Waterside Inn
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Waterside Inn
Set sail on a beautifully, blissful vacation with our Sanibel Island Beach Resort. Our unparalleled location allows you to watch the breathtaking sunsets from our private beach - the perfect ending to a wonderful day. From the moment you step foot on our luscious shelled beaches, you'll enter a tropical paradise.

Waterside Inn on the Beach is more than just a beachfront resort. As you enter our shelled driveway, immerse yourself in the stately palm trees and the smell of the ocean air! Our friendly staff are some of Sanibel's finest, and can assist you in figuring out which activities to do while you're here.
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Our Sanibel Island Beach Resort and Hotel vacation condos and waterfront cottages are perfect for romantic holidays for two, large family gatherings, and everything in between. Our unparalleled location on Sanibel Island - just steps away from the white, sandy beach - is the perfect setting to watch the sunset as you end a fun-filled day and start a great evening.
If you were any closer, you'd have your toes in the water! Our charming beachfront cottages feature a large comfortable living area (625 sq ft) with retro terrazzo flooring, full kitchen with updated appliances and dining nook, all newly renovated and decorated in a quaint airy island motif. The Cottages have free Wi-Fi, are Pet Friendly and are Non-Smoking units.
Our charming Gulf View Cottages are one bedroom housekeeping units that are located just steps from the beautiful sand and shell studded beach. All cottages have complete kitchens and have been recently updated with new appliances. Each cottage features a large and comfortable living area, free Wi-Fi and a generous dining nook.
Pineapple Gulf View Lodge Efficiency units have been newly updated with granite countertops in the kitchen as well as ceramic top stoves/ovens. The bathrooms have also been updated with double vanities and refitted tubs or showers. No pets allowed in the Pineapple Lodge. Each unit is a comfortable 426 sq ft in size and includes free Wi-Fi.
Pineapple Lodge Guest Rooms have Gulf-view balconies and include freshly updated island decor. These units are similar to a hotel room and include a small bar sized refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. Each room has two queen size beds and sleeps 4. No pets are allowed in these units. Pineapple Guest Rooms are approximately 332 sq feet in size, include Free Wi-Fi and are located about 20 yards from the beach.
Reviews (27)
Steven Charny
Steven Charny
Dec 07, 2021
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Just left this wonderful place. Spacious cottages literally steps from the beach. Clean and well maintained, friendly staff, bikes to rent, great location walking/biking distance to restaurants, shops etc. And you can’t beat the gorgeous sunsets. We will return!
Pie Hulsey
Pie Hulsey
Oct 18, 2021
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I can't say enough good things about the Waterside Inn. It's like a beautiful trip back in time to Old Florida with its colorful bungalows, palm trees, and friendly management. The beach is great with easy access and lots of shells. I'd love to live at the Waterside.
Ed Swiger
Ed Swiger
Oct 04, 2021
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An absolutely wonderful experience. The whole place reminds me of the cottages my grandparents and I would stay on our trips down south in my youth but with modern amenities. We are definitely returning for another stay. The staff is courteous and the grounds are very well maintained. Thank you for an amazing stay.
Kimberly R.
Kimberly R.
Oct 02, 2021
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This hotel has a one car per room policy that they did not post on the site or in my terms when checking out. After I paid, they sent their check in message stating this parking restriction and "no exceptions." It was very misleading of them to list parking is included in their hotel amenities without stating this policy (our room fit 4 people). They also do not allow refunds, so I feel purposely deceived since it was clear from my phone conversation that they are aware this is a problem. This is a small island that does not allow curbside parking anywhere.
I called the front desk (within 24 hrs
Daniel Pritchard
Daniel Pritchard
Sep 21, 2021
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Our room was bug infested! 50 to 100+ large ants that came out with the lights off and fell on our faces while we were sleeping! Horrifying!
Complained to the front desk in the morning and their reply was you must expect bugs on a barrier island! Bugs maybe, infestation, NO! We were supposed to stay 3 nights. Checked out after the first night and no refund of unused nights was permitted! Out of date style and bug infested room. Do not stay here!
Michelle P.
Michelle P.
Sep 16, 2021
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We stayed here last week in the Lime Cottage and it was amazing and peaceful. It's beautiful and you literally walk from your cottage to the beach. Carol in the office was wonderful to us and just a genuinely sweet and awesome person. You get so much out of your stay including an amazing beach.
I did a video that I'm posting here. You must go there.
It's was an amazing trip.
Love,
Michelle and Anita
Cheryl P.
Cheryl P.
Sep 15, 2021
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We were hoping for a romantic beachfront room. But, we got was a flying ant infested room that hadn't been updated since the 70s. The bugs were landing on us as we tried to sleep and woke us all night long. There were hundreds of them! We contacted management and they said we should expect a few bugs since it's a barrier island. We said a few bugs are understandable but not hundreds. We politely asked for our money back. They declined. We do not recommend this hotel and wouldn't even suggest it to our enemies.
Christina Davis
Christina Davis
Sep 06, 2021
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Room was dark and gloomy. Blankets smelled like dog when I pulled them out to make the sofa bed which should have been replaced 20 years ago. Bathroom smelled like pee. Decent beach but definitely not coming back. Really run down establishment.
Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor
Sep 03, 2021
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My family has stayed at the Waterside Inn twice now, and we couldn’t give a better recommendation! Super clean, staff is very friendly, great location, beach is close, pool is lovely, and very family friendly. We have stayed in the beach cottages, and we have family that has stayed in the condo’s. Very spacious and the facilities have everything we need while on vacation. We will be back!
David Ryan
David Ryan
Jul 16, 2021
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Location can’t get much better and super affordable with a pool, shuffle board and beach access. The rooms are spacious and includes a kitchen which is a plus if you are staying for more than a couple of days. Upgrades are needed, however overall we had a great experience. Free bike rentals too!
Syl H.
Syl H.
Jun 24, 2021
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I Did stay here one night. I always try different cottage homes and areas to see how the experience is. My check in was at 3 pm. My room was not ready till 3.30 pm. The room was semi clean I found sand in the floor after my first walk in with no sandals. I always leave them outside. Other than that all was clean and organized. They will provide towels. you need to return with keys or get charge $10. You will need to pay at 21.30 charge additional to the room price for cleaning. The distance to the beach is a good one but is not as private when you have everyone in the same spot trying to get the
Darling
Darling
Jun 07, 2021
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Everything super clean. Special attention to the guest. You don't need to ask for anything extra, they anticipate your needs by putting extra items in the room, from plastic bags and laundry detergent, to pillows, blankets and towels. Everything you need for your stay on the beach is included, and free !!! Your own stuff is also allowed. Office closes at 8 pm, but if you arrive after 8 pm, like us, they leave the key with you name and room number in the mail box. Amazing!!! Definitely, we will come back!!!
Stacy K.
Stacy K.
Mar 08, 2021
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F RATING WITH THE BBB-

