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A First Timer's Guide to Vacation Rentals on Sanibel Island

15 Feb 2021
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Trip Planning

Traveling is a bit different for many of us these days, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying some rest and relaxation to reset. Instead of booking your next getaway at a hotel, consider the privacy and space of a vacation rental. Vacation rentals have long been a popular choice for large groups and families seeking a comfortable space with room for everyone, and these days vacation rentals are gaining attention among smaller groups and even couples. Sanibel Island is a perfect tropical destination if you're looking for wide-open sandy shores, minimal crowds, and warm sun.

Benefits of Booking a Vacation Rental

Vacation rentals offer many benefits that hotels cannot, including more space, home-like amenities, full kitchens, and ample privacy. At VIP Vacation Rentals, we have an inventory of rental homes and condos that can accommodate groups between 2 and 10 guests on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Each of our vacation rentals has a full kitchen, making it easy to keep your meal routine, save money while you're away, and avoid restaurants when you want to. Our units also have full bathrooms, in-unit laundry, living rooms, dining areas, and many have private outdoor spaces. 

More Privacy

Privacy is such an important aspect of having a great vacation... there's nothing worse than being disrupted by noisy neighbors and hotel parties. Vacation rentals offer more space and fewer nearby units so that you can enjoy the quiet and seclusion of being on an island vacation. Many of our rentals have private patios or lanais to take in the Florida warmth with a cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. 

Additional Space

Vacation rental condos and homes are all individually owned, so each is set up just as your own home would be. You'll find a comfortable living room, dining area, and kitchen at each of our rental units. This extra shared space really gives you room to spread out. If you're traveling with a small group, this type of setup gives the flexibility of having alone time when you need it. Guests at our rentals will also love the ability to cook meals at home, unwind with some evening television, and take in the warm breeze on your private patio. 

Full Kitchen

kitchen at sanibel island vacation rental

A full kitchen is one of the best benefits of staying in a vacation rental. You don't need to rely on a hotel's dining schedule or spend a considerable chunk of your budget on meals at restaurants. While there are plenty of great dining options on and around Sanibel Island, we understand that going out to eat can get old after a while. Eating just one meal in your vacation rental a day can help you save big! Plus, you'll have a coffee maker and other essentials that you have in your own kitchen. 

In-Unit Laundry

Packing for your vacation can be stressful, but when you have access to a washer and dryer you don't have to worry about having enough clothes--you can just wash them! This added level of convenience is especially helpful if you're spending a lot of time outdoors in the hot Florida weather or spending your days on the beach. 

Small-Scale Resort Amenities

Many of our vacation rentals are located at resort-like communities that offer the same great amenities as large hotels without all the crowds. Enjoy lounging by the pool or take a short walk to the famous beaches of Sanibel Island from many of our rentals. Because our resorts are all small- to mid-sized communities, you'll have tons of open space on our beaches and ample room throughout each of our properties. 

What's Included in Your Stay

Our vacation rental homes and condos are individually owned, so each one is unique in some way. Double-check what is included in your rental on the property description when you book your stay.

Each rental includes a full kitchen with an oven, microwave, a coffee maker, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Our units are also equipped with TVs, WiFi, and an in-unit washer/dryer.

Each rental will have a basic starter-kit of essentials for your stay, which include:

  • Bed Linens & blankets
  • Bath towels
  • Bathroom tissue and facial tissue
  • Kitchen essentials (dishes, silverware, glassware, mugs, pots & pans, etc.)
  • Small supply of soap
  • Cleaning samples for kitchen and laundry

What You Should Bring With You

Stop at one of the many grocery stores in the area to stock your rental with everything you will need. If you'd prefer to get your groceries delivered, you can also do that to save time and avoid the stores. Bailey's Sanibel and Sanibel Delivery are both local grocery delivery services that will bring everything you need to your doorstep. Both offer online ordering so you can be prepared ahead of time. 

A few things to add to your grocery list:

  • paper towels
  • dishwashing detergent
  • coffee (and coffee condiments)
  • condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, etc.)
  • olive oil and/or butter
  • paper plates
  • countertop spray
  • hand wipes/hand sanitizer
  • toilet paper

Book Your Stay Direct With VIP Vacation Rentals

balcony at gulf front sanibel island vacation rental

Ready for your next getaway? Book Sanibel Island vacation rentals with VIP for your next tropical vacation. We have a variety of pet-friendly rentals, Gulf-front stays, and monthly rentals for those looking to stay awhile. 

Browse Our Sanibel Island Rentals