History of Sanibel's Island Inn: The Matthews Hotel & Shell Fair

Sanibel's Island Inn is the island's oldest inn and one of its most enduring connections to early island life. Established in the 1890s and associated with the pioneering Matthews family, the property began welcoming visitors long before the Sanibel Causeway connected the island to mainland Florida.

Originally known as The Matthews or Matthews Hotel, the beachfront property became a gathering place for winter visitors, shell collectors and families who returned to Sanibel generation after generation.

The history of Island Inn is closely connected to Sanibel's early hospitality industry, the Bailey and Matthews families, the development of island transportation and the shell-collecting traditions that helped make Sanibel internationally famous.

The Sears Family and Early Travel to Sanibel

The Sears family was among the most frequent visitors to The Matthews Hotel. They traveled by train to Punta Rassa, then by steamboat to Sanibel, followed by a horse-drawn wagon across the island prairie to the hotel.

Several generations of the Sears family visited Sanibel, and some eventually made the island their home. Even after The Matthews was renamed Island Inn in 1937, the Sears family continued to call it The Matthews.

Jane Matthews and the Historic Matthews Wharf

Jane Matthews homesteaded 160 acres on Sanibel and built a wharf that became part of the island's early transportation history.

Although they shared a surname, Jane Matthews and Hallie Matthews were not related. Jane preferred not to cook and arranged to share many of her meals with Hallie.

Matthews Wharf remained an important part of island life until it was destroyed by the 1926 hurricane.

Island Inn and the Origins of Sanibel's Shell Fair

The Matthews Hotel played an important role in Sanibel's early shell-collecting traditions. Winter visitors gathered to display and compare the remarkable shells they discovered along the island's Gulf beaches.

Historical accounts differ on the precise date of the earliest organized shell exhibition. The Sanibel Historical Museum documents a shell show at The Matthews in 1916, while other accounts describe later exhibitions and competitions during the 1920s and 1930s.

What remains clear is that the Matthews property was an important gathering place for early shell collectors. These informal displays helped establish a community tradition that eventually became the Sanibel Shell Fair, one of the island's most recognizable cultural events.

The Shell Fair's history also connects the Matthews Hotel, the Sisters Hotel, now associated with Casa Ybel, and the Sanibel Community House.

Early shell exhibitions were held at The Matthews, with historical records documenting a show as early as 1916. Later exhibitions took place at the Matthews Hotel in 1928 and The Sisters Hotel, now associated with Casa Ybel, in 1929.

The Sanibel Community House was constructed in 1927, and the Shell Fair eventually became closely associated with the building. Although accounts differ about the relationship between the Shell Fair's growing popularity and the Community House's construction, both became important parts of Sanibel's community traditions.

Sanibel's reputation for exceptional shelling also extended beyond the island. Seashell displays at the Punta Rassa terminal of the Kinzie Brothers Ferry Line encouraged mainland travelers to visit Sanibel and discover its beaches.

Sanibel's sea shells were used in a truck bed display on the Punta Rassa side of the Kinzie Brothers Ferry Line to entice folks to explore Sanibel.

Hurricane Ian and the Island Inn's Continuing History

Hurricane Ian in September 2022 brought devastating damage to Sanibel Island, including the historic Island Inn property.

Several older cottage buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, representing another significant chapter in the property's long history of adapting to storms and changing island conditions.

Despite the destruction, the Island Inn resumed limited operations following the hurricane. Its survival reflects the resilience of one of Sanibel's longest-established hospitality businesses and the importance of preserving the island's historical identity.
Hurricane Ian and the Island Inn's Rebuilding Plans

Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel Island on September 28, 2022, destroying several historic cottages at Island Inn and severely damaging portions of the beachfront property.

Despite the destruction, Island Inn became the first hotel to reopen on Sanibel following the hurricane. The surviving Matthews Lodge and Starky Lodge continue to welcome guests while the remaining property undergoes reconstruction.

Island Inn Reconstruction Projects Underway in 2026

As of October 2026, the Island Inn property at 3111 West Gulf Drive has several rebuilding projects in progress.

According to the City of Sanibel's resort housing recovery records, 12 former cottage accommodations are being reconstructed within the main resort building.

The property's Kimball Lodge is also being rebuilt. Benchmark General Contractors began construction in April 2026 on a 31-unit condominium building totaling approximately 26,982 square feet.

Designed by Christopher J. Lee Architects, the replacement building will incorporate updated flood elevation requirements, hurricane-resistant construction and current building standards.

The contractor originally anticipated an approximately 12-month construction schedule, although actual completion will depend on construction progress and final approvals.

Future Guest Amenities at Island Inn

Island Inn has also announced plans to restore and redevelop shared guest amenities, including its swimming pool and dining facilities.

While these amenities remain unavailable during construction, the inn continues operating its surviving guest accommodations and beachfront facilities.

No confirmed reopening date has been announced for the new pool or dining facilities.

Preserving More Than 130 Years of Sanibel History

The reconstruction of Island Inn represents another chapter in the property's history, which began with the Matthews family in the 1890s.

From the earliest shell collectors arriving by boat and horse-drawn wagon to modern visitors enjoying Sanibel's Gulf beaches, Island Inn has adapted through generations of change.

Its rebuilding following Hurricane Ian reflects both the challenges of preserving historic island destinations and the continuing effort to protect the character that makes Sanibel unique.

Thanks to David E. Carter for digitizing images into the Sanibel Public Library's Pfeifer Vintage Photo Collection. It was a community effort to bring many of these images to Pfeifer Realty Group to be scanned and returned to the families. Thanks also to DigitalFGCU, Florida Gulf Coast University Library.