As we all know, accommodations are one of the most important aspects of your trip.
Sanibel Island, Florida has many different types of places to stay that will fit whatever needs you may have.
We've also included a few cost saving tips to aid in your decision making.
If this trip is to be a romantic getaway for your honeymoon, or even for a 'just because we want to" then check out the Seaside Inn.
It consists of well appointed cottages that will allow you the privacy you desire for a little rest and relaxation with your spouse.
Another great romantic option is the Waterside Inn on the Beach.
It has recently been refurbished and boasts a great honeymoon suite (you can always have a second honeymoon, or third, or fourth...
you get the picture).
Seahorse Cottages are another great option of a romantic place to stay as well.
For families, the Tortuga Beach Club Resort is always a good bet since it boasts one of the largest pools on the island and has most of the amenities you need (microwave, pots, pans, oven, refrigerator, etc.
) for a great family vacation -- so you won't have to eat out for every meal! Some other family friendly places to stay on Sanibel Island are The Sanibel Inn, Sunset Beach Resort, and Beachview Cottages.
One other option you may want to look into when planning your trip is a condo rental instead of a hotel room during your stay -- especially if you have children.
Sand Pointe Condominiums has many of the amenities you need to make your stay feel like a home away from home.
Some condo rental units include a washer and dryer and its location is very close to the beach -- both of which are great for families.
Sanibel Siesta Condominiums are also a good choice -- they are two bedroom two bath units with a pool and stocked kitchens (with equipment, not food).
Bear in mind that if you choose the condo rental path to check the terms carefully.
Sometimes there are clauses that will prevent you from getting your rental deposit back, or if there is no time to for the place to find a replacement for you, you may still be responsible for the entire rental payment.
If there is any uncertainty in being able to make the trip, it may be best to forgo this option -- even if it is a great place to stay and fits all of your needs.
A few money saving tips for you to use while on your trip...
Try to bring a few things from home like coffee and snack food (i.
e.
cereal bars, granola bars, crackers, etc.
).
Snacks and drinks can really add up and if you bring a small stash for you and your family, you can avoid the possibility of getting ripped off and pay $3 for a bag of chips.
If you are staying in a condo, try to stock up at a local grocery store on foods you and your family will eat for lunch and dinner so you won't have to eat out every night.
Hotels that offer free breakfasts can also help offset the cost of your stay if you can get up early enough to enjoy it.
Another tip is to travel during the off season.
You can save a pretty penny on your vacation rental if you go to Sanibel Island between mid-August and October.
Finally, negotiate, negotiate, negotiate...
You will be surprised at how much money you can save by doing this, especially if the unit you are interested in is ocean-view (not ocean front) or has no view at all.
There are usually more of these types of lodging available and the rental companies, hotels and resorts are always eager to rent these units and rooms out.
Also, call them directly.
Many of the different hotels and condo rentals have to pay a fee for every reservation they get from an online company.
By calling them, you may get a better deal since they won't have to pay that fee, and in the process you strike up a relationship early on with the staff which will help with customer service issues (should you have any) during your stay.
So, what are you waiting for??? The rooms are ready, the surf is rolling, and the beaches of Sanibel Island are some of the most beautiful in the world.
Get those bags packed and get moving for a vacation you will be glad you took.