We have been to Sanibel a few times, and never have we been as satisfied with our other lodgings as we were at the Island Inn! We have found the place we hope to return to time and again.
The front desk is very friendly and helpful, the atmosphere of the hotel and its property layout makes you believe that you are the only people on Sanibel Island, and the very generous sand chairs, toys, activities, and super clean pool with keep you as busy as you like or, ignore it all and just walk the beach! Your location is pretty much in the middle of the island's beachfront, so you can walk for miles in either direction shelling and find something interesting on each walk, even in October when it isn't prime shelling season!
Our room was in Kimball Lodge, and it was very clean and everything was in working order. We had a great view of the Gulf from our balcony, and the communal balcony and gathering areas in our lodge were also very appreciated. And did I mention how very clean it was? We are still commenting on how surprised we were that a beachfront hotel could be so clean.
The continental breakfast was good, nicely set up, but definitely don't expect anything extravagant as it is just a continental breakfast of pastries, bagels, fruit, yogurt with a surprise of hard-boiled eggs. This was sufficient for my family, and it was really nice to not have to find a place first thing in the morning for breakfast, nor did I have to bother making breakfast for the family! But I overheard someone complaining about the lack of omelettes or at least scrambled eggs and bacon, so don't expect an Embassy Suites style spread. Everything was fresh though, and enough to tide one over until lunch!
While we absolutely loved our stay at Island Inn, and hope to go back again soon, I do have two suggestions. One, it would be really nice to have a removable shower head in the shower, especially for a beach resort. Sand removal is better with a removable shower head. I would really, really appreciate that!
Second, while everything was very clean, there is wear and tear in the room. Tiles are cracked, grout is missing, the coffee maker has seen better days, etc. Do not expect something pristine and looking brand new, as this place is older and it is subject to the harshness of the beach weather. Everything did work as expected, and again was very clean, but perhaps a bit of redo on the grout and such is in order over the next year or two, if management is considering aesthetics.
The toiletries, by the way, smell AMAZING! I need to Google where to buy them. My family really appreciates nice smelling toiletries for our shower!
If you are particular about your pillows, perhaps bring your own. We did all find the pillows a bit too firm for side and stomach sleepers. We managed to sleep, and after biking and shelling for miles we were too tired to complain but for a moment, yet I did miss my pillow in the morning when my neck was stiff. But if you like a good firm pillow, you will really like the ones here!
Bed was firm and we slept fine.
Overall, great place, we will go back, as my search for a perfect hotel on Sanibel is finished. I still need to find a nice Junonia shell, so I must return and stay at Island Inn!