This is something I wish I knew prior to booking. This business will not be successful without a complete haul over. We were charged for 2 rooms when we were only looking for one. The morning after booking I received multiple email confirmations and it looked like we were charged 2x. I immediately called to confirm there was only one room and I was told, "you received one email with a balance showing due and another email confirming your balance was paid in full." I was assured we were only charged once. Within the next few days we had noticed the card was
Joe W.
Joe W.
Feb 27, 2021
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We've been coming to the waterside for years, although it's not the cleanest or cheapest location. We just grew fond of the area and became creatures of habit. During the Red Tide, which was responsible for many falling ill, the waterside refused to work with us to change our reservation. As an asthmatic, it would have been harmful for me to visit that weekend. Be wary of working with this group. A little flexibility and understanding goes a long way when running a business.
Ziggy K.
Ziggy K.
Feb 10, 2021
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I brought my wife for a nice relaxing & romantic weekend and was very happy with the cottage. Carol was fantastic as was the rest of the staff. M Towels were plentiful and super soft! We were able to unwind and walk a short distance from the cabin to the ocean and enjoy a stroll down the beach. We loved the ambiance and privacy. We will definitely be visiting again!
Veronica S.
Veronica S.
Aug 10, 2020
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Had an excellent time this weekend. Carol and her staff were friendly and very on top of the whole property. We loved the studio room. Everything was clean. High recommend.
Amy L.
Amy L.
Aug 04, 2019
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We are here now thoroughly enjoying our 2nd stay here. Love the cottage, the staff is great- so many kitchen supplies! I will return here often. Everything is clean and the beach is Fantastic & and only steps away. Quiet at night.always peaceful! Dog friendly too! We are so happy to be BACK at the Waterside!
Kimberly D.
Kimberly D.
Mar 24, 2019
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I can't say that the Waterside Inn was a BAD stay, but I won't bother to stay here again. One huge plus is that the hotel is right on the beach. You can leave your little cabin and walk directly onto sand and open beach. Each cabin has its own dedicated parking spot. I'm not sure what you do if you have multiple cars staying with your room. You get one beach towel per person, complimentary with your stay.

