Tiki On The Beach

Tiki On The Beach offers pretty much everything you could want from a no-frills, budget property. This unassuming inn consists of two low-level buildings connected by a brick-paved courtyard, surrounded by a white picket fence. With a small fountain and a few planters filled with swaying palm trees, this breezy space is a pleasant spot that has a barbecue for guests to use. The tiny reception area to the right has lots of books and DVDs to borrow, a PC and printer, and brochures about local attractions. 

The cheery, affordable units with kitchenettes appeal to independent travelers on a budget. The Double rooms are great for small families (who don’t mind the lack of kid-friendly amenities on the property), while the King rooms are ideal for unfussy couples looking for a quiet beach getaway. 

The property is set along Estero Boulevard, Estero Island’s main thoroughfare. There’s a large Publix supermarket about a five-minute walk away, a big perk for guests looking to get the most out of their in-room kitchenettes. Otherwise, the inn’s neighbors are mainly other hotels and condos. There’s a stop for the local beach trolley across the street, providing transportation to the buzzing shops and restaurants of “Times Square,” a 10-minute drive away. Guests without a car should keep in mind that the trolley stops running in the early evening.

Lovers Key State Park can be reached in less than 10 minutes by car, and it’s a 40-minute drive to Sanibel Island. Southwest Florida International Airport is also a 40-minute drive away.

Guest rooms at Tiki On The Beach are individually decorated, so no two units are exactly alike. Expect whitewashed or wicker furniture, cheerful pastel wall colors, and prints with beachy motifs like palm trees or seashells. Most units are bright and inviting, although some have slightly dated tropical prints or older wooden furniture. All rooms have separate living areas with comfy armchairs and sofas, along with flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Free Wi-Fi is standard throughout. Beachfront units feature roomy kitchenettes with mini-fridges, two-burners stovetops and microwaves, while Courtyard rooms add ovens and full-size fridges. 

Bedrooms offer a king bed or two double beds, and many have second flat-screen TVs. The layout in the double bedrooms tends to be a little tight. Bathrooms vary from unit to unit, with some featuring shower/tub combos and others offering showers only. All bathrooms, however, have updated fixtures and Lord & Mayfair bath products. Most units have large, screened-in balconies with basic patio furniture. Some open directly onto the beach, while others overlook the inn’s pretty courtyard. Many Courtyard rooms also have partial ocean views.

Tiki On The Beach is small and simple, so extra features are limited. Most notably, the inn backs onto a beautiful sweep of white sand beach. Tiki provides free beach towels and loungers for guests.

The inn’s tidy courtyard includes a few plastic patio tables and vinyl chairs sheltered by umbrellas, along with a modern Weber barbecue. There’s also a small guest laundry room with a coin-operated washer and dryer. Guests have access to a PC and printer in the reception area, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout. There's also free parking available in the lot at the front of the property. Guest with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator.