Resort Information
General Information
What Makes Waterside Inn So Special?
For over 50 years vacationers have traveled to Waterside Inn located on the calm Gulf waters of Southwest Florida. They came to escape the cold of winter and the commotion of big cities and rekindle the romance. They found a natural wonderland with numerous pastimes and were treated every evening to million dollar sunsets.
What Makes Sanibel So Special?
Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells. There are 16 miles of beach lapped by Gulf waters and bayside coasts fringed in mangrove trees. Especially on Sanibel, the local government and residents have worked hard to curb development. High-rises and fast food outlets with drive-thru windows are banned. Nature reigns here. The weather is generally balmy, so a tan is all but assured. Miles of paved bike paths make it fun and easy to get around. Sunrises and sunsets are visceral joys! It’s always just another day in paradise!
Where is the Closest Airport?
Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest airport to Sanibel Island. It is approximately 45 minutes away and offers shuttles and taxis to bring guests to the islands.
Do You Rent Cribs for Infants?
Yes, you may request a crib when you make your reservation. We use a local company for all our rentals. Please call us for up-to-the-date rates and charges.
Can I Get Married on Sanibel Island?
Tying the knot in style on a beautiful serene beach doesn’t have to be a fantasy. In fact, it’s a reality for couples that choose to plan their wedding and exchange their vows on the magnificent beaches of Sanibel Island. Your wedding can be as simple as a ceremony for two at sunset or a celebration where friends and family make your marriage the centerpiece of their island vacation. Whatever type of wedding suits your personal style, the whisper of the surf and the sun on the horizon will make your special day in paradise one you will remember forever.
Please see our Beach Weddings page for more information.
Do I Need a Fishing License to Fish?
Please refer to this link for all the latest on fishing regulations.
What Do the Inside of Your Units Look Like?
Please refer to our website tab “Accommodations”
Do All the Rooms Have a Refrigerator?
Yes, all efficiency rooms have a full size refrigerator. The Pineapple Lodge Guest Rooms are equipped with a small compact refrigerator.
Do You have Bar-B-Q Grills for Guests to Use?
Yes, we have placed gas Bar-B-Q’s throughout our property for your personal use.
What Else Is There to Do on Sanibel?
Play, Play, Play is our island theme! Whether you love your Florida beach vacation low-key or with a side of educational and playful activities, it’s all in our menu of Play. Choose from a blend of many activities to enjoy either on our beautiful tropical islands or the neighboring mainland. Some suggestions are: Golf, Miniature Golf, and Parasailing, boating, Airboat Ride, Canoe or Kayak adventures.
What Should I Pack?
Bathing suits, bathing suits and bathing suits! Your camera, your journal, a good book, suntan lotion and maybe your golf clubs. We’ll provide you with all the trail maps, sightseeing info, dining guides, shopping, and golf information you can use, and a spectacular, memorable setting for your vacation. We’ll even provide you with free beach towels to use while you’re here as well as Fishing poles to try your hand at catching dinner!
Tips to Make Your Stay More Meaningful
Turn off your cell phone; the office can wait. Turn off the TV; the news can wait. Spend quiet time together. Hold hands as you walk the beach at sunset or sit together on the porch and admire the waves lapping against the shore. Let the sound of the breeze and the waves settle you. Play! Build a sand castle together or write your names in the sand or better yet, let her beat you in a game of shuffleboard. Become kids again together at the beach or pool. Pamper yourselves. Give him or her breakfast in bed. Give them a day of luxury at one of our local spas. Indulge in a wonderful dessert.
Celebrate. Toast your anniversary. Recall fond memories. Remind him how proud you are of him. Tell her she’s become even more beautiful than when she first caught your eye. Let the spectacular landscape, water, and moonlight in to wash all your worries away so that you can refresh and rekindle what holds you together.
Reservations
What are your check in/out times?
Our check in time is 3:00pm and our check out time is 11:00am
What is your deposit and payment policy?
Our Deposit Policy: A deposit equal to 50% of your stay (full stay charged at time of booking on single-night stays), including tax, is billed to your credit card at the time of booking your room. The remaining balance, if any, automatically processes approximately 24 hours prior to your arrival using the credit card on file to hold your reservation.
**For ALL bookings arriving between 12/17-5/31 final payment will be automatically processed 30 days prior to arrival.**
Do you charge for extra people?
