Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops

The Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops is a five-story, upper-middle-range hotel that caters to a wide range of travelers. That's due in part to the refreshingly colorful style in the hotel's common areas that's bright and a bit funky -- not always a given with the Crowne Plaza brand. The lobby features black-and-white checkered floors, contemporary sculptures, and colorful chairs that create a bright look. With 10,000 square feet of meeting space, this hotel is geared toward corporate travelers. For baseball fans there’s the Shoeless Joe’s Sports Cafe, decorated in MLB memorabilia. Popcorn is often provided in the lobby, and on certain weeknights guests are invited to evening wine tastings in the lobby’s lounge -- which has a piano for live entertainment. All in all there's a nice, social vibe here, which is especially helpful for the many business travelers that pass through and are looking for a way to unwind after their day working. Vacationing families and couples do pass through as well, though this hotel's lack of proximity to the beach is a notable drawback for those on holiday.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Regal Cinemas Belltower 20, and more than a dozen restaurants and 50 stores at the Bell Tower Shops. More chain restaurants are in the surrounding area. Many guests stay here to see the Boston Red Sox spring training games at JetBlue Park, while the Minnesota Twins train at CenturyLink Sports Complex, which are both about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. The drive to downtown Fort Myers and the Thomas Edison/Henry Ford Winter Estates takes 20 minutes. It’s a 25- to 30-minute drive to Sanibel Island and Fort Myers beaches. The hotel provides free shuttle service to Southwest Florida International Airport, which is 20 minutes away.

The 225 rooms at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops are pleasant with traditional oak-veneer furniture, red carpeting, green accent walls, and neutral textiles. It's not a memorable look, but makes for a fine-enough short stay. Each room features business-friendly features like ergonomic chairs, desks, and extra outlets. Most rooms also have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, microwaves, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, irons, and some have sofa beds. Club Level Rooms have bathrobes and microwaves, and access to the Club Lounge on the fifth floor, which serves a free breakfast and evening snacks. Executive Rooms also have bathrobes. Female Traveler Rooms come with DVD players, yoga mats, magazines, slippers, makeup removers, and hair flatirons. Bathrooms have colorfully painted walls, hairdryers, wooden vanities with granite countertops, and shower/tub combos. A generous selection of free toiletries is included as well.

As the majority of guests here are business travelers, it makes sense that this Crowne Plaza offers a substantial number of business services. There are 10 meeting rooms -- including a 550-person ballroom -- as well as a 24-hour business center with three computers and two printers that's open around the clock. Guests also have 24-hour access to a fitness center, which has free weights, exercise balls, and cardio machines. Outside lounge chairs surround a heated outdoor pool with tropical landscaping and a rock waterfall.

InterContinental Hotels Group members and Club Room guests get access to the fifth-floor Club Lounge, where evening appetizers and a free continental breakfast are served. It also has a TV lounge area. Sports fans can watch games on flat-screen TVs at the Shoeless Joe’s Sports Cafe, which offers terrace seating, indoor video games, and a pool table. Breakfast is served in a dining room -- though not included with standard rates -- and snacks and chilled drinks are sold by the front desk. There is a coin-operated laundry room on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and parking is also free. The hotel runs a free shuttle to Southwest Florida International Airport as well.