The Best Hotels to Book in Fort Myers for Every Traveler

Keep an eye for the resident dolphin pods when you chill on a lounger at Outrigger Beach Resort | Courtesy of Outrigger Beach Resort / Expedia

James Callery

5 August 2021

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Visit Fort Myers, Florida, for stellar sandy beaches, a warm climate, and a thriving riverside district peppered with restaurants and boutique galleries. But where to stay– a family-friendly resort with a beachside tiki bar? Or perhaps a Georgian-inspired retreat in the heart of the shopping district? Here are the best hotels and places to stay in Fort Myers – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Hotel Indigo Fort Myers Downtown River District

A bed, bedside tables with lamps and TV in a hotel room at Hotel Indigo in Fort Myers

Courtesy of Hotel Indigo / Expedia

In the downtown River District, the Hotel Indigo is a Georgian-style property close to bustling shopping venues and the Southwest Florida Museum of History. Guests stay in bright rooms with parquet floors and wood furniture. The only boutique in the neighborhood, it plays to the city’s creative side with a vibrant mural by the rooftop pool designed by a local artist.

The Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast

The exterior of Hibiscus House in traditional wood construction, with trees and plants in the garden

Courtesy of Hibiscus House / Expedia

The original Hibiscus House was built in 1912, but was moved to its current location in 1946. Now, a stay here includes a two-course homestyle breakfast with sweet and savory dishes. A large outdoor garden, private off-street parking, and thoughtfully furnished rooms add to its homey charm. The property is on the edge of the River District and within walking distance of the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter estates.

Dolphin Key Resort

Courtesy of Dolphin Key Resort / Expedia

The Dolphin Key Resort has a prime location, just a 15-minute drive from Fort Myers and two blocks from downtown Cape Coral – with around 20 restaurants and bars nearby. Head to the Tiki Bar and Grill beside the heated pool and courtyard for live entertainment and classic Southern American food, including homemade chili and alligator bites. There are also five docks at the hotel, allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Crowne Plaza Fort Myers

Courtesy of Crowne Plaza Fort Myers / Expedia

For a traveler with boundless energy, this contemporary hotel ticks all the boxes. Take a dip in the tropical outdoor heated pool or burn off energy at the gym. Nearby activities include sailing, fishing, jet skiing, tennis and scuba diving – plus there are five golf courses within 5mi (8km). The hotel offers free airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and free shuttles within 3mi (5km) of the resort.

Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa

Wicker and leather seating in the lobby at Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the ocean at sunset

Courtesy of Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort / Expedia

This stylish four-star resort sits on Punta Rassa, a peninsula on San Carlos Bay. You’ll benefit from tennis clinics, three outdoor pools and a spa. You can also take a romantic dinner cruise on the resort’s private yacht, or take advantage of the private fishing pier and kids’ club. When it’s time to venture out, explore nearby natural trails, rent a bike or kayak, or go birding and dolphin watching. The stunning beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands are also easily reached from here.

Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites

A view of the outdoor pool at Lighthouse Resort through the trees with thatched cabana beside

Courtesy of Lighthouse Resort / Expedia

Just a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico, Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites is in the heart of the Times Square entertainment district. The eye-catching, multi-colored exterior is in keeping with the fun nature of the resort. The poolside tiki bar is popular for nightlife, with live entertainment nightly, and one of the two heated pools also includes a 10ft (3m) waterfall. You can fish off the pier and then cook your catch on charcoal grills in picnic areas across the property.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

The pink facade and green shutters, with palm trees and cars, at Pink Shell Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach

Courtesy of Pink Shell Beach Resort / Expedia

With the hotel sitting on a quiet beach, guests at Pink Shell enjoy activities such as dolphin sunset cruises, beach yoga and stargazing. One of the three Gulf-front pools – a lagoon-style, zero-entry Octopool – comes with giant shells, underwater speakers, and waterfalls. If you’re a couple looking for romance, a four-course candle-lit dinner on the sands is a must. Want a change of scenery? Head to the nearby Bonita Springs Public Beach and Bonita Beach Park for fun in the sun.

Outrigger Beach Resort

Courtesy of Outrigger Beach Resort / Expedia

Bring the family to this hotel on the glorious white sands of Fort Myers Beach. The day’s activities might include hunting for seashells, playing beach volleyball or looking out for the resident dolphin pods. A beachside tiki bar features daily live music and, when it all gets too much, head to your climate-controlled room for a snooze. The resort also enjoys easy access to Bowditch Point Park, Lovers Key State Park, and Sanibel and Captiva islands. Times Square and the nearby outlet malls will keep keen shoppers happy.

Edison Beach House

The outdoor pool at Edison Beach Hotel next to the beach and ocean in Fort Myers Beach

Courtesy of Edison Beach Hotel / Expedia

The name of this boutique hotel honors Mina Edison, wife of inventor Thomas Edison, who was famed for the generous hospitality she showed at her Fort Myers home. Now, this hotel – right on Fort Myers Beach – replicates her kind spirit. The design pays homage to an old Florida-style home, while guests enjoy oceanfront views from private balconies and cook in fully equipped kitchens. There’s also a beach-front freshwater pool amid the finely landscaped grounds.

The Neptune Resort

Courtesy of The Neptune Resort / Expedia

Fort Myers Beach is just steps away, but there’s plenty of entertainment to be found in the Neptune Resort. There are two shuffleboard courts, two heated swimming pools and a fitness center. Alternatively, you might prefer to chill – sit on the beachfront boardwalk under the shade of the awning, before ending the day with a barbecue at the hotel picnic area.

Matanzas Inn

Boutique Hotel, Inn

Courtesy of Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort / Expedia

A short walk from the ocean, Matanzas Inn is on Fort Myers Beach and perfect for both quiet vacations and action-packed adventures. For the former, there’s a spa, outdoor pool, and hot tub – for the latter, a floating dinghy dock, complimentary bikes and kayaks, and on-site fishing charters. The restaurant, Matanzas on the Bay, serves fresh seafood and nightly live entertainment.

Legacy Harbour Hotel & Suites

Independent Hotel

The outdoor pool and a large thatched cabana at Legacy Harbour Hotel, as seen through the plants

Courtesy of Legacy Harbour Hotel / Expedia

With a marina on the Caloosahatchee River, Legacy Harbour is the ideal place to dock your vessel. One- and two-bedroom riverfront suites come with a kitchen, living area, refrigerator, cooktop stove and microwave. The hotel has a heated swimming pool and sizeable deck overlooking the marina and river. The exceptionally maintained grounds are also perfect for riverfront walks.

Looking for more? You can book a stay at one of these perfectly located beach hotels right here on Culture Trip. There’s plenty to keep you busy too, from exploring the best beaches around to trying out the top things to do and see in Fort Myers. Then, celebrate a long day out with a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Fort Myers.

These recommendations were updated on August 5, 2021 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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