Waterside Inn rates are based on double occupancy, while at Breakers West Condominium; rates are based on 4-person occupancy. There is a $20 per person per night charge for additional person. There is no charge for children under 18 yrs of age.
What credit cards do you take?
We currently accept Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Checks and Cash.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits are eligible for refund until the following periods.
Date of stay: June 1st – December 16th (14 Days prior to Arrival Date)
Date of stay: December 17th – May 31st (30 Days Prior to Arrival Date)
(ALL bookings during holidays are 30 days prior to arrival dates)
If you cancel your reservation for any reason, including transportation difficulties, we must receive notice (14 days or 30 days) in advance of the scheduled arrival date in order to refund your deposit, less a processing fee of 10% of your deposit amount. Notice MUST be receive before applicable cancellation period – 14 or 30 days prior to scheduled arrival date. Deposits on reservations made within the cancellation period are non-refundable. In the event of early departure, cancellation after balance has been paid, or no show: full stay, including tax, will be charged to your credit card on file to hold your reservation.
Do you take pets?
Pets are not allowed in the Pineapple Lodge or Breakers West units. If it is discovered that a pet has been in any of those rooms, an additional pet cleaning fee will be charged in the amount of $250. Pets are allowed only in specific cottages. We allow dogs and cats under 30 pounds, with a maximum of 2 pets per unit. For each pet a fee of $20 per day will be charged. A pet agreement also needs to be signed upon arrival.
Are there laundry facilities on site?
Yes, Waterside Inn has coin operated washers and dryers on site. We also sell laundry supplies at our front desk.
Is there a minimum nights stay over major holidays?
Yes, Please call when booking your reservation over any major holiday. Depending on the holiday, we may require a minimum stay of 3-7 days.
Do you have daily maid service?
Yes, the Pineapple Lodge units as well as the Honeymoon Cottage (Apricot) receive daily maid service. For long-term stays, a light clean is provided weekly.
Do you have housekeeping units?
Yes, the Cottages are housekeeping units with towels exchanged and trash removed daily. For long-term stays, a light clean is provided weekly.
Are boats or boat trailers allowed on the property?
Unfortunately, due to limited parking, we cannot allow boats or trailers on the property.
Do you have a “Quiet Policy?”
Yes, we do. Waterside Inn is known for it’s laid back, family oriented, quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Because of that, our property is not a good fit for guests wanting loud parties and excessive drinking. It is important to us that every guest’s stay be as renewing and peaceful as possible. For this reason we handle noise complaints very seriously and in the following manner:
- If the noise from your room area causes discomfort to other guests, we will ask you to keep your volume down. This applies to the pool area as well.
- If a second complaint is received, everyone but the registered guest will be required to leave the suite and or pool area.
- In the event of a third complaint, the registered guest will be evicted from the premises with the help of law enforcement officers. Please be advised that there will be absolutely NO REFUND or credit of any sort upon your departure.
Do you ever host special events?
Yes, periodically, complimentary social events are conducted on the beach to enhance your vacation enjoyment.
Are there phones in the units?
Yes, all Waterside In telephones have data ports and voice mail. There are private, restricted phones in Breakers West condominiums. There is Wi-Fi on site.
Do you allow late check -outs?
Usually we have other lucky visitors that are anxious to check in and start their vacations. When this happens, we have a special cottage (Plum) that is used as a changing and shower room. This will enable you to with any early arrivals or late checkouts. Feel free to hang out by the pool or beach until you need to leave.
Are your units Non-Smoking?
Yes, all units at Waterside Inn and Breakers West are Non-Smoking. Guests who do not comply with this policy will be charged $250 for cleaning and smoke elimination.
Do you offer cable TV, HBO, and VCRs?
Yes, this is included in all Waterside Inn units as well as the Breakers West Condo
Do you offer Handicap Accessible units?
Yes, Waterside Inn is a Handicap Accessible Facility and has an ADA approved unit for our handicap visitors.
Additional Resources
Nature Cruises to enjoy the biology, ecology and history of Sanibel Island.
Mike and Shannon’s Wedding @ Waterside Inn
Great photo’s from one of our weddings at Waterside Inn.
Adventures in Paradise
239-472-8443
We offer complimentary trolley service that picks guests up and takes them to and from our cruises.
It’s the tropics so we do have bugs. No No-See-Um is a Sanibel product that is all natural, smells nice and works great. We sell it at the front desk for your convenience.