We paid $200 a night for a queen efficiency. The grounds are lovely. Didn't swim in the pool but it looked inviting. HOWEVER, for $200 a night, I expect amenities like shampoo and a hair dryer. The room was certainly livable, but the off-season rate is fair, the high season rate is overpriced for what you get. Also, the kitchenette was stocked with dishes and pots and pans but it would have been quite difficult to actually cook a meal. Assembly-style cooking was doable. I just think that we would have preferred to pay the higher Sanibel prices to get amenities that match the price. We did not feel that what we got was worth the price.

Sanibel Island isn't exactly noted for being inexpensive. The overnight charges at its swanky hotels look like telephone numbers and can induce hysteria at first glance. But it is an utterly gorgeous place and really really worth staying on for a few days, to experience that laid-back relaxation - as well as the legendary Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge of course.

Undoubtedly and far away the best bargain on all of Sanibel is the Kona Kai Motel on Periwinkle Way - isn't even the address adorable for heaven's sake? No officious glitz, just a warm welcome to charming and comfortable cottages tucked away amid lush green shady gardens. There is a swimming pool, you can walk down to the river bank and see just how the original Florida used to look, or borrow a bike to explore further. And there is always someone friendly around to help out if you need information or assistance.

We discovered the Kona Kai over a decade ago and have kept on returning even though our normal practice is never to visit the same place twice. There is something about this calm gentle green hideaway that lays a gentle finger on your heart and calls to you even when you're far away. Long may it prosper and continue to offer solace to the weary traveller.

stayed here for two nights right after Thanksgiving. We were just leisurely working our way down the coast of Florida after a trip to Disney with our kids and grandkids. Found this place on Trip Advisor and certainly were not disappointed. The people who run this place (Brenda and Len) were great--very informative and gave us lots of tips on places to see and eat, etc. They have a nice little area to gather in the evening to visit. The room we stayed in was very nice. It had two queen beds and an extra large bathroom. It had recently been completely updated and had a microwave and small frig. I believe they have units with kitchens as well but we only wanted a room. There is a nice pool but we did not really use that. Overall the place is just wonderful and very reasonable, Highly recommend it for a night or a long stay.

Spent a very enjoyable two nights at the Kona Kai - shame our schedule did not allow us to stay longer. We booked based on the reviews here as it sounded as though it would be just the kind of place my husband and I like to stay at. We arrived very late but we were greeted cheerfully by Lenny. We were very generously given an efficient style room for the price of a motel room. Lovely surprise. The kitchen area was very well equipped and it was nice having a separate dining area with table and chairs - very spacious. We loved the outside space - lots of palm trees and little walkways, shells and lizards. We spotted a red shouldered hawk flying over our room. Felt really tropical and secluded even though it was off the main road. The barbecue and pool area were lovely. We really enjoyed cooling off in the pool after a hot day at the beach. Close to all the amenities and a great base for the J "Ding" Darling Reserve - would recommend a guided tour with Barry. Well worth it if you are into wildlife and learning a bit more about the area. Brenda and Lenny made us feel very welcome. Will be going back when the mangos and the pineapples are ready to eat!