Anchor Inn & Cottages

A simple budget property, Anchor Inn benefits from cheery design and attractive, green grounds. The motel-style inn building is fairly generic, but the three A-frame cottages give the whole property an old-school Florida appeal; it also helps that all the facades are painted a sunny lemon yellow. Interiors, however, are a bit faded and no-frills. Buildings are framed by verdant plant-life and picnic tables are set under shady trees. There’s even a pond found toward the back of the property, which may occasionally hold alligators (if the sign warning not to feed them is to be taken seriously). The relaxed vibe throughout draws easy-going couples and families on a budget, and those that set their expectations accordingly may find this basic property meets all their needs. 

Anchor Inn's location is pretty and restful, though it may disappoint some beach lovers that want to be closer to the sand. It's set on the east end of the island in Old Town Sanibel, along tree-lined Periwinkle Way. The bike path paralleling the road in front of the inn connects to over 30 miles of trails that wind through the island. (The inn offers bike rentals for a fee.) 

The location is peaceful, but there are also a handful of restaurants within walking distance in addition to a grocery store a 15-minute walk away. Lighthouse Beach and the historic Sanibel Lighthouse are a seven-minute drive away. It’s about a 25-minute drive to J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, while Southwest Florida International Airport is about 40 minutes away by car. 

Cozy and clean, guest rooms at Anchor Inn are appropriately beachy with sea-themed prints like turtles and seashells. Homey fabrics tend to be a little mismatched and the mix of wood and white wicker furniture has a dated feel. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, along with window air-conditioning units, but housekeeping is only on request and costs an additional fee.

Standard rooms offer mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers, while studios add kitchenettes with stovetops. Appliances tend to be older but functional. Most bathrooms have pedestal sinks and shower stalls, in addition to off-brand bars of soap. Inn rooms tend to open onto an outdoor corridor overlooking the grounds, where patio tables are set outside each room.

The A-frame cottages are far and away the most charming room category, offering two bedrooms (one of which is set in a loft), separate living areas with sofa beds, and full kitchens with ovens. Cottages also feature wood-beamed ceilings and private front terraces. 

Anchor Inn’s modest line-up of on-site features covers the basics you would expect from a small value property. There’s a good-sized outdoor pool surrounded by a concrete deck with vinyl slatted loungers that gives a cool spot to splash around. A couple of picnic tables and charcoal grills give spots to eat alfresco, plus a vending machine with Pepsi products sells sodas. There are a few outdoor games like horseshoes and shuffle board, plus bicycles available for rent (helpful to get around the area's bike paths). Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout ,and there’s free self-parking on-site. Some rooms can accommodate pets for an extra fee, too.