Most Romantic Hotels in Fort Myers Beach, Southwest Gulf Coast

Tiki On The Beach is a pleasant hotel with a prime location on Fort Myers Beach, but there isn't much in the way of restaurants or shops nearby, and the hotel isn't within walking distance of buzzy "Times Square." The two-and-a-half-pearl inn’s 11 homey, well-maintained apartment-style units are comfortable and have beachy decor, but some feel slightly dated, with old-fashioned floral prints. All come equipped with roomy kitchenettes or full kitchens and separate living areas, though some bedrooms are a bit cramped. With on-site features limited to a guest barbecue area and laundry facilities, travelers looking for more amenities might want to compare rates with The Neptune Resort. 

The upscale 213-room Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa is located on the north end of Fort Meyers, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Matanzas Harbor. This self-contained, condo-style resort has several pools, including a kids' pool, and bright rooms all have full kitchens. Bowditch Point Park nature preserve is just next door, and the city's own bustling Times Square is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Breakfast is free, and the beach restaurant and bar are major highlights as well. The Pointe Estero Beach Resort has similar features and will be cheaper, but the Pink Shell's on-site activities make it a popular choice for families.

Lovers Key Resort is a laid-back, three-pearl property located on the outskirts of Lovers Key State Park. The resort’s 100 guest rooms have individual owners, which means decor differs considerably from unit to unit, but all offer roomy, apartment-style accommodations with one bedroom, a living area, kitchen, and furnished balcony (many with views over Estero Bay). The solid lineup of on-site amenities includes an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a well-liked restaurant, but the beach comes and goes with the tides and the independent ownership model can make for inconsistencies. Guests who prefer access to a better beach may want to compare rates and amenities with Outrigger Beach Resort. 

The yellow-painted Sandpiper Gulf Resort is a mid-range, family-friendly hotel directly on the beach on Estero Island. The 63 rooms have kitchenettes, dining areas, and balconies that in many overlook the beach and Gulf of Mexico. Two outdoor pools -- one adult-only -- face the beach, and there are shuffleboards and barbecue grills on-site. The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but free water and coffee are provided all day. Travelers seeking an alternative option with on-site dining may consider the DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa.

Situated on Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach, the Outrigger Beach Resort is a good mid-range option on the Gulf of Mexico. The resort is on the trolley line that runs up to Times Square, and the 144 rooms are clean, quiet, and simple -- many come with full kitchens, but some aren't as modern as others. With direct access to a wide, white-sand beach, a Tiki bar, restaurant and an outdoor pool, there's a good deal to keep guests busy here. Travelers looking for a more features can consider the nearby GullWing Beach Resort, which has a tennis court, but will be more expensive.

Wyndham Garden Fort Myers Beach is a pleasant mid-range hotel on a big stretch of white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The 103 simple rooms here are more contemporary than many hotels in the area and all rooms feature flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. This end of Fort Myers Beach is pretty sedate, and the bars and restaurants of Times Square are a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The popular on-site Pincher's Tiki Bar is a hit for food and drink, and the pool is large enough for a genuine swim. The Pink Shell Resort & Spa has more kid-friendly features, but rates there will be much higher and rooms aren't as fresh.