Pros

  • In a quiet neighborhood right on the beach
  • Heated outdoor pool with plenty of lounge chairs
  • Cabana with shower for guests arriving early or departing late
  • All rooms have fridges, and many have full kitchens
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout and computer available for guests' use
  • Free on-site parking
  • Bicycle rentals available
  • Pets welcome (for a fee)
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Cons

  • Some of the rooms might look old-fashioned to some
  • No boats and trailers allowed on the property
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Bottom Line

The 27-room Waterside Inn on the Beach has a large variety of rooms and caters to those looking for mid-range digs with kitchens and easy beach access. Units here vary quite a bit, from rooms with microwaves and fridges to cottages and condos. There's a heated pool at the center of the grounds, and a quiet beach with lots of seashell-hunting opportunities is right next to the property. Pets are welcome for a fee, but boats and trailers are not.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Waterside Inn on the Beach

Scene

Colorful, laid-back beachside property

The Waterside comprises a cluster of multi-unit buildings and cottages right by the beach. The reception is located in a lavender house with light teal walls, big windows, a small seating area, and lots of souvenirs and sundries for sale. The buildings and cottages are laid out around a central swimming pool, and many are painted in bright colors. The grounds are full of tall palm trees and leafy shrubs, and are small enough that guests are always within a couple of minutes' walk from the beach. The property is popular with vacationers who seek a quiet beachside holiday.

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Location

Beachfront location in a quiet residential neighborhood

The Waterside Inn is located in a quiet residential neighborhood near one or two other hotels. There's very little traffic, and beach crowds are few. It's a 15-minute drive via Sanibel's main drag, Periwinkle Way, to the Sanibel Lighthouse. Fort Myers Beach is a half-hour drive down the Sanibel Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland, and the South Florida International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away.

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Rooms

A variety of rooms, cottages, and condos -- most with kitchens

Units vary from rooms to independent cottages but each is spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. Upper-floor units have great views of the property. All have rose-colored bedspreads, and most have blue-accented walls and a mixture of tile, carpeted, and hardwood floors. Some have decks with chairs. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Cottages and condos come with full kitchens. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, single sinks, medicine cabinets, and basic toiletries. The Honeymoon Cottage includes a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Dried and artificial floral arrangements look fussy and dated.

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Features

Heated outdoor pool, shuffleboard, barbecues, and bikes

At the center of the property is a small heated outdoor swimming pool, encircled by blue lounge chairs and towering palms. Guests arriving early or checking out late can use an air-conditioned changing cabana with a shower, located next to the pool. There are gas barbecues and a shuffleboard court, and bikes rentals are available. Detergent for the coin-operated laundry machines is sold at the front desk, along with sundry items like puzzles, souvenir apparel, beach towels, and coffee mugs. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and pets are welcome for a fee.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Waterside Inn on the Beach

Scene

Colorful, laid-back beachside property

The Waterside comprises a cluster of multi-unit buildings and cottages right by the beach. The reception is located in a lavender house with light teal walls, big windows, a small seating area, and lots of souvenirs and sundries for sale. The buildings and cottages are laid out around a central swimming pool, and many are painted in bright colors. The grounds are full of tall palm trees and leafy shrubs, and are small enough that guests are always within a couple of minutes' walk from the beach. The property is popular with vacationers who seek a quiet beachside holiday.

See More Scene

Location

Beachfront location in a quiet residential neighborhood

The Waterside Inn is located in a quiet residential neighborhood near one or two other hotels. There's very little traffic, and beach crowds are few. It's a 15-minute drive via Sanibel's main drag, Periwinkle Way, to the Sanibel Lighthouse. Fort Myers Beach is a half-hour drive down the Sanibel Causeway, which connects the island to the mainland, and the South Florida International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away.

See More Location

Rooms

A variety of rooms, cottages, and condos -- most with kitchens

Units vary from rooms to independent cottages but each is spotlessly clean and very well-maintained. Upper-floor units have great views of the property. All have rose-colored bedspreads, and most have blue-accented walls and a mixture of tile, carpeted, and hardwood floors. Some have decks with chairs. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Cottages and condos come with full kitchens. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, single sinks, medicine cabinets, and basic toiletries. The Honeymoon Cottage includes a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Dried and artificial floral arrangements look fussy and dated.

See More Rooms

Features

Heated outdoor pool, shuffleboard, barbecues, and bikes

At the center of the property is a small heated outdoor swimming pool, encircled by blue lounge chairs and towering palms. Guests arriving early or checking out late can use an air-conditioned changing cabana with a shower, located next to the pool. There are gas barbecues and a shuffleboard court, and bikes rentals are available. Detergent for the coin-operated laundry machines is sold at the front desk, along with sundry items like puzzles, souvenir apparel, beach towels, and coffee mugs. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and pets are welcome for a fee.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Beach

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.