The Best Hotels to Book on Marco Island, Florida

Miles of white sugary sand, a rooftop pool and the ringing of the captain’s bell at sunset – if that doesn’t set the mood for the quintessential Florida vacation, we don’t know what will. Hang around the pool deck and set your watch by the 3pm complimentary smoothies. If you’re staying during the summer, kids can request Turtle Turndown service in which they’ll learn about the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the shore and will even get to keep a stuffed turtle to take back home.

Why vacation once when you can call Marco Island your second home? Marriott’s Crystal Shores gives you the opportunity to get settled into the coastal Florida lifestyle with its vacation ownership scheme. Sleeping steps away from the sand will never get old, but don’t be afraid to venture away from the shore to discover local gems like the Calusa Park Butterfly Garden and Marco Island Historical Museum. Don’t worry – the three pools at Crystal Shores will be there whenever you return.

Some say that the sand is the best place to lay under the Florida sun. These people certainly haven’t played the two private championship courses at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. The Rookery and Hammock Bay each have sand traps and water hazards that’ll test your swing. Though kids golf for free, balls aren’t included, so your khakis might need to double as swim trunks if their drives end up in the drink.

No time to prep your beach body before vacation? Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort will lend a last-minute helping hand. Book a spa day with head-to-toe treatments, including mani-pedis, waxing, body wraps and facials. When you’re ready to work on your tan, strut to the shore and flag down the roving bar cart to order seaside drinks and snacks. Not too thrilled by the prospect of a sand-rimmed margarita? Simply order your cocktails from the Deck at 560 on the resort grounds.

A mix of Old Florida charm and contemporary comfort is nestled in the north at Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites. This quieter end of the island will treat you to award-winning gardens, a calming hot tub and the refined hospitality that’s drawn guests to this inn since 1883. Crevettes (king prawns), escargots (snails) and other classic French flavors at Bistro Soleil are within a few steps of your suite, but if you want a more Floridian seafood menu, you’ll find it next door with grilled grouper and triple tail snapper at Cafe de Marco or Lee Be Fish Co.

You remembered to pack your boat, right? The fantastic slip rates at the Boat House will lure you out of your room and onto the water day after day. Cruise straight to Keewaydin Island across Marco Bay or sail around Marco Island to the abandoned Cape Romano Dome House and explore the Ten Thousand Islands. During the few moments you do spend in your waterfront gazebo, you’ll be treated to morning coffee and sunsets over the water.

Marco Beach Vacation Suites is not oceanfront – but that didn’t stop the owners from bagging a piece of private beach reserved exclusively for your enjoyment. It’ll only take a few wet footprints to get from the pool to the sand across the street, with a complimentary chair and towel tucked under your arm. Every suite features a full kitchen, but it’s a crime to stay inside during a Florida beach vacation. Bring the booze and burgers outside for a little al fresco dining on the deck’s poolside grill.

Marco Island is a slice of paradise in itself, but Staybridge Suites aims to show you the best of Southwest Florida. Minutes away from Marco Island, downtown Naples and the entrance to the Everglades, it’s easy to fill your visit with day trips to the Picayune Strand State Forest, Tigertail Beach and the Naples Botanical Garden. If you aren’t able to make it back for the evening reception, we suggest at the very least stopping for a cocktail at the poolside Chickee Bar.