should learn to take 'cold showers' as that is what she did in the military. It was beyond bizarre. The room was also quite dirty. The dishes had food on them and the place was old and tired. We requested a room change but we were denied. We however were offered an upgrade IF we would pay another 350.00. The hotel did send an engineer to the room to attempt to fix the hot water issue and the air-conditioning (which stunk). The engineer was unable to fix the issues and advised us that the room was faulty and the issues have been there for a long time. We again asked for a room change but we were denied . We wanted to check out and we were told we could but no refund would be given. It is unconscionable that the hotel which was overpriced at $490.00 for the room and an additional approximately $100.00 resort fee that they tag on to your bill without telling you. We were not able to use any of the resort facilities and we literally got sick from the room. The night staff advised the morning eager would contact us and make it right however NO ONE called us back even though we have made over 6 calls to the facility. We checked out within hours as the room was uninhabitable.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The room was also quite dirty. The dishes had food on them and the place was old and tired.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Mar 2, 2020
Dear anianab, Thank you for taking the time to share the details of your experience. I apologize for the inconvenience, and have forwarded your comments to Department Managers responsible, as these are not the standards we expect at Sundial. At your convenience, would you please call our Director of Operations, Pat Walsh at 239-395-7231, to discuss your visit. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were in the resort this past holiday and even though we had a good time I do not think we would go back. Our suite was very nice, with a nice view but only one elevator for the whole section of the building, elevator was very old and it takes minutes to go from first floor to the fourth where our room was. Upon arrival to our room we noticed that the AC was not cooling. The first day we were preparing our breakfast when a cockroach came out from the coffee maker right after I prepared my coffee and took my first sip, that was nasty. I called the front desk immediately and asked them to send someone to clean everything, we went to the beach and when we came back to our suite hours later noticed that the room was never cleaned or disinfected. I called the front desk again and spoke with another attendant, she was very rude and offered a fake apology but offered free breakfast, I asked her once again to send someone to clean and disinfect and she assured me she was going to send someone. We left the room and came back hours later to find out that still no one came to clean so I called for the third time and spoke with a Manager Kim, she gave me a bunch of excuses and the only thing she did was sending someone to change the coffee maker.. Of course I was never able to used the dishes or the kitchen because I was on vacation and was not going to clean. We tried to enjoy the rest of our stay and spent most of our time in the beach. The guy that help with chairs and umbrellas at the beach was super rude all the time and giving us attitude, yelling to children and families, he was horrible. I spoke with Manager Keyla and explained what the guy was doing, she was awesome. When I was doing check out I spoke with another Manager, Brenda and let her know about everything that has happened during our stay and how disappointed we were with the resort and the service, she was very apologetic, very polite and professional. She discounted one night from our stay and gave us a tote with towels and some other little things from Keyla, that was very nice from her. I appreciate how kind and nice Keyla and Brenda was but still I wouldn't stay here again. We thought the resort was bigger and it wasn't. In their website they say that they have five pools which is not true, I looked for all the pools during my whole stay and one day asked an employee and they explained that the other three pools are in the private condos by their resort but because is the same owner/company they use them. No activities or good music, they even cancelled the fireworks they were having.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Miller, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Sep 18, 2020
Dear Roam15723480712, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us regarding you stay at Sundial. I apologize for the inconveniences you experienced and I am sorry about the confusion and lack of service offered by some of our staff. Your comments have been shared with the appropriate Department Managers. I am glad you were able to meet with Brenda and Kyla as they seemed to have offered some compensation as well as a sincere apology. Regards, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Sundial is hands down, the best resort I have had the pleasure of staying at. Every single staff member we encountered, from front desk, to cleaning, to activities, to restaurants, was friendly and helpful. And I mean that - they didn't seem like it was a forced friendly persona; they were genuinely a pleasure to encounter. The beach is beautiful and full of shells as we had hoped. The water is right on a sandbar so you're able to go out pretty far and it's warm and sandy. The food, specifically the Grab N' Go sushi is some of the best