“Great location with perfect beach”
We spend 1 night in this resort, unfortunately it was only 1 night! The room was really pleasant. The hotel is right on the beach and the property is well maintained. the room was perfect with a beautiful view! The staff was very helpful and great, especially with the information about the resort and the Island given to us, knowing that this was our first stay on the Island. The complementary breakfast was really nice. The next morning we rent directly at the resort bikes, again they explain us where we should go. Great experience. The only regret we had is that we spent only one night!
Stayed January 2012, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: January 10, 2012
“Great access to the Beach”
When I drove down the drive-way I was impressed by the palm trees & how beautiful the area was set up. The check in was easy & the room was hugh. Two beds, a couch to sleep more, a fully equipped kitchen with table & chairs & the bathroom was neat and clean.
The complimentary breakfast was very nice. In fact when we asked for a bagel they had no problem doing that for us also.
Everyone at the Inn was helpful and great. The beach had shells a plenty and when we were there my only want would have been to have more sunny weather. It was September & there were 2 days of rain. But the stay at the Inn was Great!
Stayed September 2011, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: January 5, 2012
“Wonderful vacation spot!”
My husband, 16 month-old son and I stayed here for two nights before Christmas before going to visit family in the area. I chose this hotel based on TripAdvisor reviews and was not sorry, it was wonderful! Our room in Kimball Lodge overlooked the beach and was perfect for us. We loved having a small kitchenette so we could keep snacks and drinks in the fridge and cook simple food for our son. The screened-in porch off of the living area was wonderful; we kept the doors wide open for the fresh ocean air and it made the room feel huge. The grounds were very well-kept and lovely and all staff that we encountered were friendly and helpful. There was plenty of parking and the heated pool was great. And of course the beach was gorgeous!
Stayed December 2011, traveled with family
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: January 5, 2012
“Loved it!”
I liked the old beach atmosphere of this small resort. The pool was warm–very nice in the chilly weather. The beach wasn’t too crowded. I liked the concern that the staff had about the sea turtles–there are restrictions on what you can do during the summer to protect the sea turtle nests. Since we were here during the winter, those restrictions didn’t apply. Breakfast wasn’t great since I’m a vegan–nothing but instant oatmeal to eat for me. I tried to learn more about the history of the resort since I like staying in places with an historical past. You get some idea of it from the photos in the lobby but it would be nice to have a brochure. Overall, this is my kind of place—great rooms, location, and atmosphere.
Stayed January 2012, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: January 5, 2012
“Perfect beach location!”
Loved the location on the island, loved the beach decor and Historic Florida feel, loved being on the beach and the view from our room, loved the heated pool and vegetation around so it blended in, loved the tennis, bikes, kayaks, and activities for kids, loved the beautiful sunsets from our room, loved the personal service, loved the clean rooms, loved having a fully equipped kitchen, nice breakfast buffet, gourmet dinner — we’ll definately make the Island Inn a family tradition!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: January 4, 2012
“Great Stay !”
My wife and I were able to get away for 1 night (December 10, 2011). The Island Inn is a fantastic piece of property! We arrived early Saturday at noon. Because the room was not ready (OK…check in is at 3:00), we rode our bikes around the island. This is a must if you have never been to Sanibel. At 1:30, the check in staff called to say the room was ready which was a pleasant surprise. We stayed in the Kimball Lodge on the 2nd floor, what a beautiful view! The room was immaculate, we had a king size bed and a kitchen area. The hotel is right on the beach and the property is exceptionally well maintained. The only regret we had was we only had 1 night ! Can’t wait to go back !
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: December 13, 2011
We will be back!”
My husband and I stayed at the Island Inn for 5 nights in October, 2011. We had the end room on the second floor of the Matthews Lodge. The room was great and we loved the screened in balcony. The continental breakfast that was provided was very nice. We did not dine at the Traditions restaurant, but did stop in one evening for a delicious chocolate martini at the Traditions bar!! We visited Florida for 2 weeks and the 5 days at the Island Inn were the most relaxing and enjoyable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed talking to Todd, the valet, every evening.We may not get back for a few years, but we will stay at the Island Inn when we return.
M & B, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Stayed October 2011, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: November 10, 2011
“Great location, great price, old Florida feel!”
