Song of the Sea

Terracotta tiles line an understated, somewhat residential-style lobby set with wicker armchairs and a ceiling fan. An adjacent outdoor brick patio is furnished with tables, chairs, and umbrellas and a small stone pool is surrounded by plants. The manicured landscaping has an old Sanibel charm enhanced by the pastel-pink of the administrative building and two-story structures that house the rooms. The grounds are sprinkled with places to sit, including a number of slatted beach chairs set under individual thatched palapas.

Like many of the other hotels on the island, Song of the Sea is situated along Gulf Drive towards the eastern end of the island, a bit more than a mile south of the causeway bridge. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the restaurants and cafes on Periwinkle Way, including Lazy Flamingo and Matzaluna The Italian Kitchen, while Sanibel Lighthouse is a 35- or 45-minute walk northeast by foot, or a few minutes by car. Sanibel Inn, directly next to Song of the Sea and a two-minute walk away, welcomes guests from both properties at its poolside tiki bar. Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is a 40-minute drive northeast across the causeway.

A quaint, eclectic charm characterizes these simple rooms. Each guest unit has some form of a kitchenette which includes a small ‘50s-style stove with coil heaters, microwave, fridge, toaster, and coffeemaker. Most of the rooms however, do not have separate sleeping and food preparation spaces. Decor has a slightly colonial aesthetic, with plantation shutters on floor-to-ceiling windows, imitation teak wood and bamboo furniture, and textiles in greens and khakis with slightly dated elements like white linoleum countertops. A few rooms also have separate bedrooms. All units include free bottles of wine, LCD flat-screen TVs, screened-in lanais with seating, and bathrooms with shower/tub combos.

Amenities at Song of the Sea are on the limited side compared to more luxurious properties, but management does provide an array of thoughtful perks. All guests receive a free bottle of wine upon arrival and the free continental breakfast is served on a terrace. A small souvenir shop sells hats, sunscreen, and a modest selection of outerwear. Also on hand are a coin-operated laundry shack, shuffleboard courts, a small picnic area with a gas grill, and a heated, enclosed outdoor pool with an adjacent hot tub. The hotel maintains a section of private beach with paddle boards, kayaks, chairs, and umbrellas available to borrow for free. Loaner bikes are also included in the room price. Free Wi-Fi is available as well.