I booked my hotel room through Expedia. The room description said that it allowed pets, but it was just my boyfriend and me staying. When we pulled up to the front office
Kelly W.
Kelly W.
Feb 04, 2019
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I originally selected this hotel because I wanted a reasonably priced hotel on Captiva/Sanibel. What I found instead was a gem of a hotel that I would absolutely stay in again. For those of you from Florida, this hotel has the charm of the beachside hotels of yore. The hotel was very clean, and the room had everything we needed including beach towels and all of the kitchen set up one would need at the beach - microwave, refrigerator, and coffee pot. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and the bed was quite comfortable. The staff at the front desk was immensely helpful, and down to earth. The best
Brad K.
Brad K.
Jan 15, 2019
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Can't say enough about the accommodations, staff and activities. From the time we were greeted upon arrival until such time that we left we felt special. The facility was clean, the planting's were gorgeous, the beach front was beautiful and somewhat private (exclusive use for guests). We enjoyed dining out and shelling! Can't wait to
Lee D.
Lee D.
Mar 15, 2018
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My initial thought was 2.5/3 star based on the room and price paid (over $300 but that is what happens when you go in March!). Although large (over 400 square feet with a full size kitchen), it was dated and a bit musty smelling. There was also no blanket on the bed so the only option was to use the (very old) bedspread to keep warm on what was a chilly cold March night. But many other factors increased our enjoyment stay on Sanibel at Waterside. First, the staff (Carol and Melissa) were awesome. Friendly and accommodating and we really enjoyed talking with both of them. They even let me borrow
Annjee D.
Annjee D.
Jan 09, 2018
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A true beach getaway!! This quaint beachfront property is a true gem! My husband surprised me with a birthday getaway which also happened to fall over the new year holiday so he made all of the arrangements himself. I am usually the one to make all our travel arrangements so I knew he had to have some help...and Carol was his reservation guardian angel! She walked him through all the available room types and recommended room 128 in the Pineapple Lodge as it has the best view of the gulf and was literally steps from the beach!

When we arrived, the reception staff was extremely friendly and made
Deke M.
Deke M.
Dec 04, 2017
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I had an enjoyable stay in Pineapple Lodge (the 14 room hotel) down the long stone drive. The lodge has the best view of all the properties in a great location to access all places on the island. Mango and Lime Cottages are second closest. The place is kept in excellent condition. My room was spacious with full kitchen and bathroom in great condition. Nice towels and toiletries, paper towels, kitchen gear provided. Nice small balcony. I never saw anyone from the hotel after receiving my key, until I left. (If you are "needy" or want a concierge, perhaps this place is not for you
Renee S.
Renee S.
Apr 03, 2017
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I love this quaint little inn. They have a friendly, helpful staff. The setting is very private and it sits right in the middle of paradise! Leave your expectations at home and settle into island time while you relax and just be. Don't expect some high rise monstrosity that practically kills the charm and competes with the breathtaking landscape. This is old style Florida at it's absolute best. You will not be disappointed unless of course you can't let go of uptight tendencies and entitled attitudes. But, if that's the case then you are probably better suited for something
Janene H.
Janene H.
Jul 05, 2015
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Location location location. That is the reason to stay at Waterside Inn. Check in and out was easy and that was about the only real contact we had with staff. The grapefruit cottage 108 we rented for 2 nights was just a short walk to the beach but was dated inside and smelled accordingly. Although in need of updating most everything seemed to work fine. Except for the toilet which you had to hold the handle down and count to ten and hope it flushed! And the deadbolt, we had a tough time unlocking it one evening and worried we'd be locked inside! We managed to unlock it and just didn't
Ben N.
Ben N.
Nov 15, 2013
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Stayed here for 3 nights on my honeymoon and was not impressed. The bug screens on the windows were slightly broken so biting bugs like no-see-ums and mosquitoes came in. The room wasn't as clean as it should be, light fixtures were dusty and one old bulb burned out. Since the front desk closes at 9:00pm, I had to swipe a bulb from one of the outdoor lights. The fridge was old and rusted, microwave wasn't clean and didn't work properly and in general, the room was in need of renovation. The A/C didn't work properly and the batteries in the TV remote were dead. Also,
Jeremy M.
Jeremy M.
Jun 28, 2013
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We have stayed here twice. Both times were spectacular stays. While much of this is owed to the beauty and tranquility of Sanibel, the charm and convenience provided by Waterside Inn was the proverbial icing on the cake. Here are a few of my key observations:

1. If you love all things retro, Waterside is for you! The Inn has a distinct 1960's feel that is a nice departure from the sterile, modern trappings we must endure from chain to chain. Sure, there was a flat screen tv in Grapefruit 106, but the unit and the complex as a whole had a classic, Florida vacation feel.

2. Waterside Inn is