Blog
Traveling to Sanibel With Your Pet? Here’s How to Stay at the Island Inn
Traveling to Sanibel With Your Pet? Here’s How to Stay at the Island InnWe love our furry friends, but we’re unable to welcome pets at the Island Inn. The good news: you don’t have to choose between your pet and a beachfront stay. Sanibel has excellent pet boarding...
The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel Island
The First to Welcome You Back to Sanibel IslandExperience Sanibel’s pristine shoreline from the comfort of Island Inn — the first hotel to reopen on the island, and still the best place to stay for an authentic Gulf-front escape.Photo taken December 2025Island Inn...
National Interior Designer Enhances Charm of Island Inn
Melinda Graham was commissioned to redecorate the guestrooms to reflect what the Inn represents to so many people today – a beautiful, cozy, home away from home on the beach – without losing its charm or history.
Sanibel Island Hotels
Island Inn offers two beachfront accommodation styles: Gulf-view luxury suites in Matthews Lodge and extra-large Gulf-view studios in Starky Lodge, each with the old Florida charm guests have loved since 1895.
Best Hotel Sanibel Has to Offer! Island Inn Wins 2022 Award for ‘Best Of’…
Best Hotel Sanibel Has to Offer! Island Inn Wins 2022 Award for ‘Best Of’…NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Wondering what the best hotel Sanibel has to offer is? The Island Inn was recently awarded the 2022...
Ellie and Jared Visit Sanibel
Ellie and Jared Visit SanibelThis past May, the Island Inn hosted our friends Ellie and Jared Mecham. Ellie and Jared spent lots of time with their family learning all about Sanibel and all the amazing things to do while vacationing on our beautiful island. We’ve...
Major Renovations at Island Inn
The historic Island Inn, the oldest Inn on Sanibel, has just completed phase one of a major refurbishment program modernizing all aspects of the Inn. More than $250,000 has been invested over the past year to upgrade and enhance the facilities….
Introducing Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites
Introducing Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites Take A Live Tour! Watch the Video Above... The historic Island Inn, the oldest hotel on Sanibel (Est 1895), is excited to announce the launch of the next phase of its refurbishment program. The Inn’s latest multi-million dollar...
The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation FoundationAs the Islands' oldest hotel, the Island Inn shares a common goal with local environmental organizations of preserving the well-being of our estuaries, the health of our local ecology,...
The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance
The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance A Guide for Driving to Sanibel IslandSanibel Island is the perfect drive-to destination for people looking for a tropical, secluded beach vacation, without having to deal with the hassle of booking airline flights....
American Innovators Tied to Historic Sanibel Hotel
American Innovators Tied to Historic Sanibel Hotel While we've always known our cherished Island Inn has great history, it's always exciting when we unveil new pieces to our quaint, beachfront puzzle. One of these most recent discoveries involves the historic Phister...
Sanibel Beach Read Recommendations
Sanibel Beach Read RecommendationsWhen traveling to Sanibel for a vacation you’re probably thinking you’ll relax, soak up some sun, take walks on the beach and get swept away into the newest bestsellers you don’t normally have time to read! Local Sanibel...
On my way to Island Inn, will I pay a Sanibel Causeway toll?
On my way to Island Inn, will I pay a Sanibel Causeway toll?One of the most common questions we hear at the Island Inn Sanibel is, “How much is the toll for the Sanibel Causeway?” Other booking guests ask whether there is a Sanibel Causeway toll discount. Thankfully,...
Trip Advisor Recognizes Island Inn for Excellent Lodging
Whether you and your family have been coming to Sanibel for years, or if you are just looking for ideas or lodging options, it pays to do your homework. Looking at a map of Southwest Florida, seeing tiny Sanibel curled up just offshore of Fort Myers, you wouldn’t know there are hundreds of lodging choices on the island.
Sanibel Island Vacations Offer More Than Beach Time
For generations, people have been heading to Sanibel Island for vacations. Sanibel and Captiva are scattered with many attractions geared toward lovers of nature, nightlife, history, art and fine dining.
Thank You Veterans!
Island Inn would like to say thank you to all those who have served and those who serve today.
Romantic Getaways in Florida | Couples’ Guide
Romantic Getaways on Sanibel Island: A Couples' Guide to the Quiet Side of Florida's Gulf CoastOff of Florida’s Gulf Coast there is a low, green barrier island where the beaches face south into both the sunrise and sunset, the night sky stays dark and peaceful with...
SPEND 4TH OF JULY IN PARADISE!
Sanibel Island Fourth of July 2026: America’s 250th Birthday CelebrationThere has never been a better time to spend the Fourth of July on Sanibel Island. In 2026, communities across the country will celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and Sanibel is marking this...
What Businesses Are Open on Sanibel Island?
What Businesses Are Open on Sanibel Island?Florida’s Sanibel Island took a large toll from Hurricane Ian, but business are bouncing back and “The Island” is returning to the beautiful tropical getaway you remember. Is it perfect? No. Is it still paradise? Absolutely!...
Sanibel Island Easter Events & Services
Sanibel Easter Events & ServicesEASTER ACTIVITIESEaster Boat Cruise & Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny Celebrate Easter island style with a scenic Easter Cruise through San Carlos Bay, featuring dolphin sightings and a 1,000-egg hunt on Picnic Island for kids 11...
Sanibel Christmas and New Year’s Activities, Services + Restaurant Hours
Your complete Sanibel & Captiva Holiday Guide with Christmas activities, church services, musical events, and restaurants open for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Plan your island holidays with up-to-date local listings and festive things to do.
Luminary Festival
Sanibel Luminary Celebration at the Island Inn ✨🌴 Experience one of Sanibel’s most beloved holiday traditions right here on our island shores. Each December, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Sanibel Luminary, a magical evening...
Island Inn Family Vacation Guide on Sanibel Island
Island Inn Family Vacation Guide on Sanibel IslandSanibel Island is a great place to vacation with your family, and Island Inn prides itself on being one of the best family-friendly hotels on Sanibel. Seasonal Events: Some of the best events to bring your family to on...
Sanibel Thanksgiving
Sanibel ThanksgivingWe've put together the following list for Thanksgiving dining, activity & worship happenings taking place on Sanibel & Captiva on Thanksgiving day. Make sure to check with each vendor for specific details. If you would like to submit a...
May & June Means Tarpon Fishing here on the Islands!
Some of the worlds best Tarpon fishing can be found right here on Sanibel and Captiva, and year after year Island Inn guests return for this annual Spring Event.
Visitor Reviews
Excellent! Stayed at Island Inn for the first time and was very impressed. At check in you get a packet of information about hotel amenities, tide charts, businesses that are open, information about turtle nests, etc - very well organized. Walking through the front door of my room, I was greeted by a panoramic view of the beach. Room was very spacious with a bedroom, living area, full kitchen and a large screened in balcony. There are sliding doors so each area can be separated for privacy if desired. If it was pet friendly, it would be my go to place when I visit Sanibel once or twice a year. 
