Best Places to Stay in Southwest Florida: Fort Myers and area
Southwest Florida, with its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, is a traveler’s paradise. The key to an unforgettable trip lies in choosing the perfect accommodation. In this guide, we’ll recommend the 10 best places to stay in Southwest Florida, covering Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Cape Coral.
These recommendations have either been personally experienced or recommended by another fellow travel writer.
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Don’t have time to read the whole article? No worries! I highly recommend staying at the Marriot Residence Fort Myers Sanibel. It’s the perfect location, great staff and the rooms are fully equipped with everything you need, including a kitchen, for a great stay!
Fort Myers
Visitors flock to this coastal gem to soak up the sun and explore the many things to do in Fort Myers including a wide range of water-based activities and a great culinary scene. You will also find some of the best key lime pie in the Fort Myers area. It is an ideal destination for a memorable Florida getaway.
Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel
The Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Myers Sanibel is one of the best places I stayed in this area. The hotel rooms have a fully equipped kitchen, a great breakfast buffet and all the amenities you want in a hotel. Its proximity to Sanibel Island means you can easily access beautiful beaches and natural scenery, which makes it a great base for exploring Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Cape Coral. It was a very comfortable stay and the staff were super friendly. I highly recommend this location for your stay in the Fort Myers area as it was the best location we stayed at when visiting the area.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
This beachfront resort offers a range of activities and amenities, such as complimentary buffet breakfast, beach yoga classes, two outdoor pools, children’s activities, and a full-service spa. Rooms feature kitchenettes and private patios. This resort is located in Fort Myers Beach so you have close access to lots of water activities as well as great restaurants. I highly recommend trying Parasailing over Fort Myers Beach. It is an amazing experience!
Edison Beach House
Located on Fort Myers Beach, this hotel offers studio-style rooms and apartments with private balconies, kitchens, and living areas. The hotel has an outdoor pool, but it is all about the direct beach access and is close to local attractions and great restaurants.
Note that this hotel is still recovering from the hurricane in 2022, so the outdoor pool area may be closed, but this hotel is about its location on the beach and to nearby amenities.
The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
This boutique hotel is located in the River District, close to the local shopping, dining and historical attractions. This hotel features a poolside bar, a rooftop terrace, modern rooms and a stunning view of downtown and the river.
If you are looking to explore the history of Fort Myers, including the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, then this is a great place to base from.
Sanibel Island
Famous for its shell-strewn beaches and abundant wildlife, Sanibel Island beckons travelers to explore its natural wonders and relax in a tranquil paradise. From shelling along its shores to birdwatching at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island offers many things to do to keep yourself busy and immersed in the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Note, that some of the hotels are closed or still building back up after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Please consider supporting the local businesses and enjoy the great island. It really was the best place to be in the area.
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
The resort was just reopened in 2023 and includes easy access to the beach, outdoor swimming pool and a tiki bar with a great vibe! The rooms are updated and include the basics you need including a kitchenette.
There are chairs on the beach and the shelling is excellent if that’s what you are looking to do. I wish I could have experienced more of this hotel.
Seahorse Cottages
Located right by the Sanibel Lighthouse, this property is Adults only and more like a BnB. Where you get the privacy and quaintness of an inn. It’s a small property if you are looking for a quiet getaway. The property includes a pool, access to the beach, bikes for exploring the area and all the amenities of a home away from home.
Island Inn
This hotel is located on 10 acres of land and has 550 feet of private beach as well as onsite bicycle, kayak and paddleboard rentals. All rooms have full kitchens, a view of the ocean and all the amenities for an amazing relaxing vacation. There’s an area for swimming and shelling where you can experience what Sanibel is best known for.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral, known for its extensive 400 miles of canals and waterfront properties, is a paradise for boating and water enthusiasts. This city offers the perfect setting for aquatic adventures, or an upscale holiday, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique coastal experience.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village
This resort is absolutely beautiful! I stayed here as part of a conference and it was worth every penny spent. If you are looking for a luxury stay, then this is the place for you. You get beautiful views of the Caloosahatchee River and amenities like outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and on-site dining with live music.
Rooms come with a coffee maker, minifridge, and there are rooms that have kitchenettes. You can enjoy a great meal at the dockside bar (check out the great key lime pie) or choose one of the restaurants that are on the property.
Tiki Hut Bar & Grill at Dolphin Key Resort
A quiet retreat with private rooms featuring modern-style decor, free breakfast, pool and bike rentals. It includes a Tiki Hut Bar and Grill and this resort is popular among couples. Highly recommend this hotel for the fun atmosphere and great food at the Tiki Hut, including live music.
Villa Poinciana
Located in the heart of Cape Coral, this is considered one of the best hotels in Cape Coral. It’s close to various attractions and offers tastefully decorated rooms with luxe furnishings including a private pool, and terrace. It’s another home away from home including all the amenities including a full kitchen.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal place to stay depends on your preferences. Whether it’s a beachfront retreat in Fort Myers, a serene island escape in Sanibel, or a luxury experience in Cape Coral.
These recommendations cater to various budgets and desires, ensuring that you can find the best places to stay in Southwest Florida. Remember that this area is a popular destination, so it’s advisable to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
If you are looking for help planning your trip, feel free to reach out so I can help you!
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Love it, we are visiting Cape Coral next week!