Waterside Inn on The Beach

We didn't get to go-hurricane Ian wiped out the resort and the island. They kept the initial deposit, and then charged the second half for the stay that couldn't happen 4 days after the storm. They made some posts on social media about returning deposits since they could not accommodate guests, or even get on the island due to damage from the hurricane, but nothing has happened towards that end. Repeated calls go unanswered, emails and texts are not responded to. I'm only writing this "review" as a warning to others to carefully check cancellation policies and let the buyer beware. We learned the hard and expensive way. We really would just like to have been answered instead of ignored, even a statement that they were just keeping all monies even though they couldn't uphold their contract. Especially by charging the remaining balance of the stay after the storm hit. It feels like they stole from me.

Beautiful Beautiful beautiful, I love sanibel island and especially loved this hotel. We will definitely be back. The location is wonderful and within walking distance to blind pass which is by far one of our favorite beaches on sanibel.

Can’t do 0 stars so they’re lucky they get one. My cabin was infested with bugs and filthy. Checked in on Christmas and left my key in the key box two hours later when I realized it wasn’t safe or healthy to be there. Bug excrement all over fridge door and baseboards, bugs coming out of sink drain. I have pics. Nobody was even there when I noticed the problem and there was no staff or phone number on the office door to call. Haven’t been able to reach them since them. Only a voicemail that goes unreturned. ********** can also not reach them. Paid close to $1000cdn for two nights in a place I couldn’t even sleep in one night. Wish I could post the pictures, but am filing a dispute with my credit card as this is ridiculous. I have no idea how this place got the reviews it did, but the kiwi cottage I stayed in should have a hazmat sign on the door. Completely unacceptable when there are so many great places on Sanibel island to spend your money. Don’t make the same mistake I did! If the hotel actually sees this and cares and would like to refund me upon receipt of the photos that would be great but I won’t hold my breath. 🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮🤢🤮 TOTAL DUMP

I'd say read the reviews carefully to decide if this is the place for you. My husband and I stayed in Lime, a one bedroom gulf view cottage and enjoyed every minute of our stay. This is our 3rd time here, other stays have been rooms in the Pineapple building. This place is for those who are ok with things not being fancy. Our cottage was spotlessly clean and the king bed very comfortable. It is an old-style cottage and yes, could use some refreshing. For example, the calk around our bathtub is failing and needs to be redone. But the tub is being well maintained and there is no mold or mildew that sometimes happens in this situation. The sofa had a slight tear in the cushion. We didn't care. What we did love is that this place is not swarming with people; the beach is never crowded. The sunsets were beautiful. And there is a little salt water pool that is warm and clean. The front desk and house-keeping staff were super friendly. It is true that we needed to drag our chairs back and forth from the beach, but since that beach was only 100 steps from our door we really didn't mind. We'll be back.

We have come to Waterside a few times over the past decade. The location of the Inn is perfect. The people who work the desk, take care of the grounds, and clean the rooms are all friendly and feel familiar. I love the availability of bicycles! I love the palm trees among the cottages and the jasmine arches that lead to the pool. I love the little palm-thatched cabana near the shore with the hammock. What I love, perhaps, the most is the knowledge before you even make a reservation that this is a family place, not a place for spring break partying. Hurricane Ian took away much of the physical parts of the Inn, but we hope that it can be rebuilt. What was not destroyed--the spirit of the place--will, I hope, find a place to thrive among the new cottages that will be built.

My family and I drove from Tampa to Sanibel for the weekend. I booked our room with *******.com under pet friendly and this hotel popped up. I booked it after speaking with an employee, jeff, over the phone before arriving. I then received a voicemail from JEFF that our room was ready. We arrived on scene and it specifically states on the property pet friendly. Jeff then told us the room we booked is not pet friendly and only one of the buildings was. JEFF stated there were no vacancies and we should check down the street. WE NEVER CHECKED INTO THE HOTEL OR STAYED ON THE PROPERTY. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO GIVE US A REFUND FOR $370.00. I CALLED ******* AND MY CREDIT CARD COMPANY TO PUT A STOP PAYMENT ON THE CHARGE. CROOKS!!!!!

This was our 5th vacation here. Can’t wait for the sixth. Grounds are beautiful. Cottage was homey and clean. Jeff was the best. Made sure everything was perfect all week. He took care of us like we were family. Free bicycles, beach umbrella & towels very handy for a great time. Love the hammock in the shaded tiki hut. Thank you for a great vacation. See you next year.

Carol (office manager) and the staff were outstanding! Carol, thank you for welcoming us to Waterside and making our stay relaxing, fun, and comfortable. We loved our cottage which had an ocean view and was just a few steps from the water. Beach chairs and umbrellas are provided at no additional charge. The property is clean and well maintained. Easy bike ride to ice cream shops, restaurants, and stores. Bikes are provided by the property. Very relaxing vacation. We are looking forward to coming back soon.

The best word that describes this delightful little property is "Charming." It is well-secluded from the main beach road of W. Gulf Drive so street noise is a non-issue. The staff (Carole and Jeff) were simply outstanding…beyond friendly, eager to please, knowledgeable of the area and fully accommodating. The property has both a small motel-like accommodation and several private "cottages" one of which we stayed in. It has a full, comfortable living area and a full kitchen with all the necessary amenities (pots, pans, dishes, utensils, coffeemaker, etc.) Admittedly, the accommodations are somewhat "older" and need a bit of "refreshing" but that should not be considered a deterrent whatsoever. The staff seems to be aware and on top of that and appreciate guests pointing out any "trouble spots." They provide beach chairs and umbrellas with the only caveat being that you have to carry them yourself to and from the beach which is only maybe 100 feet or so…no biggie. The beach itself is lovely but the sand is covered with shells (many of them beautiful) so some form of foot covering is needed for any real walking. It ain't the sugary sand of Pensacola. There are also plenty of bicycles available at no additional charge. All-in-all we had an outstanding experience for a short 2-night stay and a wonderful way to spend our 24th Anniversary. WE WILL BE BACK!!