We are planning a family vacation in June (18 month old, 6 year old). I understand that Watercolor is more upscale, but Tween has more of a Caribbean feel. We basically want a nice hotel with a beautiful beach and a good pool. Don't want it overly touristy with hundreds of high rises on the beach...Any and all thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

I don't know the Watercolor Inn and have not stayed at Tween Waters, but I have driven by it many times. If I were going to Captiva -- and it is pretty much the end of the world, which may or may not be a good thing -- it is where I would try to stay.

I would think these two resorts represent opposite ends of almost everything.

Panhandle area (Watercolor) SW barrier island (Tween), planned community (Watercolor is part of a planned built-from-scratch community)

Tween Waters is no disneyfied version of a beach resort, it is the real thing and many love it and probably many do not. It is not luxurious but it is clean, well maintained and a lot of fun. No high rises, no zero entry pool, etc.etc.

Have seen Watercolor when I was researching for planned communities and have stayed at Tween Waters.

HG

I went last year to the Tween Waters Inn with my 7 year old and 1 year old. The place is not luxurious but clean, HOWEVER, we left the second day bc there were a bit too many drunks in the pool. The Tween Waters has a marina that whoever docks uses the pool area.

Check out South Seas instead.

We ended up at the Bonita Springs Hyatt, kids loved it.

We stayed at Tween waters last May without 1 yr old and it was clean, great feel BUT not luxurious. The beach across the street was okay, but not great for families. There were a lot of drunks in the pool or hanging drinking, smoking at the pool bar who had pulled up in boats to dock, drink for the day. We felt uncomfortable laying out by the pool because it was so loud and cheesy. We wished we had just paid a little more and stayed at South Seas. Tween waters is great for laid, back etc but I don't think great for families. I think water color would be better for that. I know there are some newer rooms than ours but I thought ours at Tween Waters was a bit run down for the $$$. We would have liked it more for the party scene if we were without kids.

Watercolor Inn is wonderful! Upscale but still family oriented with a separate adult pool. The beach is fantastic-sugar white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. There are no high rises anywhere near it. Beach is never crowded.

http://watercolorinn.com/

They provide free bicycles (including bikes with training wheels and bikes with baby carriers. There is a great bike trail that runs the length of highway 30A

http://www.discover30a.com/tour/tour.html

Watercolor is a very walkable community, clean, upscale and attractive. You will love it.

If you click on my name you can probably find more info about the area.