Naples/Fort Mayers getaway for February
 

We are looking to get away from the cold of the North East for a week in February. We have an 8 year old so are limited to the school week off. Looking for warm weather, nice beaches, peace and quiet.<BR>Based on some preliminary research we are focusing on Naples/Fort Meyers area and would love recommendations for kid friendly (not necessarily kid oriented with special programs) hotels with nice pools. Preferrably on the beach or within walking distance to the beach. Moderate budget.

Living in Naples I can tell you that this is not exactly the most "moderate budget" area in the state. The Ritz Carlton and the Registry Resort are the best and both have lots of kids' activities and programs but VERY pricey.<BR>There is the Naples Beach Club which is only a little more reasonable, but you might be some of the only non retirees there. The Edgewater Beach is also very nice and smaller, but again pretty pricey.<BR>A nice moderate priced place is the Island Club of Naples, also known as the Park Shore Resort -- but several blocks from the beach. It is actually a number of small apartments around a wonderful pool area and waterfall with a nice "family" sort of casual restaurant. Much less expensive I believe. There is also a very nice complex called Escalante two short blocks from the beach and on the corner of the two main "downtown" streets -- 5th Ave. South and 3rd Street South. It has the benefit of shopping and restaurants within walking distance.<BR>Most of the Naples beach is private homes and condominiums (along the totally accessible and public beach) which add to its ambiance, but doesn't exactly benefit tourists. I would think most of these places have websites which you could access via Google. If not and you're interested, email me and I'll provide you phone numbers.<BR>Fort Myers Beach is filled with motels and rental condos with very touristy strip mall type restaurants and shops. It is a far cry from Naples ambiance, but is appropriately a whole lot less expensive. Don't be fooled by things which are actually in Ft. Myers -- a long traffic-clogged drive in season to the beach.<BR>Sanibel is the same distance from Ft. Myers as Ft. Myers Beach, and is more laid back and remote (spectacular beaches and shelling) but starts approaching the Naples price range.

The Marriott at Marco Island has a top notch kid's program. The Radisson on Marco also has a children's program, but the facility IMO is just ok, nothing spectacular.

how are you arriving? Naples/ Marco aren't easy to get to. Ft. Myers has an airport but none of these are major airports which might make the trip more expensive.

Think about the Bonita Beach area. Not quite as pricey as Naples and not as crowded as Fort Meyers Beach. Bonita Beach is located between Fort Meyers and Naples. Sorry, can't be specific on a place,never stayed in a place with kids program, but many places for rent on beach.