Song of the Sea is a romantic Beachfront European style inn located on beautiful Sanibel Island. This intimate inn offers individualized personal service with picturesque views of the beach and the warm Gulf waters on the horizon. To welcome each guest, the Inn offers a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival. The newly updated guestrooms and suites feature rich combinations of mahogany toned wood and wicker combined with fabrics in shades that mimic the sun-soaked sand just steps away. After a day in the sun, relax by watching the new 42" flat panel television or enjoy a glass of wine on the screened balcony. All of the accommodations feature demi-kitchens to create the perfect vacation home away from home. Greet each morning with a complimentary continental breakfast complete with make your own waffles, an assortment of breakfast breads, fresh fruit, juice and coffee in a beautiful setting on the Inn’s lanai. After breakfast, relax by the pool and spa or take a long bicycle tour of the island’s 23 miles of bike paths. The bicycles are compliments of Song of the Sea. Explore the natural beauty of Sanibel, with two thirds of the island a nature preserve, or find a special treasure in one of the shops on Periwinkle Drive. Whether you chose to relax or explore, Song of the Sea gives each guest the peaceful solitude to reconnect with nature and loved ones.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
863 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island, FL 33957-7098
Song of the Sea
1,021 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Overall this is a very nice place to stay. I'm comparing it to two other hotels on the island. They provide beach lounge chairs/umbrellas and bicycles for free, whereas the others charge for this. The beach at this end of the island is much easier to walk on too, more sandy, less shelly. Very nicely manicured grounds, well kept and clean pool and patio area, hot tub, bench type tables and chairs, grill for cooking outdoors, tiki bar on property adjacent to this. Nice accommodations. I agree with another reviewer's statement that the place is showing its age a bit, tattered umbrellas and wore out lounge chairs (but they're free). The furniture in or room was a little beat up too but still presentable and not something that upset us terribly. We are not in the room very much so we only had the room cleaned once, on Wednesday (stayed Sunday through following Sunday). We didn't request clean linens but put all of our dirty towels and wash clothes in the bathtub as directed. We were given clean bath and hand towels but no wash clothes and only one roll of toilet paper. Minor issues to us but it could make a big difference to some. We did enjoy the overall condition and cleanliness of the room and the second story balcony, which provided a nice view of the pool and a very distant view of the gulf (a few hundred yards away). Room sizing was very adequate and appropriate for a party of two. It was a nice quiet location but the sounds of the air conditioning units were a bit annoying at night. The people in the office and on the grounds were very friendly, courteous and helpful. The continental breakfast was perfect for those who don't customarily start the day with a large meal. Everything was fresh, clean and tasty. We stayed here several years prior to this visit, and I would say improvements were made in some areas but not in others, as aforementioned, but at the end of the day, we enjoyed ourselves enough to book with Song of the Sea again next February. It definitely holds it's own compared to other hotels on the island. Nice old Florida charm!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
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Room Tip:The descriptions of the room locations can be misleading. Call their office have them clarify,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Feb 20, 2020
Dear gms58, Thank you for sharing such a nice review of your stay with us. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit. You've clearly found so much to love in our people and amenities, just as many of our very loyal guest have and it's great to see that you've already booked your next stay with us! Your comments are taken to heart - both your compliments of our staff which I will be sure to pass along to them, as well as some of the suggestions for making our guests' experience an even better one. Thank you for taking the time to share all those details. We look forward to seeing you again soon, when your travels bring you back our way! Bill Wellman General Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
After reading many 5 star reviews on Trip Advisor regarding this property, my sister and I took the plunge and escaped from Florida's east coast to Sanibel Island. This was not a disappointment!
First and foremost, as we pulled up to the hotel registration/front desk area, we observed a staff member cleaning/disinfecting the door handles. She greeted us as we entered, and then we were met by a very charming young lady who proceeded to check us in.
We had a room on the 2nd floor with a partial gulf view overlooking the pool area. The hotel is older, and has old-school Florida charm. We found the room to be clean and immaculate with a small, kitchenette which came in handy for lunch left overs, and to keep bottled water chilled. I read in other reviews that the bathrooms are small, and this is entirely true, however, it is functional, and we did not have any issues there. NOTE: this is not a criticism, but a personal preference. We found the beds and pillows very soft, and would have preferred a more firm mattress. If you have back problems, this might be an issue.
