9 Top-Rated Resorts in Fort Myers

Estero Island is home to Fort Myers' best resorts, the majority of which sit on Fort Myers Beach, on the island's southwest coast overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. While the views are lovely from nearly any spot, prime rooms face the beach to the west for dolphin watching in the morning and amazing sunsets each evening. These full-service resorts provide guests with everything they need to have a great vacation, but those who want to explore the island can use the Beach Trolley, which stops at all the major resorts and attractions, including Lovers Key State Park, Times Square, and South Fort Myers. These beach resorts are also convenient to mainland Fort Myers attractions and are a great place to stay while enjoying the excitement of major league baseball spring training for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Below are a list of some of the best resorts, including favorite family destinations and places for couples looking for a romantic getaway.


1 Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

Photo Source: Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina

The twelve-acre Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina sits at the north end of Fort Myers beach at the edge of San Carlos Bay, offering suites and studios with guaranteed beach views. Guests are provided with a complimentary lounge chair and umbrella rental each day, and they can rent cabanas for extra sun protection or a fire pit for s'mores at sunset on the palm-lined beach. Rentals are also available on the beach for a variety of water sports, including sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and parasailing, and the marina offers pontoon boat and sailboat rentals, as well as sailing lessons. For those who prefer the pool, the resort has three, including an octopus-themed lagoon with a waterfall as well as a splash zone for little ones. Kids will also enjoy the activities, like arts and crafts, and the whole family will love the guided nature walks, volleyball, and bike rentals. Guests can easily enjoy their entire vacation right at the resort with complimentary breakfast, two excellent restaurants, a resort store that stocks everything from toiletries to beachwear, and even a grocery delivery service.



2 GullWing Beach Resort

Photo Source: GullWing Beach Resort

The GullWing Beach Resort sits on Estero Island's widest stretch of sandy beaches, offering one- to three-bedroom suites with beach, island, or bay views. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and dining area; washer/dryer; living room with sleeper sofa; and fully furnished, screened-in balconies. Resort amenities are generous, including complimentary breakfast, an outdoor barbecue deck for guest cookouts, a beachfront pool & hot tub with snack bar, a large fitness center, and free parking. For a day at the beach, you can rent chairs and umbrellas for lounging or be more adventurous with a water sports rental. The resort also offers recreational facilities, including beach volleyball and an elevated tennis court with lovely views. For those who want to explore, the resort is happy to lend guests a bicycle, or you can take the local trolley, which stops at the property.



3 DiamondHead Beach Resort

Photo Source: DiamondHead Beach Resort

The beach concierge service at DiamondHead Beach Resort is just one of the services that make this such a popular resort. With most of the activities launching right from the resort's beach, it is a convenient way to arrange tours and water sports, like a jet-ski dolphin tour or parasailing adventure. Resort activities include kids' programs, yoga, volleyball, bike rentals, and of course, relaxing on the beach all day with refreshments and great food at Cabañas Beach Grille. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available, and towels are provided for use at the hotel's beachfront pool and hot tub, which has a spacious sand-free sundeck and plenty of pool toys for younger guests to use. To keep your beach body at its best, you can use the well-equipped fitness center and then spend some time rejuvenating at the on-site Esterra Spa. Suites are well-appointed, with a convenient full kitchen, pull-out couch, and a minimum of two televisions, and each features a balcony that overlooks the beach, Gulf, or pool.



4 The Neptune Resort

Photo Source: The Neptune Resort

The Neptune is an all-suite, beachfront resort hotel that is perfect for water bugs with its two large heated swimming pools and sandy beach. Poolside, there are several covered seating areas for shady comfort, and all guests are welcome to borrow chairs, umbrellas, and even oversized towels for use on the beach. Resort grounds are lined by picturesque palm trees and include a beachfront boardwalk, guest grill, picnic area, and shuffleboard courts. A fitness center, self-service laundry, business center, and resort shop that carries necessities like sunscreen and ice-cream are also on-site. Guest suites are available, with either kitchenettes or full kitchens, and vary in size and amenities to fit your needs and budget. No matter where your room is situated, there are ample chairs on the west-facing porch for enjoying stunning sunsets each evening.



