We are planning a trip to Florida in mid-February '09. We're planning to stay at the Hilton Marco Island because I want to use hotel points. This will be our first time visiting this part of Florida.

Is a car necessary for our stay in Marco Island? It will be my husband and I (mid 30s) and our 1 year old son. We're planning 3-4 nights in the area.

I'm wondering if there are various eating options walking distance to the area. I'm just starting my research and planning. We really want to stay on the beach but need to use Hilton points.

Thank you!!

Here is what I like to do for research:

paste this: http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid...=1&sa=N&tab=wl

then click on the hotel on the map, when the small window opens use "search by" and write in restaurants. It will give you all restaurants (or anything else you type in for that matter ex. groceries)starting with the nearest one.

It is a long way from the airport to Marco, and rental cars in Florida are generally cheaper than anywhere else in the countryl. For the cost of limo/van transportation both ways, you will almost certainly be able to rent a car for the entire time. If you were renting a car for a week, this would certainly be the case.

Marco is very spread out, and if I recall correctly, most of the casual restaurants are not near to hotels, but others who are more knowledgeable may correct me.

There is a bus that does a circle route around the island about every hour. I believe it's about $1 for a ride or you can buy a few day pass. Call the Hilton and ask if the bus stops in front of the hotel.

As another poster said, the area is very spread out. Marco Island doesn't really have a "center" and restaurants and shops are really stretched out along Collier Blvd and a few other main rds. I would recommend a car, esp with a baby and if you are interested in seeing other places like Goodland, which has some popular restaurants such as Little Bar, Isles of Capri for Pelican Bend or Capri Fish House (both on the water), or even shopping/eating in downtown Naples. I think you'll be much happier with your own transportation. Just be aware that that time is the height of Season so there will be traffic, esp getting over the bridge and between Marco and downtown Naples.

Check with the Hilton and ask which airport shuttles service from RSW. Ackislander is exactly right that the price of transportation to and from the airport could be more than having a rental car for the week.

I am guessing Super Shuttle probably makes the trip. If so, get their rate and compare to the rental.

I'm making a guess that Super Shuttle would be at least $80, probably more each way. For $160 you should be able to rent a car and pay for all the gas for your entire stay!

Get a car, unless you plan to sit at your hotel the entire time. No, it is not a "walking friendly" area -- too scattered.

Thanks everyone. I got the feedback I needed to hear.

Unfortunately, weekly car rental rates are not too cheap like they used to be...we're looking to pay at least $200+ but we're also picking up in Tampa and dropping off at Fort Meyer so I'm getting charged a one-way fees. In any case, we're planning to rent a car for the week.

hermie, have you checked Dollar? Until recently the charged no drop off fees in Florida, although Ft. Lauderdale recently started one. Not sure about Tampa. Also I use a Dollar code of TARR in Florida. Worth checking out for your dates.

Spent our son's wedding weekend at Marco and you NEED/want a car!! Period.

hermie, I am surprised to hear you are being charged a one way fee. For many years we have picked up on the east coast (PBI or FLL) and dropped off in Fort Myers and never been charged a one way. I have always been so pleased Florida is one state that doesn't do that. I would call all of the car rental companies and check.

I would say a car is necessary in Marco Island unless you don't mind staying close to the hotel property and what is in walking distance. I know the Marriott Marco Island where we stay every February has a Hertz rental there if you want to just rent a day or two.

If you are looking for a low key beach days away and want to save a few dollars you could be perfectly content.

I checked and although Dollar does NOT charge a drop off fee -- it is the same price for one week returning to pick up location of Tampa as it is to return to Ft. Myers -- mid February is the absolute height of season in Florida. So $200 is likely about as good as you can do unless you have a good discount. (I see the TARR is not valid then.)

$200 for a week in FL high season pickup one place and dropoff another sounds REALLY good. Geez, guys, bargains are bargains.
HOWEVER, it might be worth waiting just a little. This economy is so unreal.