We are looking at spending a week in February on the Florida west coast. We will be flying into Tampa and flying back out of Fort Myers. I was thinking of spending the first night in Clearwater, someplace not too terribly far from the airport, since we will be flying through Chicago (fairly short layover), just incase we arrive and our luggage doesn't. Then me plan on a couple of nights in the Sarasota area, before the last four nights in the Fort Myer/Sanibel/Naples area. Would we do better to spend a couple of nights in the Tampa Area and knock a day off of the Fort Myers area? While staying in the Fort Myer area, would we do better to stay in one place and let it serve as a base, or maybe a couple of nights each in Fort Myers and Naples?

Lots of good choices in Sarasota - Radisson is right on Lido Beach, Long Boat Key Club for golfers & tennis players, Ritz Carlton for elegance. Just returned from the Naples area - great downtown area & great beaches. I like it much better than Ft. Myers.

Thanks, I will check into the Radisson. Do you know anything about the Hyatt downtown?

The Hyatt in downtown Sarasota is on the water, but it's not on any beach. The closest beach would be on Lido Key which is about 2 miles away over the bridge.

The hotel itself is fine. After the Ritz-Carlton opened the Hyatt was forced to do a major renovations, so it's a nice place and it does have a pool, but if you're looking for a beach place then this is not it. OTOH, you're within walking distance to many great restaurants, galleries, shops and bars in the downtown area.

So it depends on what you're looking for.

I would also suggest Siesta Key. Most places will require at least a week stay but there are couple that will rent by the day. No major hotel chains, just bunch of condos but the beach is beautiful and it's possible to get a beach side condo at reasonable prices.

If you're looking at a beach place then also look into Hilton Long Boat Key.

I prefer the south to the Tampa area. So I'd spend more time heading down there. There are some beautiful spots, Boca Grande one of my favorite! There are quite a few places on the beach with beautiful beaches and fantastic fishing. Boca Grande club is a nice condo community with a few pools, a restaurant and an amazing stretch of beach. I'd spend at least 3 days there before heading to Ft. Myers area.

Just a question about when in Feb. Tampa is hosting the Super Bowl this year and there are also some fun events in Tampa in Feb like the Gasparilla Night Parade but it depends on when you will be there.