Marco Island, Where to Stay?
 

We will be in Marco Island in Feb. Would you stay at the Marriott, Hilton or Radison? Or where else would you suggest in the Naples, Sanibel or Captiva island for great places to stay.

November of 2000 we went to Marco Island and stayed at the Marriott and really enjoyed it. There are several restaurants to chose from, 3 pools, beach activities and the room was good sized with standard Marriott ameneties. The Hilton, which is just a short walk down the beach also looked nice. We walked down there for breakfast some mornings to eat in their screened in cafe/restaurant. The beach on Marco Island is beautiful- large, white sand and tons of shells of all varieties to collect.

I just returned from Marco Island last nite. We choose the Marriott because I had points to stay for free. This is a very nice property, lots of space and the rooms are large and include a mini fridge which I always like. The hotel staff is very attentive and we got lots of help from the Concierge. The beach there is fabulous - very wide and long with non stop birds, pelicans, and dolphins...all kinds of critters to watch!! All of these hotels share the same beautiful beach.<BR>Good luck!

Hi Mary! Definitely stay at the Marriott, it is a super property! The Radisson is so-so, not as nice as the Marriott same with the Hilton. In Naples, the Inn at Pelican Bay is very nice also.

You will find little argument that the best place to stay in Southwest Florida is the Ritz Carlton in Naples, and probably that the second best is the Registry also in Naples. If you are into fine shopping and dining, then Naples is where you want to be -- also less crowded beaches than the resorts on Marco. Or if you are really into just staying and relaxing at a resort complex then it's hard to beat South Seas Plantation on Captiva. The resort hotels on Marco that you mention are fine and far less expensive if you still crave the "stay at the resort" idea -- and the Marriott is the best of the three for facilities. There is just little else to do on Marco. Another alternative is the charming complex Escalante in Naples, at the intersection of the two top dining and shopping streets -- 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South --also just two blocks from the beach.