First morning, breakfast was delivered to our room. Nothing fancy, but everything was fresh. We did not take advantage of the room service breakfast for the rest of our stay, as we enjoyed taking an early morning drive to the coffee bar at Bailey's General store, and grabbing a breakfast sandwich there.
The grounds of this property is well maintained and beautiful. Maintenance workers were observed daily taking care of the gardens. It is a peaceful property even though you could see the staff buzzing around taking care of business. This is a "gem" of a hotel. Small (30 rooms), and intimate with a lovely beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are set up and provided each day. The beach was not crowded and there is plenty of room to social distance.
We did not use the pool as there seemed to be more people there, and the pool area is not that large. Fresh beach towels are provided each day (pick up by pool area), and the walk to the beach is short.
This is a peaceful and beautiful property. Well-maintained by an excellent staff. If you are seeking an escape and need rest and relaxation, then you must visit the Song of the Sea.
Note: stayed 3 nights the week of 9/21/20.
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Date of stay: September 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Oct 5, 2020
Dear Resort6, What a wonderful review! Thank you for sharing your impressions - I'm certain your detailed impressions will be very helpful for other travelers looking for their own perfect escape! I will be sure to pass your comments and accolades to our staff. Thank you for being our guests - we can't wait to see you again when your travels bring you back to the Gulf side. Sincerely, Bill Wellman General Manager The Inns of Sanibel
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Our vacation plans changed multiple times due to COVID-19. Decoded last minute to Drive to Sanibel a coupe weeks ago. Checked a lot of different places decided on the Song of the Sea. Song. We had a 2nd fl suite with a lanai that had a direct view of the gulf. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Everyone wore masks in public areas, the continental breakfast is delivered to you room each morning and the bottle of wire in the fridge upon arrival was a nice touch. Nice pool, awesome beach and bikes to use to check out the island. Nice tiki pool bar next door at the Sanibel Inn. We stayed 4 nights and can’t wait to go back!
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Date of stay: August 2020
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Room Tip:We got. 2nd floor gulf view. Great to enjoy your morning coffee and happy hour adult beverage
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Aug 21, 2020
Dear Helshaw, Thank you for being our guest and for taking the time to share your experience. I'm so glad the Inn more than met your expectations! I will be sure to pass along your nice comments to our staff rot their service and their keeping everyone focused on our enhanced health and safety standards. We can't wait to see you again! Sincerely Bill Welllman General Manager
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Song of the Sea provided the perfect setting for a 3 night getaway for me and my husband. We stayed in one of the Gulf View Suites - it had a direct view of the ocean on the other side of the short bridge and pathway. Lovely, tranquil, well maintained property. The bed was really comfortable and I actually googled the pillows to see if I could get them for our house. The hotel was not crowded so social distancing was never a problem. That being said, we were very pleased with the efforts taken to comply with regulations and keep guests feel as safe as possible. Our room was spotless and the furnishings were adequate for a hotel on the beach. We were disappointed that we couldn't enjoy the usual buffet breakfast on the terrace, but there were enough breakfast options that could be safely packaged and delivered. The staff were wonderfully friendly and helpful - shout out to Amber for offering to make a fresh pot of coffee in the afternoon! The resort fee was fair, considering the availability of activities, including use of the bikes on premises and the paddle boards and kayaks available at the sister hotel next door. We also took advantage of the package that gave us membership at the Dunes golf course, which was a tough but very pretty course. We're very happy with our choice of hotel and look forward to going back, hopefully soon!
