Small oasis, wonderful place to stay
by TripAdvisor Member topgann
We wanted to stay in Ft. Myers. During a day-trip to Sanibel we luckily found this amazing small tropical paradise. We were nearly alone and enjoyed the fantastic pool - my daughter loved it. The tropical gardens, the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, the perfect service, the private "dolphin watch" boat trip with Cpt. Dennis - outstanding. But the highlight for my wife, my daughter and me was our new friend - Lilian - she made everything possible and gave us the feeling to be a part of the Hendrix-Clan. This summer we spent 31 days in the US. Lilian's friendliness was the max we got. We stayed 3 days on Sanibel Island and will definitely come back to Kona Kai during our next visit.
We absolutely recommend this beautiful place.
A great place in Sanibel
by TripAdvisor Member deb_ocon
Stayed here Dec 05, an off time in Sanibel. Called for reservations on road an hour before arrival. They were able to accommodate us in a Cabin w/ Queen Bed for $69.00. Room small but adequate. Queen Bed with lovely quilt, refrig in room and lovely decor, bathroom on the small side, no amenities such as hairdryer, shampoo. Grounds were lovely, in fact activated my dormant allergies but lovely no less. We would stay here again as the hosts were very , very friendly, advising as to where to eat and local attractions etc. You can't beat this place for the price and the lush surroundings.
Paradise Found
by A TripAdvisor Member
The Kona Kai is a tropical , lush, family friendly oasis. I had stayed there years ago when my family was small. We are now a family of 5 and we just couldn't resist returning to the best kept affordable secret on Sanibel. Kona Kai is a clean, intimate ,tropical get away. Right off Periwinlle and near all the yummy places to eat. Our family was welcomed by Lillian in the office. Her bright and sunny disposition endeared our family immediately. Lillian alwayS stopped to chat and engage us in Island fun. Dennis appeared daily, working, chatting, chartering trips and is just an overall kind soul with loads of tips for "newbies" The breakfast basket was perfect for a family on the go and loaded with kid friendly morning snacks and fresh fruit--YUM!! While we had to get our own towels and take out our garbage--it's well worth the stay and no extra work.....Fabulous pool and tropical ambience---love LOVE LOVE Kona Kai and WILL be back soon!!!!
The Grant Family
Port Orange, FL Dec 2005
Relaxing New Year's at Kona Kai
by TripAdvisor Member fizical9
My girlfriend and I wanted a relaxing get-away for New Year's weekend. The Kona Kai on Sanibel Island was just what we were looking for. The accomodations were perfect and the service was excellent. We opted for the efficiency to have the option of preparing breakfast or a snack. The room was updated and clean and the employees were extremely helpful offering suggestions and advice on every request we had. We could not have asked for more. Kona Kai helped both of us ring in the New Year just the way we hoped to. We look forward to visiting again soon.
Little Tropical Paradise
by A TripAdvisor Member
We have been going to Sanibel Island since the early eighties but this was our first visit to the Kona Kai. It was delightful! Our accomodations were lovely, the property itself (complete with large pool and lush gardens) was beautiful, but the staff was the best. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely return. Greenville, SC
Lovely little motel
by TripAdvisor Member Shir Hayam
My DH and I stayed at the Kona Kai for a few days at the end of February. We chose it based on reviews we read here on TripAdvisor and, generally, it did live up to the positive reports. The grounds and plantings were beautiful. Even though it's situated on a busy street next to a restaurant, our room was fairly quiet, even with the air conditioner off and the windows open. The folks in the office were helpful about where to go and what to do, although we were disappointed that a planned boat trip with "Captain Dennis" was cancelled and not rescheduled. We were in a standard queen room which was quite small, but had a comfy bed and an okay bathroom. There was a problem with the lighting on the path to our room the first night we were there - many broken lights making the path very dark. After we pointed out the problem, a new lighting system was installed by the following evening - very impressive response. One big downside to the location is that it is not near the beach. But if that's not an important factor to you, then Kona Kai is a good value on Sanibel.
WONDERFUL Hide-away!!!
by TripAdvisor Member BigBassMamma
My husband and I had been bopping all over Florida for a week. We had just spent the night (and $300) in a 4 star resort just over the Sanibel causeway and I have to say it had NOTHING on the Kona Kai!! As we were taking a car ride out to Capitva, we noticed a "vacancy" sign and decided to see if it was something we could afford. As we walked up we realized how very charming the surroundings were, with the beautiful hibiscus to the thatched roof. The pool was inviting, even though it was a little chilly the week we visited. We dialed the number on the wall and spoke with Dennis the owner who informed us to be on the lookout for Wilson. We were greeted by the most polite, enoyable desk person on our vacation. He was a pure joy to speak with and even refer us to a charming restaurant for breakfast. We were then brought to our room, which was seperate from all others. It was decorated in a really fun, Hawian theme. From the palm tree shower curtain to the pineapple bed comforter...we LOVED it!!
I must tell everyone reading this...this was the MOST comfortable place on our 5 day get-away. We stayed in Ft Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami and Sanibel. If we had known how wonderful this night was going to be, I would have booked our WHOLE vacation with Dennis and his great staff at the Kona Kai.
The price was just right too!!!
Thanks again and we can't wait to come back!!!
Gary and Stephany Noel
Northbridge, MA
Kona Kai - why stay anywhere else?
by TripAdvisor Member sue6389
My sister and I stayed at the Kona Kai from May 1st – May 9th, 2006. We were looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sunny Sanibel Island weather. We’d read reviews on Kona Kai, and it seemed like a fun place to stay. It far exceeded our expectations. The owners and staff couldn't be nicer, or more helpful. Lillian was off the day we arrived, and we were greeted and shown around by Jeannie, one of the owners. Right away it was obvious that our comfort and enjoyment was her main objective. The grounds are lush with tropical plants and flowers, giving you the sense of being in Hawaii, and offering quite a bit of privacy. Although not large or luxurious, the cottages are immaculate, comfy, and decorated in a fun tropical theme. The bed was very comfortable, and unlike many motels we’ve stayed in, there was no musty odor to the room. There are always clean linens available in the office, and they have beach equipment available for you to use for free. There are bikes available to rent on the property, or across the street. Bicycles are a safe, fun way to get around the Island, using the flat, easy paths that cover most of the Island. There is a big, beautiful pool that rarely has more than a couple of people in it at a time. We found the location to be perfect- a very easy bike ride to beaches, stores, refuges, etc. For your meals, you can walk to several great restaurants, or there’s a nice grocery store just down the street where you can pick up something to grill or whip up in your room. Each day you get a picnic basket delivered to your room, with a couple of pieces of fruit, a couple of packaged pastries, coffee and tea. We usually saved these for snacks to take with us to the beach, and went to one of the restaurants that are well known for their breakfasts. The nightly rates can't be beat, and I doubt if you'll find friendlier staff anywhere on the Island. Lillian and her fiancée’ are always cheerful, and work hard at making your stay enjoyable, and the owners truly make you feel like you’re a relative visiting for the week. They are in the process of giving some of the units a “face-lift”, so there may be a couple that look "rough" temporarily, with some carpentry tools & equipment close by. These updates will only make the place more enticing. My husband and I will be returning to Sanibel Island in October, and I can’t wait to return to my new "home away from home".
If you're looking for big, fancy, and someone to make your bed every day, this probably isn't the place for you. If you're looking for a friendly tranquil place, where you can relax and forget about the craziness of your every-day life, it's perfect!
I hated leaving Kona Kai, and can’t wait to return (over and over again). We’ve found our Paradise :-)
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