19 Reviews of Property 100818 in Sanibel Island, Florida

My husband and I have been vacationing on Sanibel Island at least annually for over 22 years. We have been staying at Clamshell since 1999 and consider it the best condo rental on the island. The decor is comfortable and lovely, the kitchen is fabulous and the master bathroom is "to die for." It is located closer to the beach than most "beach front" condos, is very private and quiet, and has a large 3rd-floor deck with panoramic water views that is perfect for relaxing all day under an umbrella. Other than riding bikes around the island, we have a hard time tearing outselves away from the condo during the 2 weeks that we are there. All you need to bring is your clothing, swimsuit and sunscreen. We absolutely love staying at Clamshell.

We have rented Clamshell E for 6 years and have stayed at other places in Sanibel, and nothing compares. The unit is spacious, up to date, and has a beautiful view of the ocean. We love the privacy and on our most recent stay, we had the pool completely to ourselves. I can't imagine there being a better place on Sanibel, as far as convenience, beauty and peacefulness. The unit easily accommodates 2 adults and 2 others (we have 2 teenagers). You have everything you need in this unit and the owners are super nice, as well as the folks at Island Vacations of Sanibel. Be sure and take the Sanibel Thriller (boat ride) -- it's well worth it -- this summer (09) we were able to get into all restaurants easily -- there were very few crowds anywhere.... so we had another great vacation in Sanibel!!!!

We have been happy renters of Clamshell for 4 years returning year after year. It is a pleasant change from all the condo units along the beach as it is it's own unit with its own access. It's also very quiet and secluded, away from the hustle and bustle and yet is right on the beach. The furnishings are clean, tasteful, up-to-date and feel more like home than a rental unit. The master bedroom is spacious, airy, and has a fantastic view. The master bath is very spacious and has all one would want. The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances and utentils--again these are what I'd expect in a home, not a rental. The deck is off the master bedroom on the upper level which does make for some glorious sunsets. The lanai is part of the living room which makes the whole living room feel like one is outside.
The second bedroom can be a little crowded if people are bringing luggage for an extended stay. The inclusion of a washer and dryer is wonderful for an extended stay.

The beach is just down the boardwalk and has excellent shelling. Morning dolphin watching is always a plus. We've never used the pool, but it looks adequate. Shops, restaurants, beaches, and bike trails are right out the door. What is especially nice is Clamshell has bikes for the occupants to use (I named mine "Rusty")--a big plus on Sanibel. I can bike to the grocery store in the morning for the paper, to the Bean in the afternoon for coffee, to Ding Darling for nature adventures, or just ride around. There are other "toys" such as pails, umbrellas, beach chairs at the unit.

Our experience with the management company has always been very positive. They are always willing to help us in any way they can--accepting and sending faxes, mail.

The photos do represent Clamshell accurately. We have had other family members rent other units in the Clamshell compound because of its excellent location, but none are as nice, clean, modern, or as well maintained as this one. It truly is like having your own home. That's why we return year after year. We've not found anything we like better or that is as special.

Review Title:

Clamshell E was everything the photos and descriptions showed, and more. It is so beautifully and comfortably decorated, with every amenity thought of. They have a great selection of books, both fiction and non fiction. I had brought my own shell, flora and fauna identification books, which I did not need to bring! There are Solitudes CDs to uplift the already relaxing ambience to Utopia. Free internet access was appreciated. The master bedroom and bath are gorgeous and very romantic. What a surprise and a treat to wake up every morning, sit up in bed and see the sun rising over the gulf. We loved the townhouse set up, with two floors. The deck outside the master bedroom is actually on the 3rd floor, since the unit is on stilts. What a view! The beach is beautiful. It was such a treat to grab beach chairs, take a short stroll to the sand and watch the amazing sunsets, while sipping champagne.The location is just what we were looking for- quiet, secluded, yet easy to get to the stores and restaurants. Bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas are included. There is no need to rent equipment, as is necessary in many other rentals on Sanibel. The property management company, Island Vacations, was wonderful. In all communications with them, be it via email, on the phone or in person, they were friendly, helpful and responsive. The townhouse was immaculate! A full sized washer and dryer in the unit was handy. The owners were quick to reply to our inquiries and they, too, were very nice, via our email communications.
Once we went over the causeway from the mainland to the island, we were there to stay. There was no reason for us to leave. Between Sanibel and Captiva, there were plenty of restaurants and enough grocery stores to meet our needs.
For a special treat, go to the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge to watch the sunset. We sat in the area of the observation tower. Watching all the species of birds, group by group, flying overhead as they made their way to their night time roost was magical. What a privilege to have witnessed that amazing natural event.
We greatly recommend Clamshell E to anyone who loves the beach, nature, peace and quiet, and spending time in Paradise.

My wife and I spent a week at Clamshell in May and absolutely fell in love with it! Very private. The condo is well appointed with everything you would need for a great stay. The entire upper level is the master suite with a fantastic lanai off of the bedroom. Easy access to the beach and all of the other highlights of Sanibel. We are planning on a 2 week stay next year!

We celebrated our 30th. wedding anniversary at Clamshell.What a relaxing week. The veiw from the masterbedrooom is breathtaking. Enjoyed breakfast every morning on the balcony.Clamshell is very clean and newly updated with a huge masterbathroom.Plenty to do in the evening...many nice places to eat.

Our family has been vacationing on Sanibel now for many years dating back to the mid 1990's. Clearly our most memorable experiences surround our stay's at the Clamshell property. It is, and has always been, a cut above the rest. The peaceful seclusion, cleanliness, furnishings, bikes, lounge chairs, pool, and don't forget the beach and view right out your front door make for a perfect combination. We intend to continue to make Sanibel and the Clamshell our annual vacation retreat for years to come.

BK & DK - Illinois