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Date of stay: August 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jason Trimble, Guest Services / Front Office at Song of the Sea
Responded Aug 14, 2020
Greetings Sasco, Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy day to let us know about your visit here on Sanibel. I appreciate all of the details and I'm so glad to see that you tried out our course at The Dunes. So many of our guests overlook this wonderful amenity where everyone that stays at one of The Inns of Sanibel has mambership privileges and pricing on golf with complimentary clay tennis courts and so much more all provided with our daily Resort Fee. The Breakfast we offer is Still one of our biggest draws for many of our long term repeat guests, and thanks for noticing that our team is stepping up daily to ensure the same quality service. I will definitely let everyone know how much you enjoyed your stay. From all of us, thank you again for being our guest. We hope to be able to host you and your family again very soon. Warmest regards, Jason Trimble Reservations Manager The Inns of Sanibel
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This is the 3rd time staying at this wonderful property. We had a first floor room facing the pool and Gulf that was very convenient for senior folks. The room was immaculate and the staff was very welcoming and made us feel safe during this Pandemic. We appreciated the breakfast being individually wrapped and brought to our room at the time requested. Everything was very well thought out with the menus given to us at check in and filled out by us the night before. Not the beautiful breakfast buffet that is usually offerred and eaten on the patio, but these are different times. Clean towels were provided outside our door everyday. Much appreciated. The grounds are beautifully maintained as is the sparkling water of the pool. Our time here was very enjoyable.
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Date of stay: June 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Jul 3, 2020
Dear Fred, Thank you for taking the time to share your amazing impressions! We sincerely appreciate your letting other travelers know what a great time you had at Song of the Sea. I'm glad our staff made you feel safe during this very unusual time - it means so much that you trusted us with your vacation and I will be sure to pass this along to everyone. We can't wait to see you again when your travels bring you back our way! Sincerely, Bill Wellman General Manager
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My boyfriend and I had a blast. From when we checked in to the moment we checked out. Our room had Gulf and pool views and it was all screened in which I am thankful for cuz the mosquitoes just love to drink my blood and they were biting. The Ocean was just amazing, the pool is maintained very clean and the landscaping around the hotel was very well manicured, we barbecued the 2nd night we were there and we played shuffle Board and listened to music. Lindsay the lady who checked us in was super friendly and was very accommodating as well as Lisa and Susie. The continental breakfast was good and filling. Loved the fresh fruit and the many different cereals to choose from. Lindsay also gave us some directions to get around the island on bike and also points of interest to check out on the Island as it was our first time to the hotel. Everything about this hotel was just amazing and just to see my boyfriend enjoying himself was priceless. We are definitely going back to this hotel and staying there again. Worth every penny.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have stayed at this location for many, many years and have always been very happy there. This year the age was showing ,,,umbrellas at the beach were tattered! All of them had big globs of string hanging from them. One would think that, perhaps, pride in the resort, might have had someone snip those hangings off with scissors. Instead I was told they are getting new umbrellas. The rooms also are showing signs of wear and there were many fewer bicycles available this year. The rooms have kitchenettes, but seriously, we had a grand total of 2 forks, two bowls, two mugs. S/till, the pool is glorious, the access to the beat is wonderful, the morning breakfast especially when hosted by Suzy is delightful. BUT-- the final blow came when I went to book for next year, despite the wear and tear, that next year's rate for the same time would be an additional $102. per DAY! We are sad to say goodbye to our long time Sanibel home, but goodbye it is.
