nightowl

Need some help in deciding where to stay. Flying in to Ft. Myers mid April for 5 nights. Was originally going to stay on Sanibel (have been there before)and it is nice but am changing my mind to the Ft. Myers Beach area (not the crazy crowded part). Am 42 but still enjoy a little nightlife - nice dinner at night with a couple drinks and some type of bar or entertainment for a little while afterwards. I think Sanibel closes down pretty early.

Important considerations:
nice beach for walking every a.m.
not renting a car so can get to nice restaurants/some shopping easily
clean nicely decorated room
nice pool
great sunset views
if possible, place that isn't all family/kids or young crowds

I prefer nicer resorts with things to do but money is in short supply right now.

Here are some of the places that have availabilities in Estero:

Edison Beach House (great prices newer complex)
Estero Island Beach Villas - found them through South Seas
Diamonhead
GrandView
BW Beach Resort
BW Pink Shell

Any opinions on these places? Will there be enough nice restaurants for 4 nights? Thanks!

etc0414

Nightowl; The Grandview is perfect. ( I live in Ft. Myers). You'll be right across the bay from Lover's Key. Gorgeous. You can always take the trolley into the "crowded area". Check on running times though. Diamonhead is perfectly located nearer the "crazy busy" area. Try Reese's for breakfast; phenonenal low prices. Salty Sam's Marina for drinks. The Channel Mark restaurant is great; so is Matanza's. Stay away from the BW Pink Shell. We found it to be disappointing and not so clean. Sanibel is having bridge problems and the traffic is at a snail's pace. The best pasta place in the world is Vicenzo's on the Bay. It's in Bonita Springs but worth the trip. Hope I have helped.

gail

We stayed at BW Pink Shell several years ago. About a year ago we got a brochure describing major renovations - tearing down a good part of it and rebuilding beachside villas - it sounded nicer than it was when we were there. Location is at end of Ft. Myers Beach so it is less crowded. When we were there I walked the length of the beach early each AM and it was beautiful - might be worth checking out.

nightowl

Thanks for the great advice. Please keep it coming. Is the Diamondhead o.k. if I would decide to stay? How crazy does that area get?

How are these restaurants? Saw them on some web site somewhere.

Anthony's on the Gulf & Junkano on the Beach
Gulfshore Grill & The Cottage
Snug Harbor
Chloe's
Pier Beachside rest
SmokeHouse

I would prefer better than average dining but doesn't have to be "gourmet". Thanks!

nightowl

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etc0414

Nightowl; Diamonhead is nice; Chloe's the restaurant in Diamonhead is nice also. Nice brunch. It really doesn't get that crazy; you can go on the roof of Diamonhead and have a drink and relax. Snug Harbor also has a top deck to relax on. Ft. Myers Beach is small, but typical. The Main Street area is cute with a nice pier, shops and restaurants.

etc0414

Nightowl; I forgot; Anthony's on the Gulf is ok; a great view and the food is fine. Close to Diamonhead. I think Diamonhead is going to be your destination. Enjoy

nightowl

I'm leaning that way (Diamonhead). Thanks etc0414!

nightowl

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