My husband and I have reservations for 2 nights at the Marco Mariott (199 per night) and another 2 nights at the Hilton (199 per night). After reading some of the posts, I don't know if these places are worth the price! We fly into Ft. Myers Feb 7 and leave Feb 13. We want to visit my dad in Punte Gorda(but he doesn't know we are coming--want to surprise him). We like the beach but don't have to stay oceanfront. Is Marco too far from Punta Gorda? Where can we stay--anywhere from Ft. Myers Beach to Marco that would be reasonable?? I am going to check out the Wynstar Inn in Ft. Myers per Carol's advice for a night or two but am wondering if it is too far from the beach considering traffic and all?

Be forewarned, the traffic in Ft. Myers Beach is absolutely unbelievable. If you are planning on doing any driving at all, I would avoid that like the plague!!

Marco is a hike from Punte Gorda, if you are planning on seeing your Dad daily, or very often, and 41, though a nice road is sloooow going because of the number of traffic lights. Bonita Springs to Naples, only 18 miles, took us 45 minutes on 41.

We stayed at the 4 month old Hyatt Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. It's on Estero Bay (I believe it's called), not the beach, but they have water taxis that take you out to a private barrier island for beach--a 15 minute boat ride. Have no idea what their room rates are (DH is a Hyatt GM so we stay at no cost). The hotel is really beautiful, as are their grounds. They've got a spa and golf course too if those are of interest to you. Not even sure this is close enough to Punte Gorda to suit you, though. Boca Grande is closer as the crow flies, though still a drive.

The Marriott on Marco Island is very nice but I agree it is far from Punta Gorda. However, I would not recommend staying in the Fort Myers Beach area. It is very tacky. It is basically a strip of motels.

Sanibel Island. Nuff said.

Stay in Naples Fla. The town outclasses all towns in Florida. I'd stay at The Edgewter, The Registery, The Ritz Carlton, La Playa, or The Marriott in Marco. The Naples Beach and Golf Hotel is nice and more moderate in price. The Marriott is a good 30 minute drive from Naples which has good shops and rsturants. In Marco, I suggest eating a The Snook Inn. That is if you like seafood and a very casually atomshpere on the water. You will see dolphins! Another place not on the beach but in the center of Naples is a brand new Hilton. That may be a true bargain!