Clear, blue waters and soft, white sand greet visitors to the pristine beaches of Southwest Florida. With Culture Trip’s guide to the top beach hotels in Fort Myers, you can bask in the sun at one of the state’s top destinations. From the cabana-lined Fort Myers Beach to the more secluded Sanibel and Captiva Islands, take your pick from lavish resorts, comfortable suites and economical oceanfront rooms.
Each fully furnished condo at GullWing feels more like an apartment than a hotel. The suites come with a fully equipped kitchen, small dining area and comfortable living room, making GullWing suitable for week-long stays. Large windows and screened-in balconies fill the rooms with natural light and offer beautiful views of Estero Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. The wide stretch of beach directly in front of GullWing is mere steps from the deck and pool area. Guests will appreciate the amenities of home here in combination with all the luxuries of a beachfront resort.
Those looking for a Florida beach vacation on a budget will appreciate the Outrigger Beach Resort. Rooms range from standard accommodations to beachfront options, ensuring a tropical vacation in a comfortable price range. The Deckside Café feeds bar patrons with Florida favorites, and the tiki-themed Outrigger Bar makes it clear why this spot is one of the more popular hotels along Fort Myers Beach. The relaxed vibe and prime location of the Outrigger mean you can opt for a day by the pool or an afternoon spent exploring Fort Myers Beach’s shops and restaurants.
On the more isolated Sanibel Island lies Island Inn, home to both old Florida charm and modern accommodations. The recently remodeled 100-year-old inn retains the quaint beach theme. Stay in a standard room or suite, spring for a beachfront cottage (which can accommodate a group of six) or even the beach house that sleeps up to 12. The Island Inn’s pool is another highlight – the gated deck area is practically on the beach. The Traditions on the Beach restaurant provides a delicious seafood menu and nightly entertainment, making it a perfect spot for dinner and drinks before falling asleep to the sound of the surf.
Located at the north end of Fort Myers Beach, Diamondhead is a luxury resort for families. Children will be entertained by the resort’s organized activities – including ice-cream sundae making and arts and crafts – while teens will appreciate the on-site parasail and kayak rentals. With the kids occupied, adults are free to enjoy Diamondhead’s Esterra Spa or Chloe’s Fresh Seafood and Steaks. The proper living space makes for a spacious, comfortable vacation, and all of Diamondhead’s rooms have a view of the gulf, showing that a resort can cater to families without skimping on spectacular views and easy beach access.
South Seas Island Resort is a beautiful place to stay, where you’ll find everything you need to live that dreamy island life. Surrounded by a huge wildlife preserve, with dolphins and manatees making regular appearances, it really does feel like paradise. Fill your days with kayaking, sailing and boating, or cycling, golf and tennis. With epic fishing, shelling or strolling along the spectacular stretch of private pristine beach, this is a place where you can truly relax.
Pink Shell’s location at the narrow north end of Fort Myers Beach makes it a resort for fans of both gulf and bay. The on-site marina on Estero Bay offers sailing lessons, while the gulf side of the resort includes three pools and a stretch of sand just feet from the water. Pink Shell is more private than some of the larger resorts on the island, and the on-site Aquagene Spa radiates a calm atmosphere. All of the amenities of a full-service resort are on offer here, but this beach hotel is really worth staying at for its serenity.
Sanibel Island’s Casa Ybel Resort is a treat that immerses guests in its magnificent grounds. Unlike the high-rise resorts of Fort Myers Beach, this locale houses vacationers in two-story stilt buildings. The suites look onto the gulf, as well as Casa Ybel’s palm trees and manicured grass. The Casa Ybel-owned stretch of beach and Olympic-size pool border the comfortable rooms, the poolside bar and the fine-dining Thistle Lodge. Those seeking peace and quiet among Sanibel’s renowned beaches and wildlife will appreciate Casa Ybel’s prime location.
Sundial is Sanibel’s largest resort, combining the island’s impressive vistas with useful amenities for families. You’ll find three restaurants, five pools, six tennis courts and two bars at the resort. The on-site Sanibel Sea School entertains children and families with touch tanks and aquariums. Dining options at Sundial are particularly expansive, from the Slice of Paradise – which serves pizza, hot dogs and ice cream – to the new Shima Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. Comfortable suites at Sundial face either the gulf or the resort’s gardens, meaning every room has a pleasant view.
This pretty 30-unit inn creates an intimate setting beside the gulf. The no-frills Song of the Sea is welcoming and located in a quiet part of already-calm Sanibel Island. A free bottle of wine at check-in and complimentary bikes and beach chairs are friendly touches. Vacationers will scarcely want to leave Song of the Sea – and have little reason to, with free continental breakfast and built-in kitchenettes. Amazing views combined with homely touches and friendly staff make Song of the Sea the more personable option.
A favorite with couples and honeymooners, Lover’s Key Resort is secluded and romantic. Located on its own island across from Lovers Key State Park, the resort has spectacular views of both the lush vegetation of the park and the inland waterways of Estero Bay. Just over the bridge from Fort Myers Beach, Lovers Key Resort’s private beach feels a world away. The lagoon-style pool and waterfall are further highlights of this lavish spot. Complimentary breakfast is provided at nearby Flipper’s on the Bay – one of the area’s best waterfront restaurants.
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