I've been reading up on whatever information I can find about Sanibel, but in talking to my parents who live in that area, they told me that many beaches are private and unless you're staying at the particular hotel, you cant go shelling on these beaches. Anyway, I'm wondering if this is true, and if so, if any one hotel is recommended over any other. On the other hand, I've also read that many of the larger shells are toward the west side of the island which appear to have no hotels at all. If this is the case, obviously it probably doesn't matter where I stay. I'll be going at the end of this month, so while its not the best time to be there, hopefully it will be much better than it is around here (cape cod). Thanks!