Blog
The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel Island
The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel IslandPhoto taken December 2022Information for Guests – Know Before You Go! The Island Inn reopened its doors as the first hotel on Sanibel Island to receive guests post-Hurricane Ian. Thanks to major capital investments made...
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!...
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?The past several years of the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us all that travel plans are never a sure thing. No matter how much we want to enjoy a vacation getaway to a beautiful island, there is no promise...
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. From shelling on the beach, biking paths, and various guided and boat tours, there are activities and places to visit for families of any size and children...
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...
Hurricane Ian
Matthews Lodge at the Island Inn standing strong & proud after the eye-wall of Hurricane Ian crossed over Sanibel Island on September 28, 2022 To our loyal guests who have shown unwavering love and compassion for our historic piece of paradise, First and foremost,...
Sanibel Thanksgiving
Sanibel Thanksgiving We'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...
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!The 79th Annual Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House March 3rd- March 5th. Doors will open on Thursday & Friday from 9am and close at 5pm, followed by Saturday from 9-4pm. This fundraising event will bring...
Sanibel Island Florida: Paradise on the Gulf
Imagine an island retreat nestled in the warm, tranquil waters of the Gulf of America. Picture a destination big enough to offer a variety of exciting activities and opportunities for solitude, but small enough to avoid the hassle of the sprawling resort towns. In your imagination you just conjured up Sanibel Island Florida, truly a jewel in the Gulf region.
Sanibel Island Family Activities
Sanibel Island Family ActivitiesThere are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a...
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?If you have recently booked a stay with the Island Inn on Sanibel Island, you probably wonder what airport is closest to Sanibel Island. This is a common question, particularly for guests arriving from outside...
Thanksgiving – November 24, 2011
Sanibel Island’s Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration will take place on Sunday, November 20th at the Sanibel Community House starting at 6:45pm. All are invited!
Turtles at the Island Inn
Turtles at the Island Inn!Have you ever walked along the shores of Sanibel and noticed one of these?Sea turtle nest at the Island InnThese staked-off sections are where sea turtles have made their nests! As part of our ongoing efforts to be stewards of the...
Refuge celebrates ‘Ding’ Darling Days October 16-22
This year for the 22nd Annual “Ding” Darling Days, Oct. 16-22, J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island adds new daily theme days to the calendar, plus character meet-and-greets on Family Fun Day. The Island Inn is located 2 miles from “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge.
Welcoming the Summer Season
As every season comes to a close at the Island Inn, we happily embrace the long, lazy days of summer.
After a wonderful holiday season, beautiful winter, and busy Spring Break, we are gearing up for a spectacular summer.
Sanibel Bird Watching Ranks Top 10 for Birding Around the World in 2018
Sanibel Bird Watching Ranks Top 10 for Birding Around the World in 20189. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States Photo: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official) Sanibel Island is home to 245 bird species, including the bright pink roseate...
Newest Vacation Rental Homes on Sanibel Island
Newest Vacation Rental Homes on Sanibel IslandSanibel Island has become one of the most sought after destination in the world because of its peaceful atmosphere, pristine beaches and world-class seashell collecting! And as its popularity has grown, the Island Inn has...
Great Blue Heron
Wow! What a magnificent bird! This picture of a Great Blue Heron in flight was taken by Chris Dunwody as the bird flew over the Gulf.
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...
Sanibel Sea Turtles
Island Sea TurtlesSummer is right around the corner here at the Island Inn! The change of the season brings long days at the beach, fun in the sun and a good time. It also brings the start of Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season. From May – October, Sanibel beaches are...
Sanibel Island Tarpon Fishing
Tarpon bring fisherman to Sanibel Island year after year to experience the thrill of the catch. Come down to Sanibel Island and enjoy a fishing experience you will never forget!
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
Sanibel Christmas and New Year’s Activities, Services + Restaurant HoursIt's the most wonderful time of the year and we want our guests to know all things holiday related on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Below you will find current information on Sanibel Christmas...
SPEND 4TH OF JULY IN PARADISE!
SPEND 4TH OF JULY IN PARADISE!Summer season has arrived and the Island Inn awaits! Bring the whole family out to the Island Inn for the 4th of July! Enjoy the pristine beaches, blue waters and beautiful weather at the Island Inn while you celebrate America’s...
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel Island
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel IslandWhile the Island Inn does not accept pets, we are always pleased to refer visitors to Sanibel Island hotels and resorts that are pet-friendly. In fact, you have plenty of options here if you wish to travel with your...
Visitor Reviews
Tranquility I usually travel alone and I felt completely safe at the Island Inn. The inn is clean and well cared for, everything is in tip-top condition! In addition, the employees were all very kind. The free use of the umbrellas and beach chairs are the icing on the cake! Some other resorts on the island charge you $$ to sit under an umbrella. 
A great place to stay! We just left this wonderful inn. The people were so kind and welcoming, the room (actually more of a condo) was beautiful and had everything we needed. The beach in front of the inn was beautiful and had better shells than most places on the island! The balcony, which was screened in, was beautiful, we ate breakfast there every day! There were chairs and umbrellas on the beach. You can’t beat the sunset as well. This was our first time back to Sanibel since the devastating hurricanes. There were plenty of restaurants open and lots of shops are coming back too. We’ll be back!
Return to Paradise We have stayed at the Island Inn many times. However, this was our first stay since the hurricanes hit Sanibel. The rooms in Matthews Lodge were just as great as ever. The beach had a great many more shells. The chairs and umbrellas made sitting on the beach very peaceful and enjoyable. The staff was as friendly and welcoming as ever. While so much has changed, we were glad to support the Island Inn and all the other familiar businesses on Sanibel. It is important to show your loyalty to such a wonderful place and the people who live and work there. We will be back again in the near future!
