The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs (tel. 239/444-1234; www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com), opened in 2006, featuring 454 guest rooms, tropical gardens, water views, multiple swimming pools, and a convenient location right next to the Shops at Coconut Point . Rates are $269 to $519 in high season and $189 to $299 in off season.
The hostelries recommended below are removed from the crowds of Times Square, but some chain motels provide comfortable accommodations close to the center of the action: The best one, the midrise Best Western Beach Resort (tel. 800/336-4045 or 239/463-6000), is a quarter-mile north, just far enough to escape the noise but still have a lively beach.
Sunstream Resorts, 6640 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach (tel. 800/625-4111; fax 239/463-3060; www.sunstream.com), manages "condominium hotels" that include the plush Casa Playa, 510 Estero Blvd. (tel. 800/569-4876 or 239/765-0510; www.casaplayaresort.com), and the Lovers Key Beach Club & Resort, 8771 Estero Blvd. (tel. 877/798-4879 or 239/765-1040; www.loverskey.com). The latter is on the north end of Lovers Key. The 60 spacious apartments in the older, 16-story Pointe Estero Island Resort, 6640 Estero Blvd. (tel. 239/765-1155), all have whirlpool tubs and screened balconies with gorgeous Gulf or bay views. The less expensive Santa Maria, 7317 Estero Blvd. (tel. 239/765-6700), is on the bay side of the island.
For campers, the somewhat-cramped Red Coconut RV Resort, 3001 Estero Blvd. (tel. 239/463-7200; fax 239/463-2609; www.redcoconut.com), has sites for RVs and tents both on the Gulf side of the road and right on the beach. Rates range from $55 to $80.
