We will be having a wedding on Marco Island April 2--unfortunately the Easter week holiday. Can anyone recommend a good value lodging either on Marco or in Naples that might be available for 3-4 nights? Emphasis on value--prices quoted are really high and I realize it is still the "season" and to be expected. Thanks for any leads.

vanderbilt inn on the gulf. It is in North Naples. It has two restaurants and reasonable food prices. An older hotel but very up-dated and nice. You would be within easy access to the interstate to head north to Marco. Also, check VRBO.com for a condo rental.

I mean SOUTH to Marco.

Are you looking for beachfront lodging? If so, toss the word "inexpensive" right out the window. On the other hand, there are numerous "chain" hotels in Naples that will offer you good value -- Fairfield Inn, Wellesly, Comfort Inn, Red Roof Inn, Hampton Inn. All of those will probably be less than anything you'll find along the beach in either Marco or Vanderbilt. Of course, they will be along the busy 41 or other roads, but convenient to downtown Naples as well as to Marco. You will need to book way ahead for those as well, and don't be surprised if the ones in Naples itself are actually cheaper than the ones out by I-75 or at the entrance to Alligator Alley.

The only problem with Tandoori Girl's suggestion is that it will be at least an hour to even two hours to Marco from Vanderbilt during Easter week. There is no such thing as "easy access" to the interstate from Vanderbilt during peak standing still traffic at the height of season, unless you are traveling during the middle of the night.

Thanks guys and gals. Will start my file.

Hoping for a bit more help. Thanks.

Gretchen, I'd be happy to offer a few more specific suggestions if you give us a few guidelines. What do you really need? How much do you want to pay? Do you want to be near the beach? Would you prefer being in Naples or Marco? Would being a block or two from the beach in a "nothing" place be better than being on the highway in a "modern" motel?

Patrick, thanks. It is our son's wedding--it will be small and on the beach at the Marco Island Beach Club. We will maybe need 4 rooms--maybe a couple more. I have just gotten a list of the I75 motels but have not taken time to really look at it yet. Something closer in Marco would be nice I think with the traffic situation, although the bride's family does livein Naples. We will need 3 nights I would guess. It is a lot to ask at that time, I know. It doesn't have to be "cheap, cheap" but I am one to spend more on meals than rooms, if that makes any sense. We will do what we have to do in any case. Thank you SO much.