DivyaBela

Hi All,

We are a family of 4 (girls 10 and 7) who just decided to get away from snowy New Jersey for my kids spring break (3/27 - 4/3). Gulf coast of FL seems like a decent option for flights, but hotels are extremely expensive. The thousands of vacation rentals at the hundreds of locations, and the rental web sites have me completely confused.

Can you recommend specific properties - preferably with full ocean view and a pool - on a beach that is good for kids? Recommendations for reliable agents/web sites, or even just for good locations are also welcome. We want something clean and well-run, and want to spend upto $1500 for the week.

We would love to go shell-ing with the kids - I heard Sanobel is good. Any others?

Thank you all - you've always been a great resource!

DianeC

Have you tried VRBO.com if you fill one in, it will save all details for any others you fancy & the replies usually come back quickly.

garyt22

Start with an internet search for Sanibel/Captiva and Lee County Florida... those sites will lead you to accomodations... www.fortmyers-sanibel.com good luck

maribethp

sANIBEL IS great, but pricey.WATERSIDE INN is lovely. we just returned from Coquina on the Beach on Lido Key west of Sarasota.That is further north than Sanibel and maybe a little cooler. We had a nice time, but very cool weather. mThe large heated pool at Coquina was very nice. Look at it one the web. Not the Ritz, but nice..

maribethp

We paid 2400 for 8 nights. 1500 will be hard to find, I fear.

SusanMargaret

For the last three years my daughter and granddaughter have stayed at Silver Sands Villas when visiting us in Fort Myers Beach (we have a small RV). Silver Sands is within easy walking distance of Times Square, FMB, and its restaurants and across from the beach. It is a number of small cottages surrounding a pool and we have always found it great for small children. This year for the first time breakfast at a nearby cafe was included. The accommodations are very family friendly and a two bedroom cottage costs around $200 a night. You are in luck if you plan to come down at the weekend as the weather has finally changed and it will be hot for the next few weeks! Check out Silver Sands website and if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them. SM

KathyK

Try Siesta Dunes on Siesta Key (Sarasota area). This is a great beach and the Siesta Dunes property is wonderful. We have stayed at several properties on Siesta Key and this is our favorite. Most units are 2 bedroom condos. For $1500 you may not have a view of the gulf, but the buildings in the back are a very short walk to the pool and beach.

MollyinFL

Sanibel is in my opinion, the best! Get in touch with Select Vacation Properties which is on the island. We stayed at King's Crown, great condos, it is on the beach.

selectvacationproperties.com
1-866-455-0028

Rachel

We liked Siesta Key. Lots to do, great beaches. But you wont be on the beach for 1500/week. Not unless you get a really small place. For both beachfront and pool, expect to pay more. Also look at Anna Marie Island and Bradington Beach(the other end of Siesta Key) Also, many condo owners do minimum 2 week rentals in the Spring. I've used VRBO and also contacted managment directly, even if I found the rental on VRBO. Haven't been to Sanibel but heard it's beautiful.

AAFrequentFlyer

Siesta Key is a great family beach vacation. I love Sanibel/Captiva but the beaches are very rough to walk on without beach shoes. Too many shells which makes it rough on your feet.

Siesta Key has gorgeous sandy beaches that are walkable for miles. There are many condos to rent and you should be able to find something within your budget but it may not have a beach view from your balcony. That may be little bit more expensive.

Try www.siestakeychamber.com

beachtrekker

The Beaches of South Walton on the Florida Panhandle is a perfect vacation spot for a family with kids - the beaches are not crowded, the water clear and the sand is very soft and beautiful (no shells to hurt your feet). For accommodations, I recommend http://www.BeautifulBeach.com. You can find great specials for the end of March. You can also call 888-267-2121 (Dune Allen Realty Vacation Rentals) and they will gladly help you select the perfect place to stay. In addition to the fabulous beach, your kids will love the Easter parade and all of the activites along Scenic 30A.

cd

The Florida Panhandle is indeed a great place to vacation but in March, especially this year when Floria has had so much cold weather, I would go futher south. I love the St Pete Beach area. Some beautiful hotels such as Don CeSar and Tradewinds directly on the beach but they are expensive. There are other hotels that have good reviews that are more reasonable such as Alden. Check out the hotels and their reviews at: http://www.google.com/search?q=st+pe...rlz=1I7GGLL_en