We have been visiting the Island Inn for the last three years and just love it. We like to go in the summer as that is their “off season” which means less people and great prices! We stay in the Kendall lodge rooms as they include full kitchens and have great views. We love the feel of the Island Inn because It doesn’t feel like a hotel or condo, but a quaint historic resort with an “Old Florida” feel. It’s great to not have to bring your own beach chairs because the Inn provides them.
Stayed September 2011, traveled with family
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: October 20, 2011
“Center of the Beach at Sanibel”
My wife is an avid sheller but had never been able to go to Sanibel before. This long weekend was her birthday present. Found and reserved the Island Inn on Travelocity using their GoodBuys program. We found the facilities clean, beautiful room, lots of improvements including gardens with automatic watering system being installed. Property is ON the beach and very nice pool adjacent. Restaurant called Traditions absolutely fantastic including live music and small dance floor. Continental breakfast included was just OK, but nice. Hotel rooms and private cottages available, local told us it’s the best kept secret since new owners started rennovations. Definitely do it again!
Room Tip: Need to ask which building and east vs. west window if sleeping in an issue. Too many options to cover here.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: October 17, 2011
“Don’t you dare stay here because I want it all to myself!”
I don’t want this place to become so busy I can’t stay here again! Frankly, I’m not sure why it’s not already.
Leslie, at the front desk, and I were on a first name basis. She is very nice and helpful and handled our very minor problems with a smile. (I ran into the dreaded “room key” problem)
Our room was very clean with a large shower and great view of the ocean.
The pool was close to the ocean and super clean.
The grounds were large and spacious and could be used easily for a large event.
My wife and I were here for our “babymoon” and want to come back again after the baby is born so DON’T COME HERE! 
“Wonderful accommodation in a paradise setting.”
My husband and I have visited Sanibel Island for the last 8 years, staying in condos on the beachfront.This year we decided to stay in a hotel/inn and picked the Island Inn after reading good reviews. It was WONDERFUL! The large bright room with lanai overlooked the beach where we could watch the birds, dolphins and sunsets. The maid service was excellent and our room was cleaned to a high standard each day with clean bedding and an abundance of towels.
The proerty has it’s own restaurant, Traditions on the Beach, which serves very high quality but affordable dining. The owner, manager and staff all made an effort to make us welcome and provided a top quality service.
We would recommend The Island Inn to those looking for a relaxed, beachfront holiday.
Stayed September 2011
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: September 26, 2011
“Very peaceful…right on the beach”
I stayed at the Island Inn for a weekend at the end of August. The location was perfect. I could hear the waves crashing from my room. The view was absolutely amazing. Watched the sunset right from my screened in porch. I found the kitchenette to be adequately supplied. Everything was clean. I suppose the carpet and loveseat could use an upgrade but all in all it was great. This is not a five star resort. Be prepared to sacrifice the amenities for location and scenery. We did try the continental breakfast. Definitely not anything special so I was surprised when they charged people over $15 for a bagel and some cream cheese. All of the employees I came into contact with were polite and helpful. Hopefully, we can come back next year and stay a bit longer.
Room Tip: We stayed in the Kimball lodge room 369. It is on the second floor 2nd or 3rd from the end. The screened in porch gave a perfect view to watch the sunset.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: September 17, 2011
“Island Inn will be our Sanibel Destination from now on!”
Our family has been coming to Sanibel every year for the past 7 years to vacation. We obviously love the Island for many reasons, but this year we stayed at Island Inn and we now have one more reason to LOVE coming!!! With a combination of all the modern amenities and quaint, old-world charm, Island Inn was ideal for us. All the lodging options are much closer to the beach than anywhere else we’ve stayed, making the trips down and back very easy and convenient. Our room was not overly elaborate, but beautiful, spacious, and very clean. The ocean view was beyond words. The staff was wonderful–not intrusive of your time or privacy, but very polite, friendly and helpful. The Restaurant was AMAZING! We all traded bites and couldn’t decide who’s we liked best. While there were plenty activities (bike riding, tennis, pool, etc.) to keep busy with, we spent most of our time on the beach, which was beautiful, very clean, and very private. We also really appreciated the beach chairs at no cost. We felt very comfortable letting our girls roam free from the pool, to the beach and to the lounge where they were allowed to borrow books and puzzles or use the television. I can’t say enough–our stay was incredible!! We can’t wait to come back next year!
