My family of 6 stayed here for 3 nights. Overall it was a nice experience, but we'll probably stay somewhere else the next time we are on the island. We stayed in their largest unit which included a kitchen, living area, bedroom and bathroom. The room was clean and tastefully decorated. The grounds were pretty, and it was nice to have a sitting area right outside our door. Even though the motel was almost fully occupied, we felt like we had our own, private, intimate space. The staff was very kind and accomodating. The location is very convenient, especially to the bike rental business across the street.

So, why not stay here again? The number one reason is the mold. We could smell it as soon as we entered our room. Those of us who were especially sensitive to mold, had respiratory problems for the duration of our stay. The "continental breakfast basket" was a disappointment. We had to ask to get it and once we did, although it had a few pieces of fruit in it, the rest was pre-packaged, unappetizing danishes. It would be nice if they could have included some fresh muffins or bagels, or something that wasn't prepackaged. The air conditioner was very loud as was 7:00 AM construction in the neighboring lot. The bathroom was too small with no counter space and no working outlets. There were also a couple light bulbs in the room that did not work.

While some have found benefits to not having maid service and the staff "staying out of your hair," we got tired of having to take care of everything ourselves. Issues like not having our breakfast basket and lightbulbs that didn't work would be avoided with regular staff attention to the rooms. A paying guest should not have to ask for everything. We also thought 10:00 AM was too early for check out. Apparently the only time they are anxious to come service our room is after we leave!

Excellent location, reasonable prices. But the main attraction is the hotel staff at the Kona Kai. What the lodging lacks in some amenities (e.g., hair drier, shampoo) it makes up for in friendliness and accomodation, generosity. If you told the staff that you left your short sleeved shirts at home, they would probably lend you some! No question, we would stay here again.

Sanibel is a special destination - a quiet, lush island where you can really get away to "old Florida", the way it used to be before Starbucks and high rise developers paved over most of the other destinations (and I include the Florida Keys here).

How do we know - we live in Fort Lauderdale and yes, we need to escape our home and drive to Sanibel just as often as we can. A few years ago we were SO fortunate to discover the Kona Kai, whose character is in wonderful alignment with the island itself.

Lovely little cottages and units arranged on a meandering walkway filled with dense and lush tropical vegetation, trees, flowers, pineapples and banana trees. Each unit has it's own porch area where you can sit outside and just breath in the tropical air and fragrences. When strolling through the complex your neighbors say hello - the Kona is the kind of intimate and friendly place where that seems natural.

We've come to know Capt Dennis and his lovely family who run the Kona Kai, and who have continued to upgrade and improve things. Dennis is available 24/7 and has bent over backwards to offer us little extras to help us get around and enjoy our time on Sanibel.

Now if you miss the sterile commercial ambience of say the Holiday Inn or the Marriot , then the Kona Kai is not for you. But if you desire a unique accomodation that befits a unique island, you can do no better. Best yet, it is more than affordable. In sum, a no-brainer a for us. We will continue our semi-monthly escapes to Sanibel and you'll find us at the Kona.

Capn Jimbo and Sue Sea (Susie)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

We recently returned from a "destianation wedding" for one of our nieces and decided rather than paying the exorbitant rates at the "wedding resort", we'd check out a better deal in a nearby hotel. We discovered the Kona Kai and were happily rewarded for our efforts. The place is a beautiful jungle of tropical plants with each room/bungalow spread out around the grounds, highlighted by a gigantic pool.
Some rooms are in the process of being updated, but our room, #1, which was the pool cottage was beautifully remodeled with 2 queen beds, a wonderful kitchenette and a bathroom with a great shower, and clean, clean, clean. Some other friends stayed in Room #5, which was a huge suite-like room with a separate sitting area, large bedroom with two beds and a full kitchen,also recently remodeled. My understanding is that every room is different, so when you make the reservations, have the very friendly staff explain what is available, etc.
The hotel does not have beach access, but there are many areas throughout the island which provide access, so don't let that deter you. If you are looking for a centrally located tropical alternative to the living large prices on Sanibel, the Kona Kai is a welcome choice.