Planning a vacation for end of March and noticed a really nice place in the Ft. Myers area - the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. What is Ft. Myers like - is it a worthy vacation spot? I have a family - 2 young children. We enjoy the beach and the hotel experience is critical - we don't like run down spots. The Hyatt looked a lot like a place we stayed at in Hawaii, and the rates were pretty good. Been to Marco Island - we're trying to do something different. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!
Ft Myers isn't bad, there's not much of a nightlife or anything but since you're taking the family you should have a good time. I prefer the beach in Sanibel for the shelling.
Thanks! I'll have a car - is Sanibel close? I believe it is, but not entirely sure. Is it safe to assume it's not really a spring break town? That suits us fine, so no strong nightlife is ok with us.
The Hyatt is really in Bonita Springs which is south of Ft. Myers. It is close to the airport (maybe 15 minutes) and right on the gulf. There is a great pool and recreation area the kids will enjoy. Close by is a very large shopping complex with a lot of dining options. You should enjoy the trip.
Hyatt is gorgeous, and has a great lazy river pool IIRC; it is not directly on the beach though. Sanibel and Captiva are nearby, great beaches and shelling; kids should like it. We'll be at Captiva during that time, rent a house off the beach..great week for playing on beach, sunsets, jetskis, fishing (rentals everywhere).
Iguana Mia is a pretty fun place. Delicious margaritas, free nacho chips and dip and half decent mexican food.
Sanibel, the Waterside Inn. Not far from the Bubble Room, and the kids will love the shells on the beach
The beaches in the area are ok, but the water is murky because the Caloosahatchee river dumps its water in the bay formed between Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island. The beaches north and south of Ft. Myers are much nicer and the water much cleaner. Look for places like Naples to the south and Sarasota to the North.
A new hotel resort was just completed in Cape Coral called the Tarpon Point Resort or such, really nice space with all suites. Here is a link: http://www.marinavillageresort.com/ Nice restaurant called Marker 92, outdoor on-the-water bar called the Nauti Mermaid, pretty cool spot.
Staying off of fort myers beach proper is a good idea in march, it is a bit of a spring break hotspot. and the traffic is just plan stupid then. Sanibel is a good choice as is being down south where you have been looking. A trip up to cape coral for the day to visit the water park (sunsplash) would be an idea for the kids if they are over 48" tall (i used to work there, trust me on the height thing). Have fun, and feel free to ask me any questions about the area as i've been here 25 years.
Sorry to jump in here but......... any recommendations, lets say between Anna Maria and down to Captiva for this time of year? (More like next weekend). Wifey has her 50th and I'd like to drive down just to get-away. Will only be Fri-Monday.
Stay on South Seas, its on the end of Captiva Island, its beautiful, best resort in FL. I used to live there. Eat at the Mucky Duck on Ande Rosse Ln, its right on the beach, Have Cake at the Bubble Room, rent Kayaks from Captiva Kayaks, Another good place to eat is the Lazy Flamingo in "Santiva" just before the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva.
Just an idea! Have you ever tried renting a House on the beach? Once you do you'll never go back to a hotel /motel. Totally equipped with all the amenaties of your own home. Usually cheaper. We rent one of our houses on the water during tourist season, but not in Fort Myers and we are rented through May. Not attempting to interest you, but simply giving you a different option. If I were doing Fl. in March personally would not do Fort Myers ( nothing there), but Sannibel is great, the beaches are great. Our family has done Sannibel for last 20yrs for at least a week. Great for the kids. Great relaxation for adults. Docf
Rick is giving you good info. Captiva is a nice island trip and South Seas is a good fit for your family. And hit all the spots he is suggesting....fun time to be had.
