Sanibel Island Beach Resort is Open
As Sanibel and Captiva recover from Hurricane Ian, restaurants and resorts are opening slowly but surely. I recently stayed at the Sanibel Island Beach Resort on Middle Gulf and loved the experience. I paid a Florida resident rate (around $240) per night but the amenities are nice — and you’re right on the beach. This is where the old Holiday Inn was, now this resort has a new name and new everything, including a relaxing pool bar and an onsite restaurant called BRGR Kitchen & Bar, open for lunch and dinner.
They have standard rooms, completely redone, doubles, queens and kings. The amenities are good. I love the bathroom with its backlit mirror and amazing shower with subway tile. They supply you with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and soap. Instead of a standard plastic card hotel key, you can wear a comfortable bracelet that also unlocks your door. It’s soft and flat and won’t snag on anything – and it’s even more comfy than the ones at Walt Disney World.
The beach is awesome, right on Middle Gulf, so you’re close to the lighthouse and close to the west end. Shelling has been fantastic. I know some folks say that shelling in the summer is slack, but not while I was there. I’m talking mountains of seashells, perfect for sitting on top of and just sifting through for hours.
I didn’t eat at the restaurant, I’m sad to say, but the menu offered salads, wraps, burgers, sliders, etc. As I write this, they only have a few Yelp reviews, but they’re five stars! I’ll have to try it later this summer.
Another cool bonus is that they give you a complimentary shelling bag when you check in! I love that! The netting allows the water to drip out but the shells stay in. So, if you’re looking for a nice, clean place on Sanibel that’s right on the water with a beautiful pool area, onsite dining, super friendly people, and a caring staff, try Sanibel Island Beach Resort located at 1231 Middle Gulf Dr. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957. Give them a call at (239) 472-4123.
Let me know what you think!
Pool bar area with gulf views.
Sandy path to the beach.
Walk for miles on the beach behind the resort.
Complimentary shelling bag given at check in!
Here’s a fun place to take a souvenir photo, standing on the surfboard with the resort name in the background.
Sunrise through the sea oats.
Found this beautiful live whelk (that went back into the water!) but you can see the comfortable wrist key card.
