first timer visiting sanibel island, need help!!!!`

I am looking at options for a vacation end of Apirl 2007. I have read nice things about sanibel island have never been that far south on gulf side only to clearwater/st pete beach. I need suggestions for a place to stay, need a 2 bedroom condo/cottage can be a hotel too whatever is best and would like a kitchen area as well. Definitely have to be on the beach and have a oceanfront room.

I look forward to hearing back, there are so many places just dont want to pick the wrong one.

thanks for the help!!

first timer visiting sanibel island, need help!!!!`

The Sanibel Inn and their ';collection'; of other hotels could accomodate you with that type of beachfront set-up!! Great pool, view, beach, restaurant, free bike use, etc. How long will you be staying??

first timer visiting sanibel island, need help!!!!`

Lots of really nice places to choose from, but for the most cost effective, try for a direct from owner rental followed by agency rental. You should decide if you want direct Gulf front or Gulf view - the second can be very nice and cost less.

Ocean%26#39;s Reach is a good mid-size complex with all units gulf front. Sundial, the largest complex on Sanibel, has the widest range of facilities and programs and has units almost ON the beach in buildings A, E and K [1,2 and 2+den units], but costs a bit more and the beach is busier. Pointe Santo is the second largest complex and has less complete facilities, but is still good for families.

It really is a matter of what you want - quiet, then try West Guld Drive complexes and steer clear of the larger complexes. Small and very personal care from staff, with modest, clen and comfortable cottages, try places like Tropical Winds, Castaways, Forty-Fifteen.

To get a feel, use www.sanibel-captiva.org and click on Where to Stay and then look at properties from places like VIP, Roral Shell, Resort Quest, Sanibel Holiday, etc, cottages, and direct from owner condos and cottages. Also go to www.VRBO.com and www.Great Rentals.com to find additional direct from owner rentals. When you see something you like, just post and I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll get feedback.

Our family stayed at Pointe Santo from July 8-15th. We had a fantastic time. Our teenage sons enjoyed the beach volleyball with the other teenagers. There were many families with children of all ages enjoying all the amenities of the condos. The pool is perfect for all ages, they do enforce the adult swim from 9-10AM and 4-5PM. There are activites posted all day, everyday. We had the 3PM rootbeer floats for fun @ $3 a person. Our condo was B46, awesome view including the roof top view. It was nicely decorated with many extras, including paper products, beach towels, chairs, soaps, books, puzzles, etc... One only needs to bring binoculars! Our favorite restaurants included, The Island Cow, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Hungry Heron, Gullys and Over Easy Cafe. We rented bikes from Billy%26#39;s rentals, this is the best way to unlock the secrets of the island, enjoyed the Baily Tract and riding to the lighthouse. Don%26#39;t forget the movie theatre that%26#39;s located in Bailey%26#39;s shopping center. It doesn%26#39;t have surround sound but its just perfect when its raining. This was our first trip to Sanibel and I look forward to returning someday! They do an incredible job of protecting the environment and allowing tourists to enjoy the island life.