The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs (www.coconutpoint.hyatt.com; tel. 239/444-1234), a certified Florida Green Lodge, on 26 acres overlooking the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, features 454 guest rooms, gardens, water views, and multiple pools. Rates are $299 to $399 in high season and $150 to $279 in the off season.
The hostelries recommended 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.
Popular with large families and Europeans looking for a longer, more homey stay, condo hotels are aplenty (especially after the real estate bust) on Fort Myers Beach, including Casa Playa, 510 Estero Blvd. (www.casaplayaresort.com; tel. 800/569-4876 or 239/765-0510), and the Lovers Key Beach Club & Resort, 8771 Estero Blvd. (www.loverskey.com; tel. 877/798-4879 or 239/765-1040). The latter is on the north end of Lovers Key. The less expensive Santa Maria Harbour Resort, 7317 Estero Blvd. (tel. 239/765-6700), is on the bay side of the island.
Sunstream Resorts, 6640 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach (www.sunstream.com; tel. 800/625-4111), manages "condominium hotels" that include the older, 16-story Pointe Estero Island Resort, 6640 Estero Blvd. (www.pointeestero.com; tel. 239/765-1155), offering whirlpool tubs and screened balconies with Gulf or bay views; the GullWing Beach Resort, 6620 Estero Blvd. (www.gullwingfl.com; tel. 239/765-4300), featuring large one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos with screened balconies and views of the Gulf or bay; and the DiamondHead Beach Resort. Not so far from FMB in Cape Coral is Sunstream's newest high-rise condo hotel, The Resort at Marina Village, 5951 Silver King Blvd. (www.marinavillageresort.com; tel. 239/541-5000), also featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences up to a whopping 2,225 square feet as well as waterfront dining, shopping, and a spa.
New on Fort Myers Beach in 2010: Harbour House at the Inn, 450 Old San Carlos Blvd. (www.harbourhouseattheinn.com; tel. 239/463-0700), a 34-unit condo-hotel featuring colorful, beachy studio, one-, and two-bedroom condo units with views of Matanzas Pass and the beach. Rates start at $175 in the winter and $85 during summer.
For campers, the somewhat-cramped Red Coconut RV Resort, 3001 Estero Blvd. (www.redcoconut.com; tel. 239/463-7200; fax 239/463-2609), has sites for RVs and tents both on the Gulf side of the road and right on the beach. Rates range from $48 to $85.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
