Tampa or Ft Myers area
 

We have a late flight out of Ft Lauderdale after a cruise and are considering renting a car and driving over to the Tampa or Ft Myers area for a couple of days and just flying home out of Tampa. Such a big area, it is difficult to decide where to go! Is the drive horrible? I mean we have driven from OKC through Amarillo and NOTHING is as boring as that drive :-) We would like a resort atmosphere on the beach but don't really want to pay $400 a day...any thoughts? I fear I have Ritz Carlton tastes and Hilton budget :-) Looked at the Pink Shell in Sanibel and it was pricey but wondering if it is worth it. It seems to be the kind of place are looking for. Any thoughts?

Sanibel Harbor Inn and Resort?

The ride is no big deal.

You can fly home from Tampa or maybe from RSW (Southwest Florida Regional near Ft Myers). both are good airports.

If you decide on Tampa, consider St Petersburg, one of 2014's top destination according to the NY Times. If you choose RSW, you have Naples, Bonita Beach, and Sanibel.

Look also at Clearwater. There's a Hyatt and a Hilton resort, both right on the beach.

2 to 2.5 hour drive to Fort Meyers/Sanibel (a little further to Captiva) - closer to 4 hours to Tampa. so that should be a problem. Lots of places in those areas where you can stay on a "Hilton Budget".

Sanibel will be pricier than Ft Meyers Beach for budget reasons and you could easily fly out of Ft Meyers also...