THE Palmview AND Sandpiper Inns

We were able to enjoy sunshine on our first day thanks to an early check-in, which meant a lot after a stressful week and ahead of a cold front expected to bring temperatures into the 40s. The hosts replied right away when we asked, and let us check in by 10am. Our mother-daughter trip with our dog had been long anticipated, and this was a much-needed retreat. Driftwood Inn made the practical details easy. Check-in was simple, the information packet covered what we might need, including a warning about Sanibel no-see-ums, and the welcome basket of beachy goodies was sweet. Entry and exit were straightforward, and the door locked itself whenever we shut it. The grounds felt like a secluded oasis, with a hammock, and the cottage was our favorite part. The screened porch was great. Inside, it was spotless, comfortable, and had a modern coastal feel. The ceiling fans were powerful, there were plenty of pillows and extra blankets, and the mattresses were supportive. The sheets were fresh, towels plentiful, and kitchen basics included single-use laundry detergent packets. We appreciated the hose for rinsing sand and shells, and our dog had a lovely time. The daily pet fee was lower than at any other hotel we've used. Getting to the beach on foot was close enough that carrying our gear wasn't a hassle. We also biked there one day and used the locks to secure the bikes. Sanibel is easy to bike around, with rental shops too, so having complimentary bikes was a nice touch. There were a few things that could be improved. The cottages share walls like duplexes, and we could hear muffled voices, bumps at night, and bathroom fans. One morning we woke around 5am to people moving around. We had the place to ourselves most of the time, thankfully, and perhaps more soundproofing could help. I slept in the bedroom facing the driveway; its curtains let in the outside lights at night, though the lit grounds also made the place feel safer. A shade or curtain on the small kitchen-side window would add privacy from passersby and gardeners. Rugs by both the front entrance and living-room sliding door could also help keep sand down. The owners quickly agreed to a late 4pm checkout on our last day, which gave us an extra beach day and precious time together. After a two-day cold front, the temperatures returned to the high 70s, and we got to enjoy the healing sun and calm, gentle Gulf surf. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to the Driftwood owners for being accessible and looking after all of us, including our dog. Being pet friendly made this place a rare gem. God bless, Hannah, Vicki and Maisey 🐾