Known as the City of Palms, Fort Myers is a Southwest Florida city on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Tourists come to Fort Myers to enjoy its spectacular sandy beaches, rich fishing, excellent golf courses, and the story of two American icons: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. But it’s not enough just to know what sites to see—you need to know where to stay in Fort Myers on your next visit!
Luckily, there is plenty to do in Fort Myers, Florida, for both adults and kids. Kids will enjoy visiting the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter estates and learning about these two American greats, especially on a rare rainy day. As for places to stay, you don’t need to search any longer. Below I have listed the best places to stay in Fort Myers, whether you’re traveling with family or solo, on a budget or living in luxury.
Where to Stay in Fort Myers, Florida
There are so many options for superb accommodations in Fort Myers that any list can only be a small and subjective suggestion.
Manatee Bay Inn is a charming waterfront bed & breakfast-style inn. It is located on a quiet street in Estero Island, near the Old San Carlos Boulevard lively entertainment district. The inn is only a short walking distance from several stunning white beaches on the Gulf. Additionally, Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club is only a short drive from the inn.
The inn has six apartments beautifully decorated in island style. All apartments overlook the pool or the lagoon and have private entrances. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette or kitchen, a private bathroom, and private patio or balcony. All rooms have free wifi and cable TV. Some rooms also have a separate living area with a sofa bed.
Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a continental breakfast. The Manatee Bay Inn is charming enough for a romantic retreat and spacious and comfortable enough for families with kids.
Harbour House at the Inn is a condominium hotel with 34 individually decorated and owned one- and two-bedroom suites. Located only steps from Ft. Myers Beach, this hotel has an on-site boat dock.
All suites at the Harbor House at the Inn have flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, a full kitchen, and an MP3 station.
Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, covered garage parking, and free daily papers. The Inn’s Matanzas Inn waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood and American cuisine. There is also Beach Pierside Grill on site.
All guests are invited to the manager's weekly reception that offers snacks and drinks.
The Harbor House is particularly suitable for families with kids and those who appreciate privacy.
Located right on Fort Myers' seven-miles-long sandy beach, Tiki on the Beach is a quiet, small hotel made of two buildings with a charming brick courtyard between them. Just enough away from the downtown hustle and bustle, this hotel is popular with those who prefer a bit of quiet and peaceful sunsets on the hotel’s private beach. The city entertainment and shopping areas are 19 miles away. Naples, Florida, is 25 miles away.
Tiki rooms are not usual hotel rooms. They are small, self-contained apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette, bedroom, living area, and private screened balcony. All apartments are air-conditioned, have a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and a DVD player.
Tiki on the Beach is charming, laid-back, and perfect for families with kids who can spend the whole day playing in the sand.
The Gulfview Manor Resort is located on Estero Island on the shores of Fort Myers Beach. The resort is about 5 km from the Matanzas Pass Preserve and within walking distance from the lively Fort Myers Beach Times Square and its restaurants and bars. Gulfview Manor Resort is also about 4 km from Lovers Key State Park, a short walk from Mid Island Water Sports, and a 15-minute drive from Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf.
Guests can choose between one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a Gulf view, full kitchen, living room, dining room, and screened-in balcony. There is free wifi, a laundry room, and gas grills on the ground level. Guests can also use a computer and fax in the office in the lobby. There is also an outdoor pool.
In addition, guests renting the lower-level rooms can bring their pets.
Located on the western shore of Estero Island, Edison Beach House is a luxury, all-suite hotel overlooking the magical Gulf of Mexico. It is only 1.1 miles from Bunche Beach and is surrounded by a lush garden.
All suites at the hotel have a seating area, a kitchen, a flat-screen TV, a kitchen, a private bathroom, a dining area, free wifi, and a desk.
Guests can enjoy a common terrace, swimming pool, free parking, and barbecue facilities.
Located right on the Gulf of Mexico and overlooking the massive Fort Myers Beach, the Neptune Resort is only a short drive from Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club and within walking distance from the shops, restaurants, and bars of Fort Myers' Times Square.
The Neptune Resort consists of one-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, coffee-making facilities, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, barbecue grills, picnic areas, a fitness center, and a gift shop.
This resort is very popular with families with kids because of the proximity to the beach.
Dolphin Inn is located on the beautiful Estero Island in Fort Myers. The inn is about a 10-minute drive from Fort Myers city center, 3.1 miles from Matanzas Pass Preserve, and about a 15-minute drive from Estero Bay State Park. The beach and the Gulf of Mexico are only a 3-minute walk away.
Dolphin Inn rooms have been recently renovated and are beautifully decorated with comfortable, colorful furnishings. They have fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, a cable TV, in-room movies, free local phone calls, sofa beds, and beach towels.
Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool, tennis court, concierge services, barbecue grills, a boat dock, kayaks, and a launderette.
Overlooking Estero Bay, Lover’s Key Resort is an all-suite hotel. This hotel is located 3 miles from Lover's Key State Park where manatees, dolphins, and bald eagles are a delight to the visiting kids!
The suites here are island-inspired with comfortable, colorful décor. Most rooms have water views. Each suite has a separate living area with a pull-out sofa, a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, flat-screen TVs, and balconies. Upgraded units also have whirlpool tubs.
Guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, free parking, the private beach, a heated pool with a waterfall, a hot tub, and a gym. This resort also has an open-air restaurant and a popular bar on the bay.
Lover’s Key Resort is popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway with all facilities.
Lani Kai Island Resort is a lively oceanfront hotel about 1.2 miles from Bowditch Point Park and less than a 15-minute drive from Lovers Key State Park. With three restaurants overlooking the beach and seven beach bars, the resort is a big hit with the Spring Break crowd.
The rooms are bright and modern and have private balconies with a view of the Gulf. Some have pull-out sofas, microwaves, coffee machines, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Studios have kitchenettes and dining areas, and one-bedroom suites have full kitchens and spacious balconies.
Guests can enjoy a heated pool, a kids’ playground, and a fun water sports center. There is daily live music, three tiki bars, and a popular nightclub. The two rooftop restaurants have a spectacular view of the Gulf. The resort also has its own ice cream shop!