Don CeSar?
 

I am considering a trip to FLA (or Bahamas) this fall or next fall. I am looking for a non-stop, short-ish flight from CT/NYC and:

-4 star hotel (give or take) not too far from an airport
-on the beach (I have two little ones so don't want to have to cross the street)
-at least one pool
-prefer walking distance to other restaurants, shops, etc
-children's programs are not necessary as my kids are little and will be bringing my Mom for help
-somewhere warm in October!

I hope that is good enough info for you all to help me...also, my message title indicates my starting point as flying into TPA would be easy for us.

Thank you!

Sarah

Take a look at the Marriott on Marco Island. Nice pools, beautiful beach and easy to get to. The only downside is no nightlife, which sounds like it wouldn't be a problem for you.

You are right....no nightlife is fine with us!

Thanks!

The Don is a great hotel on a nice stretch of beach, close to all kinds of restaurants & activities.

The weather is still "hot" in October but not nearly as humid as July/Aug/Sept.

I would choose the Don over Marco any day. Much easier to get to all the little beach restaurants, attractions, etc. Marco is an hour's drive from the Ft Myers airport. At St Pete, you can hop on a trolley which runs all the way up and down the beach at all times, so there's no need to drive anywhere. I don't know how old your "little ones" are, but my kids really enjoyed a side trip to Busch Gardens when they were young.

Thank you for the help!

Linda- How close is Busch Gardens?

Sarah

You might also look into the Tradewinds, which while not as nice as the Don (Tradewinds is actually a series of hotels all under the same name), it is more centrally located, across the street from all the shopping and restaurants you could want. The beautiful Don is removed from that, about a half mile south of the shopping area - if that makes a difference to you. The beach is beautiful in front of both hotels, with a few more concessions in the area of the Tradewinds. October is usually beautiful weather, although it is hurricane season. But Tampa Bay's geography is such that we rarely see a hurricane come our way, 2004 being the exception.

I have enjoyed both of my stays at the Don BUT i would look at the reviews on TripAdvisor for both the Don and the Tradewinds.

Busch Gardens will take some time to reach by car..it isn't exactly right next door but as I recall less than an hour's drive. I think perhaps you should be looking at a map.

Busch Gardens is about a 45 minute drive from St. Pete Beach. Can be a bit longer if traffic is bad. However, it is basically interstate I-275 from the Bay Way to Busch Blvd.

Just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to help!

Sarah