As a Floridian, I'm pretty jaded about the time share/condos that line our coasts. We LOVED Sanibel Island, and the Sanibel Beach Club was a great fit for a family looking for a relaxing beach vacation.

Sanibel Island has done a great job of keeping their slice of Florida devoid of tall condos and the "Spring Break" type bars and shops. Even over Memorial Day weekend, we were never in a traffic jam, it was always quiet after dark, and there was always a spot on the beach for my girlfriend and my children without a drunken soccer or volleyball game breaking out.

The Sanibel Beach Club is an older community (1980s I think), so it's not that brand new stucco look, but it is very well kept. The decking that criss-crosses the property is all in great shape and the pool and jacuzzi are very clean. There are gas grills located convenient to every unit for use and the property feels alot more like homes than a resort. The staff was very laid back and lets you do your own thing (I'm sure they're attentive when need be, but frankly we were left without need for anything in the first place).

The units all feature somewhat new appliances (unless you're the Viking or Sub-zero crowd, you'll be pleased with the kitchen) and 2 large bedrooms and 2 baths. The bedrooms are located on the outside of the unit, so you're not listening to your neighbor while trying to sleep. The patio is large and screened in with lounge chairs and a patio table.

It's a little far to bike anywhere from here with small children, but it's still convenient to everything on the island (for a biking adult, or with a car) and the beach is right outside the door. The driveway and parking are gravel, so don't bother washing the car before you come. :)

A very good place to stay, and by the time you subtract the "additional person fees" for my 3 and 6 year old (a typical Florida gimmick) the other properties were asking for, Sanibel Beach Club was the best bargain on the beach!

I have always stayed in Sanibel nearer to Captiva. This was the first time I have ever stayed on the end of the island near the lighthouse.

This place was very nice. Our friend invited us to share the facilities and they were wonderful. The place sleeps two couples (or a couple and two kids) very comfortably. The master bedroom is far superior to the little twin bed spare room, but who cares if you take in the location. You are steps away from a beautiful beach. The shelling was actually better this time of year than farther northwest up the gulfside of the island. if you like the light hosue and fishing pier, they are both a short stroll away.

Staff here are super friendly. Great bicycles are available at all times to wander the island's spectacular system of trails. You are literally a few blocks from the best breakfast on Sanibel at the Lighthouse Cafe.

The pool, hot tub, and sauna were never crowded and were very clean every day. The property has 4 gas grills with a well-lit patio open every night for you to barbecue your own dinner.

The balconies are lovely. Screend in, wicker furniture, facing the shore.

Keep in mind, this property faces EAST, so sunrises are awesome.

Sanibel Beach Club is pure and utter relaxing! The units are updated every year in one way or another, new tvs in every unit this year. It would be nice to have tv's in both bedrooms but you're not there for tv. The beach is wonderful, as with most you can spend the day just walking the beach or out by the pool. The pool is chilled in the summer. On your way to the island stop at the Publix the prices are much more reasonable than on the island. Try Ellington's Jazz Bar & Restaurant for dinner and the Sanibel Steakhouse. If you're traveling with a family you must try the Bubble Room on Captiva. If you have time rent a boat, you're bound to see dolphins. We'll be back next year.....

We stayed at the Sanibel Beach Club II on an RCI Exchange Labor Day Week. We were pleasantly surprised how nice Beach Club II was. All units have 2 br, 2ba, big rooms, fully furnished kitchen, and a beautiful screened in balcony with nice furniture and a beautiful view of the pool and the ocean. We were close to the Lighthouse and the fishing pier. The shelling was good but not quite as good as it was 2 years ago in May. The weather was in the 90's but we were always a hop, skip and a jump from the ocean or the pool. The pool was large and uncrowded. They had bikes that were free for guests to use, bike paths are all over the island. We rode to Pinochios for ice cream.
The day after Labor Day, the Island almost shuts down until November. We did not get to go on the Sanibel Screamer (dolphin watching), they pulled out of the water on Labor Day. We did however take a dolphin cruise in sister island Captiva. We started out with a light rain, but then it stopped and we saw dozens of dolfins.
Our favorite restaurants were Doc Fords and Island Cow. One of the owners of Doc Fords is an author of fiction books. He happened to be there and we got his autograph. The books are great. His name is Randy Wayne White so watch for his books. His main character's name is Doc Ford. The house on stilts in Captiva is where the fictional Doc Ford lives.
The shopping was so much better than the typical touristy junk you find in so many other places. There are many artists who make Sanibel their home so check out the galleries. If there is a particular shell you didn't find, check out Seashell.com or She Sells Sea Shells. All of the shopping is either on or close to the main street, Periwinkle Drive. There are 3 strip malls with unique stores. Also, don't miss Suncatcher's Dream, which is on Tarpon Bay Road.
One word of caution, if you drive to a public beach, you have to pay to park. If it is not to far, you may want to ride a bike.
All in all, it was the number one relaxing vacation we have ever had!