Sanibel Island, Florida Lodging

Located off the southwest coast of Florida near Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is known for its shelling beaches. The island has a sub-tropical climate and numerous recreation activities including boating, kayaking, fishing and more than 70 golf courses. Visitors can choose to stay in luxury resorts, hotels, motels, small inns, cottages or campgrounds.

Hotels and Resorts

• Sanibel Island has more than 16 large resorts and hotels. Typical on-site resort amenities include swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, restaurants and bars. The Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort and Spa has over 300 guest rooms, the majority enjoying sea views. The resort offers its own on-site fitness center and a full-service salon; guests can enjoy half- or full-day spa packages right at the accommodation. The Casa Ybel Resort has 23 acres of landscaped beachfront property, and guests can lounge by the Olympic-size swimming pool. The resort offers a wedding package where the lucky couple can marry on the beach and have their reception in a century-old manor house.

Cottages and Apartments

• Sanibel Island has an array of 30 different sites with cottages and small apartments for rent. Typical features include a swimming pool, bicycle rental, beach chair rentals, a grocery shop and laundry facilities. Beachview Cottages offers one- and two- bedroom cottages and apartments next to the beach. If your kids get tired of looking for Sanibel's shells, they can learn about the island's sea turtles. Sanibel is a pet-friendly beach, but all pets must be on a leash; owners have to agree to pick up after their pets. As of 2010, Beachview Cottages charges $20 per day, per pet, but guests must send information about the pet they wish to bring in advance.

Campgrounds

• Camping is permitted only in the island's commercial campgrounds. Periwinkle Park and Campground, just a 10-minute walk from the beach, caters to both motorhomes, 5th wheels and tents. Facilities include hook-ups for RVs, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and picnic tables. In addition, guests can purchase ice and propane on-site. The park features a pavilion to rent for public or private gatherings. Guests should be mindful of the park's 7 1/2-mph speed limit, which is enforced throughout the park. Sites are available for rent or sale.