sushi I've had (and while you're there, make some conversation with the sushi master. He's knowledgeable and friendly! The bar drinks taste great and while they may seem pricey, they did not skimp on alcohol; plus happy hour deals were good. The onsite market had almost everything you could need and the prices were shockingly good - you're not paying a premium for convenience at all. I was expecting that to be expensive, but groceries were no more expensive than a regular store, and some of the touristy items were cheaper there than at other shops we went to. Our room was beautiful and clean. We had 8 people staying in a three bedroom and it didn't once feel cramped or like we were stepping on each others' toes. One out of our group is going back for the third time this summer with her family, and a few others are booking in the fall or spring. We'll absolutely be back, and I have already recommended it to family and coworkers back home. Can't wait for our next trip!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SundialResort, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Feb 24, 2020
Dear Jennifer G, Thank you so much for the 5 star review and wonderful comments! I am so happy that we exceeded your expectations. Your recommendation is so important to us and much appreciated. We look forward to your return trip. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My husband and I had our wedding at Sundial the second weekend in August, 2020. Everything from the beginning stages of planning to the wedding, reception, and honeymoon were perfect. We had zero problems! Tracy was AMAZING, and she helped every step of the way. She was so helpful and available to answer all of our (many) questions. She made sure we had everything in order, from the food, to the wedding ceremony, to the reception! She rocks!! Our amazing bartender for the wedding was Tony, he is so genuine and he truly took care of us! Pedro was also helping with the food/drinks and he was super nice and helpful! We really enjoyed the tiki bar and the drinks/pizza. Our room was clean, spacious, and had an incredible view. The only thing I would have changed would be to have a washer and dryer in our unit. While washer and dryer are available in each building, it would have been beneficial to have one in our room. There was ample, close parking. The restaurants on the resort were DELICIOUS!!
The resort has several beach access points, FREE chairs, umbrellas, and beach towels for use (first come first serve) but we never had a problem securing chairs and an umbrella. The guys who do the umbrellas are awesome and angle it how you want it based on where you want your shade.
We had no issues during our stay.
We also visited the salon during our stay. I got my hair and makeup done for our wedding. Amber did an amazing job! Our young girls also got their hair done for the wedding. Tracy had a golf cart sent over to our room to give me and the girls a lift to the main building and was great at calming nerves by letting us know when to walk, ect.
We used Patricia Slater as our officiant (recommended by the resort) She was excellent and she communicated with us often before the wedding!
We used Austin Trenholm as our photographer, he was great, had great ideas for pictures, and was very patient with the young kids. He also took advantage of a storm rolling in and got some amazing pictures of us!
Our cake was provided by LadyCakes, and not only was it beautiful, it was delicious. We got red velvet with vanilla buttercream icing.
With everything going on, (covid, restrictions) this was the perfect wedding for us! We are from St. Louis, but this was worth the drive and more!! Both of our parents, our daughters, and a family friend (family of 4) also stayed at Sundial. We had an amazing wedding, thanks to Tracy, Tony, Pedro, Austin, and LadyCakes!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:spacious rooms, incredible views, beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach, great restaurants,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Miller, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Responded Aug 14, 2020
Dear KelseyBudd2020; Congratulations from all of us at Sundial!!! Thank you for taking the time to share comments on your visit and the actual wedding! We strive to make that special day as perfect as possible and I am happy yours was a success. The staff you mentioned are all pros in their positions and we are lucky to have them on our team at Sundial. We hope to see you in the future when your travels take you to the Sanibel area. Respectfully, Becky Miller General Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our resort is closed due to Hurricane Ian. We are working to reopen in 2024. There is no public beach access through the resort however all Sanibel public beach accesses are now open.
There are more places to choose from in the Sanibel Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
sundial beach & golf hotel sanibel island, sundial beach and golf resort, sundial beach hotel, sundial beach resort, sundial beach sanibel island, sundial sanibel island
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaSouthwest Gulf CoastSanibel Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
227
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Which popular attractions are close to Sundial Beach Resort & Spa?
Nearby attractions include Sanibel Island Farmer's Market (1.5 miles), Bailey's General Store (1.7 miles), and Sanibel Historical Museum and Village (1.6 miles).
