palm island resort
 

can anyone offer experience and opinion about palm island resort - near ft myers, not little palm island in the keys. <BR> <BR>i am planning on a trip next winter with 2 small kids. alternative suggestions would be welcome as well. we need something very close to the beach, full equip in kitchen and laundry, etc. palm island sounds great but kind of expensive. <BR> <BR>thisis a repost, my earlier message seems to have disappeared. <BR> <BR>

Steve, <BR>Did you get the one response to your last post? I believe it was mine, and I can send you my opinion again if you want it! <BR>Susan <BR>

Steve, <BR> <BR>Palm Island is a great beach get away. The apartment style units are pretty and well maintained. The only negative to staying on the island is that you have to take a boat to and from to get groceries, resturants, go to the movies or shop. <BR> <BR>We do 3 generation, multi family trips to the Island frequently - it has tennis courts, pools, bike rentals and a beautiful private beach. You need to be self contained for entertainment and food if you want to enjoy the island. If you want to be able to have easily accessable entertainment or eating Sarasota/Bradenton might be a better choice but you have to share the beach with the masses. If you are going in November-January time frame the beaches are not as crowded as in Feb-March. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps <BR>Aileen from Tampa

susan - yes, i saw your earlier message. thanks very much, it was helpful. <BR>

I think we are primarily interested in parking ourselves on the beach. but one thing i know i would like to do is visit corkscrew swamp. i figured a day trip for that. <BR> <BR>is there anywhere to eat on the island, or maybe i should ask if there is somewhere worth eating? <BR> <BR>what about supplies - anything like milk, etc. available? <BR> <BR>how long does the boat trip take, both responders mentioned this. is it a hassle? <BR> <BR>thanks for the help!!

Hi Steve, <BR>It's me again. My recollection is that the boat ride is between 45 minutes and an hour, each way. In my opinion, that, plus the boat schedule, makes it a hassle. A round-trip, with whatever errands you're doing, takes up a good chunk of a day. <BR>You might want to call to get updated info on this, but when I was there, the <BR>restaurant was very pleasant and casual. <BR>It was a good place for the family to <BR>get hamburgers, and for the adults to go back for a beer at night, but that's about it. There was nothing resembling gourmet food. <BR>There is a little store on the premises, but I can't remember if they sold anything perishable like milk. I do know they sold sweatshirts, because we all bought them -- it was in the 50's when we were there at Christmas time. When are you thinking about going? <BR>Susan <BR>

Steve, <BR> <BR>They have a 7-11 type shop on the Island. The food is a little more upscale in Brand name but less selection. We have bought milk, ice cream cereal there. They may have a shopping service that picks things up from the main land for you. <BR> <BR>I did not remember the ride taking that long. I thought the boat ride was about 20 min each way, doing a round trip each hour. I don't know if hassle is the right word, I just would not choose the Island as the place to stay if you are going to do a lot of day trips. <BR>It is a great place to lie and the beach and do some family bonding.