Stayed June 2011, traveled with family
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: September 3, 20111
“Wonderful!”
We stayed here two nights in June and just loved it! For an “older” hotel, it is extremely well kept. The bathrooms have all been completely redone and are gorgeous for an older property. The rooms are on the smaller side, but are very clean and have everything you need. We reserved a Gulfview deluxe room, which had a screened patio with view of gulf, flat screen tv, fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Continental breakfast was included and was average with pastries, juice, yogurt, etc.
The furnishings are meant to have that “island feel” which I love. Bed was very comfy and the wifi worked perfectly. The beach is only a few steps away and is pure heaven.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 29, 2011
“Celebrating our 25th Anniversary”
We had a wonderful experience celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary a the Island Inn when we renewed our vows under one of the tiki huts on the beach and invited our friends to join us. We had games on the sand lawn, and dinner in the restaurant that night. We thoroughly enjoyed the hominess and many different areas for gthering and exploring just on the grounds of the hotel. And the long expanse of beach was delightful.
Stayed September 2010, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 28, 2011
“Loved our Stay at the Island Inn”
My husband and I stayed for a weekend for our 20th wedding anniversary. Upon our arrival we found a beautiful hand-written card from the staff congratulating us on our anniversary, along with two champagne glasses and a bottle of champagne in the fridge! Our room was clean and charming, with a screened balcony and table /chairs, and overlooking the gulf. We had easy access to our car which we loaded up with our bikes and kayaks and enjoyed all of Sanibel and Captiva. A beautiful and low-key inn, with attentive and knowledgeable staff. Great location for biking the island. We had a wonderful anniversary at the Island Inn and will certainly be back!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 15, 2011
“Great Place”
Just got back from Sanibel and the Island Inn on July 26. Stayed at Kimball Lodge facing the Gulf. The staff were great from the start and our room was awesome. Furnishings are perfect for the atmosphere the inn has. The room had a full kitchen, sitting area, bedroom and screened in balcony that was very roomy. The beach was great. Not many people and the shells just come in. We stayed the first part of our trip at a resort in Ft. Myers. Next year we are staying at the Island Inn for the entire time. Thanks for a great stay!!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 9, 2011
“Beautiful and We Will Go Back”
My husband and I celebrated our 21st anniversary at the Island Inn. It was beautiful our room was large clean and had a perfect view of the Gulf of Mexico. There was a private beach with many beautiful seashells. The staff were great and very helpful. The pool was very clean.
Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 6, 2011
“Fabulous Location! Truly Beachfront!”
My husband and i stayed at the Island Inn and this was our first trip to Sanibel. This is a wonderful hotel with lots of history on the Island. Great accommodation, fabulous onsite restaurant, free beach chairs, onsite pool and a very friendly staff. We felt like family while we were there. Housekeeping staff should be commended on their attention to detail too! Highly recommend this small comfortable inn!
Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: August 1, 2011
“Excellent for Business Trips as Well!”
We were in the Sanibel area for a business trip. We stayed at the Island Inn, what lovely accommodations!! The staff went out of their way to help us in any way. They worked diligently to ensure we had everything we needed. The rooms were pleasant and made you feel like you were at home. This was our third trip to the Island Inn, needless to say, we will be back!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: July 31, 2011
“Peaceful getaway, beautiful beach, lovely accommodations!”
My favorite website www.authenticflorida.com recommended Island Inn on Sanibel Island as a great getaway! It was idyllic! I opened my drapes each morning to a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. Bike rentals are available on the premises, the staff gave great recommendations for restaurants, bike rides, etc. They were always cheerful and made you feel they were happy to see you. Very hospitable!
The beach was expansive and the Inn is private and cozy feeling. A perfect getaway! I will go back soon!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: July 3, 2011
“Been Coming here for 20 Years!!”
Once again we made a trip to beautiful Sanibel Island! And once again we stayed at the Island Inn!! It is such a low-key, laid back place with no major crowds this time of year. Right on the Gulf with its own beach, great swimming pool, etc. The new “Traditions” bar and restaurant is great!! Loved the environment at the oldest inn on the island! You can’t go wrong in my opinion!!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: June 17, 2011
“Quiet Honeymoon on the Beach”
Beautiful place, so rich with history and so well kept. We were the youngest people there at 21, but didn’t mind because everyone was so friendly. The hotel restaurant was incredible–we ate there twice. And the owner is very personable, you feel like family right away! Our room had a screened in porch and ocean view and the beach was right in our backyard! We rented very affordable bikes and rode the island bike trails at least 5 miles a day.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: June 15, 2011
“LOVE this place – I will Be Back!”
