Transcript
Casa Ybel
Sanibel-Florida
FOREWARD
In making a choice of a place in which to spend the winter months, the question is largely one of desirability; to find a hotel which caters pleasantly to the inner man and provides the guest with ample means of entertainment; to be surrounded by cultivated people and not to be bound by the more rigid dictates of fashion; to have the warmth of the Southern sun, but tempered by cooling breezes; to be easily accessible, yet pleasantly remote from turmoil of cities; to be surrounded by the beauties of nature and still to have at hand the conveniences of life- with these pre-requisites in mind, the tourist is invited to read further.
Casa Ybel is situated on the Gulf beach of Sanibel Island, one of the largest and perhaps most beautiful of the Keys which fringe the western coast of Florida. The island lies across the mouth of the Caloosahatchie River, separating San Carlos Bay from the waters of the Gulf, and is fourteen miles long, with a greatest width of three and one-half miles. It is easily reached via the Atlantic Coast Line Railway from Jacksonville to Fort Myers and by double daily steamboat service from that point. The trip by boat is a very beautiful one of three hours, down the river and across the Bay to the wharf, where the hotel auto-bus receives the incoming guests and quickly transports them across the island to Casa Ybel.
A peculiar feature of Sanibel Island is the fact that, unlike the other islands, it does not parallel the coast, but curves inland until the lower end of the island points towards east. To this fact is due the location of Casa Ybel facing south upon the Gulf beach, and to it and to the change of currents produced by its location, is due the profusion and variety of beautiful shells found on the beach. It ranks first in this respect of all the beaches in the United States and provides and unfailing source of pleasure to our guests.
Casa Ybel is build on the cottage system and consists of ten separate houses, placed in an irregular semi-circle facing the beach, but just far enough back to escape the glare of the white sand and to be shaded by the beautiful trees of the park-like grounds. The central cottage contains the public rooms; sun-parlor, music room, billiard room, card room, dining room and kitchen. The other houses are devoted to bed rooms, and arrangement much appreciated by our guests who find them free from noise, or the odors of cooking. Also there is a pleasant sense of being at home in one's own cottage and veranda.
Sanibel Island is noted for its winter vegetables and citrus fruits and for the fish, oysters and clams with which the surrounding waters are stocked; with these, and with western meats from Jacksonville, the table is abundantly supplied during the season. Add to this real Southern
cooking and family style of service, which avoids the usual multiplicity of small dishes and brings the food hot to the table, and one may rest and content. The fare at Casa Ybel has always been noted for its excellence and the usual high standard will be maintained.
The clientele of the house is composed exclusively of cultured and refined people who find its freedom from fashionable requirements and its quiet, wholesome amusements a welcome diversion from their ordinary mode of living. There is hardly a city or town of note east of the Rockies from which there has been no representation among the guests of former years. In many places there are persons to whom prospective visitors may be referred for first-hand information regarding Casa Ybel.
The amusements at Casa Ybel are many and all classes may find a way to pleasantly pass the time. The beach is one of the chiefest attractions and there are few guests who do not spend part of each day upon it. The shelling lays its fascination upon all corners and long walks result.
The bathing is superb and is absolutely safe at all times; children find the beach, with its sand piles and beautiful shells, a haven of delight, with no dangers to detract from their enjoyment of it. There are ten miles of hard, smooth sand, ideal for motoring. In addition to the beach pleasures, there is a fine cement tennis court and a clock golf course. Indoors there is a music room with a grand piano, organ and victrola, a card room, a combination billiard and pool table and a fine floor for dancing. Launch and automobiles picnics and fishing trips complete the list.
The fishing at Sanibel is generally good and one can fish from the various docks, or take a guide and a motor boat and go after the big ones. The list of possible catches include trout, mackerel, channel bass, sheepshead, jack fish, grouper and mangrove snapper; also tarpon, king fish and amberjack at the passes. Shark, sawfish, jewfish, catfish, and other undesirables are also in evidence. It is no uncommon thing for guests to bring in fifty or a hundred pounds of game fish after a day in the passes, while very nice catches can often be made at the docks.
Casa Ybel makes no pretensions to fashion; the rooms are comfortable, the beds are good, sanitary plumbing and private baths have been installed. No pains are spared to make our guests comfortable. There is motor boat and automobile livery.
The rates are: Per day, $3.00 up; per week, $15.00 up. The season is from January first to April first, but parties wishing to come earlier or to stay later can be accommodated.
For reservations, address:
W.C. BARNES
SANIBEL, FLORIDA.
"Casa Ybel, A Cottage Hotel, Gulf beach of Sanibel Island, Florida"
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