We rented unit 1D from the Martin family (see www.villasanibel.com for their personal rental website.) They use Sanibel Holiday (www.sanibelholiday.com) as property managers. It was very easy booking the condo through Sanibel Holiday - we called their toll free number, reserved the condo with a $200 deposit and they happily accepted the remainder of the rental fee with a mailed check. Optional travel insurance was also offered. A packet of information was emailed to us with details about check in, etc. Villa Sanibel is one of the smaller complexes on the island, but is located right on the beach and is in an area where beach access is mainly private, so it was not crowded at all. Our unit was in the building closest to the water and though we weren't beach front, we were a very short walk (10 steps?) to the sand.

When we arrived in Sanibel, the office staff at Sanibel Holiday check in was very friendly and helpful. They had a packet of information they gave us about local attractions which we found ourselves refering to throughout our stay. They made sure we knew they were available should we have any questions, problems, or concerns during our stay. They also had a business center in their office which we had access to. We did have to call them once on our second to last day because the smoke alarm began beeping from time to time as though the battery was low. They asked me if I wanted them to fix it, rather than just saying they'd be out to fix it. (why do you think I called?)

General: The condo itself was extremely clean and comfortable with every amenity you could possibly need or want. The decor was peaceful and cheerful at the same time. The walls were painted cool colors like blue, yellow, and pastel green. The Martins had decorated with some personal artifacts, like photographs they have taken of the local wildlife and shell collections. There were also tin decorations in the shape of fish and lizards on the wall, and other pictures of beach landscapes in the bedrooms and bathrooms. There were two tube televisions with vcr/dvd players (one in the living area and one in the master bedroom), a stereo, a washer and dryer (which we well used) and a full kitchen with newer but not fancy appliances, though they were more than adequate for what we needed. The floors in the living, dining, kitchen and bathroom areas were tile; berber type carpet in the bedrooms.

The Kitchen: Small but very functional. Very well lit, with a bar counter with track lighting that is open to the dining area. We did cook most meals in the condo and found that the Martin's had not forgotten anything - there were tools for grilling, pans, cookie sheets (yes we baked cookies while there!), casserole dishes, plates, bowls, silverware, cooking utensils, knives, cutting boards, etc. It was truly a fully stocked kitchen! There was even a blender which we used for pina coladas and daquiris.

The bedrooms were very cozy and decorated nicely. The bathrooms have obviously been completely remodeled at some recent point. The cabinets and countertops were newer. The shower in the master bath is a little narrow - it's long like standard bathtub length but not much elbow room from side to shower door. Still it was nice, clean, adequate water pressure, etc.

The living room had two futons - a larger one for the couch and a smaller one (I assume it was futon but we never pulled it out.) Both were made of white painted wood and the cushion/mattress was covered in denim. Very comfortable for sitting in, not as comfortable for sleeping. We had brought an air mattress and after the first night we used the air mattress on top of the futon every night for our teenage son. There were magazines and books located in wicker drawers of the coffee table which we referred to throughout our stay (especially the shelling guide!) One entire wall of the living/dining area is mirrored which gave the appearance of a larger more open room.

Additional items that were avaiable to us were pool and beach toys, two bicycles (we did not use), beach chairs and umbrella (we did not use), a cooler, beach towels, etc. In a closet we saw both a baby gate and a booster type seat and what I think was a portable play pen for small children. There were also two fans, one in each bedroom closet. Each bedroom, the living area, and the screened in lanai also had ceiling fans, and the air conditioner had a digital thermostat and the condo stayed at a very comfortable temperature throughout our stay.

A couple of comments or suggestions for improvement are: 1) the chairs at the dining table were wood/wicker and were kind of rickety. Probably more than adequate for an average sized person; however my husband is a 6'4 former offensive lineman and the chairs were not comfortable for him at all. This is also why the master bedroom shower seemed a little small. The futon might be okay for a small child, but it wasn't comfortable for a 14 year old at all. The front door to the unit is glass. At first appearance we thought it was a storm door and there was no door, but closer inspection, it is just a full glass door. There was no curtain or blind on that window, and so some mornings, the sun coming in that window woke our son sooner than wanted. Also, the washer and dryer and kitchen are in full view from that front door so sometimes you'd be doing laundry or in the kitchen and felt a bit like a fish in a fishbowl when people would walk by and look in. Didn't bother me so much, but my husband and teen age daughter both commented that it made them a bit uncomfortable. The plus with the glass door is that it let in a ton of natural light.

A couple of additional notes about staying in a condo on the island: a small starting supply of paper products, soaps and detergents are provided. You will need to pre-purchase toilet paper, paper towels, soaps, laundry and dishwasher detergent, etc. (this is apparently standard for all rentals on the island.) Try to shop in Ft. Myer at a Walmart or Publix BEFORE crossing the causeway to the island. There are two stores on the island, Jerry's and Bailey's; however they are limited in stock and prices are higher. We found fresh produce to be lacking in quality.

All in all it was a very relaxing family vacation and we are anxious to visit Sanibel again. We would definitely stay in Villa Sanibel 1D again, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet relaxing beach vacations.