Cheap Hotels in Sanibel, FL from $177

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Top Sanibel Cheap Hotels

Tarpon Tale Inn

3.0 star property
East End
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (392)
"Great staff, close to the beach. Provided beach chairs, umbrella, & beach cart for stay. Highly recommend"
United States
Thomas
$159 nightly
The price is $177
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Tarpon Tale Inn

THE Palmview AND Sandpiper Inns

3.5 star property
Mid Island
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (200)
"Would prefer to have NON-STICK pans for cooking."
United States
David
THE Palmview AND Sandpiper Inns

Sanibel Island Beach Resort

3.0 star property
Mid Island
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1444)
"The room was very clean, great updated bathroom comfortable beds. Great restaurant onsite, beautiful beach. "
United States
Glenda
$226 nightly
The price is $250
Dec 16 - Dec 17
Total with taxes and fees
Sanibel Island Beach Resort

Island Inn

3.5 star property
West End
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1120)
"Really nice, updated, and clean room with a screened waterfront balcony in a perfect place on the island (far enough away from the big resorts to be in a quieter area, but close enough to the center area of the island to be convenient). "
United States
Chris
$229 nightly
The price is $255
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Island Inn

Sanibel Home ready for rentals ! Now reduced for April and May 2025!

West End
Sanibel Home ready for rentals ! Now reduced for April and May 2025!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.

Find out more about Sanibel

Discover cheap things to do in Sanibel

Sanibel, Florida, offers budget-conscious travelers a delightful mix of free and low-cost activities. Start your adventure at the stunning Sanibel Island Lighthouse, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore while soaking up the scenic views—perfect for a family photo op without spending a dime. Next, explore the lush trails of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where a small entrance fee allows you to experience diverse wildlife and the beauty of nature, making it an enriching outing for all ages. Don't miss the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, where admission is affordable and you can learn about the island's fascinating past at your own pace. For beach lovers, Bowman’s Beach is a serene spot that requires no entry fee, perfect for a picnic or shelling adventure with the kids. When it comes to dining, head to the local food trucks or casual eateries like The Bubble Room for budget-friendly meals packed with flavor. Staying in the Periwinkle Way area not only gives you easy access to these attractions but also offers a variety of affordable hotels, providing a comfortable base for your Sanibel explorations. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere where attentive service ensures you feel right at home, all while keeping your travel budget intact.

Find the best cheap hotels in Sanibel

For budget-conscious travelers heading to Sanibel, Florida, these two hotels provide great value without compromising on comfort. Each offers essential amenities for a pleasant stay while keeping costs low.

Driftwood Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Driftwood Inn stands out as a top budget-friendly option for travelers, an impressive review rating of 10.0. This inn caters to guests looking for affordability while providing complimentary amenities such as toiletries, WiFi, and self-parking. With its prime location near the beach, guests can easily access the tranquil white sands of Sanibel without straining their budget.
  • Other amenities: Guests can take advantage of additional perks like complimentary bicycles for exploring the area, as well as beach towels and umbrellas for a fun beach day. The inn features spacious lanai areas and a lush garden for relaxation. For those who enjoy cooking, the fully-equipped kitchens include dishwashers, stovetops, and cookware, making it easy to prepare meals. Additionally, guests will appreciate the option of connecting rooms for larger groups or families.
  • Nearby attractions: Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 0.31 miles, Sanibel Island Golf Club - 0.46 miles, Periwinkle Way - 0.39 miles

Sunshine Island Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Sunshine Island Inn is an excellent choice for budget travelers seeking a cozy retreat in Sanibel with a remarkable guest review rating of 9.6. This charming inn features essential amenities like free WiFi and self-parking, making your stay comfortable while keeping expenses in check. Guests can enjoy easy access to the beach, where sun loungers and beach umbrellas await for relaxing afternoons by the ocean.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the budget-friendly features, Sunshine Island Inn offers a kitchenette in each room, including a refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop for convenient meal prep. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, while beach towels are provided for those heading to the nearby sandy shores. The inn also features a patio for enjoying the lovely Sanibel weather and has air conditioning to ensure a pleasant indoor environment.
  • Nearby attractions: Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 0.75 miles, Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens - 0.37 miles, Periwinkle Way - 1.07 miles

How can I get cheap hotels in Sanibel?

Best tips to find a cheap hotel in Sanibel

  1. If you're looking to travel to Sanibel on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $177. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit. At most, hotel prices can be as high as $255. Staying a short amount of time in Sanibel is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.

  2. When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don't have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don't have that many nights to stay. For budget hotels in Sanibel, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That's generally enough to enjoy the city's top attractions, though there's certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.

  3. When booking cheap hotel rooms in Sanibel, it's typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand. However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.

  4. When you utilize search filters on Expedia, you'll be able to narrow down your results in a flash. These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in Sanibel, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating, or proximity to local attractions. You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.

Top Sanibel Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Sanibel like for travelers on a budget?
Sanibel has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great vacation choice for budget-conscious travelers. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Sanibel Island Northern Beach, Sanibel Island Lighthouse, and Periwinkle Way.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Sanibel?
Based on our traveler reviews, Sanibel Home ready for rentals ! Now reduced for April and May 2025! is a top choice for a less expensive stay.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Sanibel?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Sanibel, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 83°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 68°F. The rainiest months in Sanibel are August, September, July, and June, with each month seeing an average of 9 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Sanibel?
Sanibel attracts visitors with its island views and sunsets, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Key West Express, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Check out the local culture at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and Bailey - Matthews Shell Museum, or visit other spots like Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater.
How can I get to Sanibel and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Sanibel is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is 17.4 mi (28 km) from the center in Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), which is 32.3 mi (52 km) away. Sanibel may not have many public transportation choices so a car rental could be an economical alternative to explore the area.

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