Sandpiper Gulf Resort

With a yellow and stone exterior, the Sandpiper Gulf Resort stands out from other properties on two-lane Estero Boulevard. A bright blue awning hangs over the small double door entrance in the outdoor parking lot. There are two-, three- and five-story buildings with white balconies, but there aren’t any elevators. The rear courtyard is nicely maintained with trimmed hedges, lawns, and palm trees that complement the beach setting. Cottage-style decorations fill the small lobby that features rattan furniture in the lounge and a hutch with sunscreen and sundries for sale. Overall, this is definitely an older property but it's clean and well looked after.

This property’s affordable rooms with kitchenettes and the beachfront location appeal to couples and families with children. Guests typically gather in the garden to play shuffleboard and barbecue, but the setting is nonetheless quiet. To keep everyone happy there is an adult-only pool and a family pool. 

This hotel is in a quiet, less busy location in the center of Estero Island with direct access to 315 feet of sandy shores. Not much is in walking distance on Estero Boulevard, but with a car it’s a 15-minute drive to the bustling Times Square scene that offers bars and restaurants. The Beach Trolley stops nearby the hotel. On the sand are beach chairs and umbrellas for rent and kiosks offer water-sports equipment and dolphin tours. Guests can stock up on provisions at the Publix Super Market that’s a two-minute drive from the hotel. Coconut Point Mall is a 40-minute drive. The drive to Southwest International Airport takes 45 minutes. Getting to Naples takes about one hour by car. Sanibel is a 30-minute drive and Captiva Island is one hour away.

The style in rooms is influenced by the British West Indies. Think: wicker-back chairs, neutral tile floors, white shutters, wooden headboards, blue and green tropical textiles, Leonetto Cappiello artwork, and sitting areas. The overall effect, though, is still generic and mid-range. Free VOSS water and a hotel beach bag are nice perks. Rooms appeal to travelers on an extended stay. Kitchenettes are set with dining tables, granite counters, two-burner stovetops, large refrigerators, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, plates, cups, and utensils. Rooms vary from 430 to 500 square feet, and sleep up to six people. The one-bedroom Penthouse has 700 square feet of space with a wrap-around balcony. Furnished balconies or patios overlook the beach, courtyard, Gulf of Mexico, and/or pools. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons. Granite counters are also in bathrooms, which have shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Blocks of rooms are available for reunions or gatherings. 

This hotel’s waterfront property is ideal for beach lovers since guests have direct access to the sand from a gate by the main pool, which is for families. There are beach chairs and activities for rent from third party vendors, as the hotel doesn't provide these facilities. A lovely garden courtyard features two shuffleboards, barbecue grills, and a picnic area. Another pool is by the five-story building and designated for adults only. Also in the garden is an outdoor bar area with free water and coffee, but the hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or serve alcohol. Other freebies include outdoor parking and beach towels. A computer and printer are available in the lobby and Wi-Fi is provided for free throughout the property. Two coin-operated machines are in the small laundry room. Active guests have access to the fitness center at the sister hotel, the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa, which is 15 minutes away by car.