We are looking at a vacation rental in Hammock Bay which I believe was formerly Marco Shores. I think it's quite close to Marco Island. I'm trying to find out if this will be a "nice" area of Naples? We want to be able to do some biking, walking etc. Also want to be handy to visit friends who live in Ft. Myers. Thanks.

Hammock Bay is right off 951 (Collier Blvd.)almost in Marco Island. It is essentially a golf community with lots of new condos and building going on. It looks to be quite upscale and the advertised prices of the real estate reflect that. You would not be within walking distance of any shopping areas but could certainly bike around the community itself. Marco is about a 5 min drive and the 5th Ave area of Naples would be about 20-40 min or so, depending on traffic. Ft. Myers about 60 min, again depending on traffic. 951 and 41 can get very crowded during Season.

When are you planning on giving your deposit for your rental? Remember that Hurricane Wilma has Marco Island exaclty in its crosshairs. (We have a house up the road a bit, in Bonita Springs.) Good luck to all of us.

To answer your question if this area is "nice", I would say no. It's close to Marco but I would not consider it to be close to the initmate charm of downtown Naples or even Marco.

If you can stay in Naples or a bit north, you would be much closer to Ft. Myers.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for. While it is an upscale community, it is for those who want to play golf and tennis every day. Anything else is a car ride away. Frankly when I travel I like being more in the "thick of things", whether it be a commercial area of restaurants and shops or right on the beach.

Patrick, I'm hoping that you and your mom won't be in the thick of Wilma. She's cooled down to 110 mph. Not as dicey as it was.

Tandoori Girl, you may have missed my other posts about my mom passing away last Sunday. But thanks for your kind thoughts. We're about as prepared as one can be for Wilma.

Sorry to "make use" of this thread but I just read Patrick's posting from 10/23. I am so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. It must be especially difficult with all the upheaval from Wilma. I hope you are bearing up in all sences.
Hoggy