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Date of stay: January 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Feb 20, 2020
Dear Pat, Thank you for being our guest and for sharing the details of your recent visit to Song of the Sea. While I'm pleased that you found many of the amenities and people that have brought you back for many stays to your liking, I'm also very sorry we let you down in some aspects. Please accept my sincere apologies - it is never our intention to create anything but very happy and positive memories of every guest's stay and it's clear that was not the case for your most recent visit. To your comments: we certainly should have kept our older umbrellas in a tidier condition until our new ones arrived and I have advised our staff to do so going forward. We have received some brand-new bikes just last week. Most significantly, we are preparing to renovate key aspect of our rooms very soon and I sincerely believe you will be pleased with the results. Of course we are very proud of the resort and we want that to show in all we do. I would like to see what we can do to make this up to you and perhaps earn your trust as your long time Sanibel home. If you would please contact me at your convenience I would be happy to discuss this in more detail. Again, my apologies - we appreciate your loyalty and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Bill Wellman General Manager 239-472-3181 bwellman@theinnsofsanibel.com
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No one can argue that the beach is gorgeous so I will review the accommodations. This place has only four buildings. Three are around the pool and one directly faces the ocean. All are a close walk to the beach. I really like that there was a manager in the lobby every day during normal business hours. Breakfast on the courtyard was a nice touch along will bikes available to borrow. Most places require that you rent a bike. The pool and spa were nice. If you can't climb stairs I recommend a ground floor room as my building did not have an elevator. You are a healthy bike ride from the lighthouse at the east end of the island. The Song of the Sea is a great option if you don't want a large, impersonal, high rise type condo. You can cook in the room if you want to save money on food but there are some excellent restaurants on the island. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. We loved our stay.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Ask for ground floor if you don't like climbing stairs.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our first trip to sanibel, I was led to this resort by the amazing reviews and they were right. Great little gem! This place was perfect for us from the room having a kitchenette, comfy beds, pool, beach front and amazing breakfast (not a cheapy continental) fresh fluffy waffles, yogurt, fruit and good strong coffee along with bagels and pastries always promptly delivered due to covid by friendly staff. The gardens around the pool area are so beautiful you feel like in an oasis. Everything in our room and on the property was always clean and well kept. We enjoyed their complimentary amenities like the bikes and kayak that were so much fun. Victoria who helped us check in has kept in touch with us always making sure our stay was perfect and even helped us extend our trip one more night. She was was wonderful! We will definitely make this our sanibel spot and return often. We absolutely loved it!
Traveler tip: Bring bug spray! (Victoria was kind enough to give us a sample of their in house bug cream) night time they get aggressive
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Aug 31, 2020
Dear Carmen, Thank you so much for being our guest. We're so glad to see you had a wonderful time! Thank you as well, for sharing such an complimentary review with other travelers looking for their perfect stay on our Island. I'll be sure to pass your very nice complements on to Victoria and her staff. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Sincerely, Bill Wellman General Manager The Inns of Sanibel
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We enjoyed a pleasant stay at Song of the Sea and Sanibel Island. The property is well landscaped, and maintained, with a picturesque view of the Gulf from our balcony.. The attentive and professional staff: were always willing to help: Victoria, Amber, Brad, Susie, and Susan ensured our needs were met from arrival to departure! Steps from the beach, with on-property lounge chairs and towels, available throughout our visit. We enjoyed breakfast delivered to our room each morning along with stunning beach views and shell hunting! We appreciated the sanitary measures the staff enforced for Covid 19 protection.
I wanted to give a 5 rating and suggest two improvements to raise the score: the buildings on the property are in need of an external facelift; this lowered our impression upon arrival as opposed to a positive impression when we visited the Sanibel Inn sister property next door. The room decor was appealing, but was dark (maybe the balcony blocked some of the light source) along with a small bathroom.
We look forward to our return the Sanibel Captiva Island and staying again at one of the Inns of Sanibel resort properties!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Book a second floor with beach view.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Bill Wellman, General Manager at Song of the Sea
Responded Aug 21, 2020
Dear 455, Thank you very much for being our guest, and for taking the time so share such a nice review of your stay with us. I'm glad you found our staff to be so helpful and the Inn overall having met your needs. Thank you so much for noticing our enhanced health and safety procedures - we want everyone to enjoy themselves and be safe! We appreciate your thoughts regarding the exteriors of the buildings and the darker rooms - we'll have a look at that for future improvements. We look forward to welcoming you back, wherever you chose to stay at the Inns of Sanibel. Sincerely, Bill Wellman General Manager
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There are ground floor units. We were on the second floor, at the top of the stairs, and always used the stairs. Unsure of elevators. We never looked for one. Suggest calling Song Of Sea. They are great folks to work with, and will bend over backwards to accommodate you.
There are more places to choose from in the Sanibel Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
song of the sea hotel sanibel island
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaSouthwest Gulf CoastSanibel Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Which popular attractions are close to Song of the Sea?
Nearby attractions include Sanibel Island Farmer's Market (3.7 km), Bailey's General Store (4.3 km), and Sanibel Historical Museum and Village (3.9 km).