My sister & I stayed here on May 30-31, 2011. We were in the Kimball Lodge. The 2 nights at Island Inn were so relaxing, so perfect! We had an amazing view of the Gulf & the pool. Our enclosed patio & room was spotless! I would & will recommend this place to everyone I know. I have stayed at other resorts, cottages – this place is THE BEST!! Hands down!! We had a wonderful time, cant wait to go back!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: June 12, 2011
“Fantastic”
My husband and I stayed here for four nights in mid May and wished we’d stayed longer. First impressions are very important and on arrival we were greeted with happy smiling faces, so different to the much fancier hotel we had just left.
TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: May 31, 2011
“Perfect Getaway”
Excellent location, lovely beach, great restaurant and a gracious staff!
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: May 27, 2011
“Loved our stay – great room – great view – great hotel staff!”
We are a family with a 2 year old and we try to vacation on a budget. When I booked our room, I saw a good deal on Travelocity, but I actually called the hotel for more details since I’m very nervous about staying in hotels in general. Well, our stay was better than I thought it would be. We stayed in a newly renovated room in the Matthews Lodge. We had a gulf view room with the king size bed, microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: May 23, 2011
“Just what I wanted in a vacation”
The resort feels much like it did when it was first built but has been redecorated – I loved the retro vibe. This is the way they built resort for families – before there was digital anything. There are common rooms with pristine white rattan furniture, shelves full of books and games, puzzles (a dictionary on a stand!!), horseshoe, volleyball and bikes for rent and grills for BBQ.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: May 23, 2011
“Prime Location on Sanibel & Great Value”
The Island Inn has a genuine “old Florida” charm and a great location on a fabulous stretch of beach.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Jan 23, 2011
“Old Florida Charm with Cozy Amenities”
The Island Inn is one of the more traditional resorts on Sanibel. It is lovely, comfortable, and private without a hint of pretentiousness. We stayed at the Starkey Lodge in a studio apartment with a view of a scenic courtyard (limited ocean view) upstairs and found it the perfect accommodation for us.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Dec 16, 2010
“Great destination for a family reunion!”
Our family spent the Thanksgiving Holiday at the Island Inn. We brought family in from California, Colorado, Arizona and Florida.
Chis Davidson the manager was terrific in every way. He made our famiy reunion an experience we shall never forget.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Dec 1, 2010
“Just Right for the Site”
Count my husband and myself among those who fell under the spell of the Island Inn. It was our first visit to Sanibel and the Inn contributed greatly to our desire to return. The location is ideal; it’s set on a gorgeous expanse of beach, is close to the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and handy to dining options.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Nov 19, 2010
“Historic property/great value”
My first visit to the Island Inn will not be my last. The entire property is well maintained and right on the Gulf of Mexico. I had reserved a room with a king size bed. I was checked in to the Matthews Lodge. The room was extremely clean and the linens were high quality.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Nov 6, 2010
“Heaven on Earth…Stayed longer than planned”
We discovered this private, heavenly gem after three trips to Sanibel. Stumbled on paradise. Rooms are spacious and nicely decorated. Great porch overlooking the Gulf. Dolphins fifteen feet from the shore. Charming staff, so friendly. Great pool. Wonderful location and the best beach.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Oct 20, 2010
“Sanctuary”
We have been visiting Island Inn for over 10 years and have always had a fantastic stay. It is our home away from home. We love it so much, we have booked flights to go through Florida so we can end our vacation on a guaranteed high note! The Inn always puts us in the “ZONE.” See you there…………
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: July 4, 2010
“AMAZING”
The Island Inn was wonderful. We were there Oct. 27 to Oct.31. Rates were very reasonable. The weather was amazing (90 degrees). The staff was wonderful and helpful. The room was perfect. We had a gulf view. At night the waves were so loud that we had to talk louder! That is how close we were.
- TripAdvisor Review
Date of review: Nov 10, 2009