5 Pointe Estero Beach Resort

Photo Source: Pointe Estero Beach Resort

This condominium-style resort offers one- and two-bedroom suites that are perfect for a stress-free vacation, complete with kitchen, washer/dryer, private screened balconies, large bathrooms, and even newspaper delivery. Penthouse suites feature a private rooftop sundeck, and housekeeping services are available for all rooms. Guests are also welcome to cook and dine in the grill area, which is equipped with kitchen facilities, including a fridge and sink, with both indoor and outdoor seating for a home-cooked meal by the pool. For those who love the beach, there are lounge chairs and umbrellas available for relaxing; beach volleyball and sand-cruiser bikes for the more active; and water sports equipment rentals for the adventurous including kayaks, paddleboards, and wave-runners. For sand-free swimming and sunbathing, the resort features a large pool with a snack bar, as well as a tropical pool area with peaceful pools, waterfalls, and grass hut cabanas that sit like little islands in the lush green surroundings. The resort also has a tennis court, badminton, and cornhole, as well as game board and movie rentals for rainy days.



6 Sandpiper Gulf Resort

Photo Source: Sandpiper Gulf Resort

Both families and vacationing adults can be content at the Sandpiper Gulf Resort thanks to its two pools, one reserved for adults only. This newly remodeled beachfront resort offers plenty for everyone, from shuffleboard and beach volleyball to jet ski rentals, dolphin watching, and parasailing adventures. All guest suites are equipped with a balcony, kitchenette with a two-burner stove and full-size fridge, sleeper couch, and daily newspaper. Additional guest conveniences include the use of a pool and beach towels, poolside gas grills, a complimentary coffee bar, coin-operated laundry, free parking, and Wi-Fi.



7 Lovers Key Resort

Photo Source: Lovers Key Resort

Located on the northern tip of Lovers Key State Park, this resort has a uniquely private and scenic setting that is perfect for seclusion-seekers and those who prefer to enjoy the solitude of a private beach. All condo-style lodgings include daily housekeeping service, a private deck or balcony, laptop-sized safe, kitchen, and Wi-Fi. On-site guest amenities include a self-serve laundry, fitness center, babysitting, car services, and a lovely lagoon-style pool and hot tub area complete with a relaxing waterfall. The on-site Flippers on the Bay restaurant is open for three meals a day, seven days a week, providing a wide range of cuisine. In addition to resort facilities, guests can enjoy the many activities at the adjacent state park, including birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and guided tours.


8 Outrigger Beach Resort

Photo Source: Outrigger Beach Resort

The Outrigger sits on one of the most popular stretches of Fort Myers Beach and provides guests with plenty of lounge chairs for looking out over the sand to the water and amazing Gulf sunsets. The resort's Tiki Deck is a favorite spot, filled with fun tropical décor, refreshments, and live music, while the Deckside Café delivers right to your chair by the pool. Two-person beach cabanas are available for guests to rent, as well as bicycles for exploring the island. Lodgings are available to suit a variety of needs, from standard hotel-style rooms to efficiency suites with full kitchens. Centrally located, the resort provides easy access to activities like boat tours, water sports, and rentals, and it's within walking distance of Fort Myers Beach shopping and restaurants.



9 Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina

Photo Source: Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina

Nestled on the east side of Estero Island's downtown district, just across Matanzas Harbor from San Carlos Island, this small pet-friendly resort offers personal service in the heart of the action. In addition to a range of room and suite options, it is also a full-service marina with deep water slips equipped with electrical service for guests who are cruising through. Facilities include an on-site laundry, pool, and hot tub; guest rooms are equipped with full or smaller kitchens and standard amenities, including free movies. The resort is also home to two excellent harborside restaurants, including Petey's Upper Deck and Matanzas on the Bay.