3 day break to gulf coast

**Fairground** · 26-08-2004, 00:44

Hi All

I wonder if anyone of you experts out there can give me some advice? We are traveling out to orlando in 2 weeks and we were planing on a 3 day break to Fort Myers Beach.
Can anyone tell us the condition of hotels there (post Charlie) or any sugestions to a alternative location for a relaxing 3 day trip?

Thanks all Chris

**andrewmckay5** · 26-08-2004, 02:08

Hi Chris,
click on the villa links above and send out a general enquiry for Gulf Coast villas to see if anyone wants to fill a 2 or 3 night gap.Loads of good beach areas apart from Fort Myers.
I'm afraid I don't know how the accommodation is around Fort Myers but Rotonda is gebnerally ok.
Also may be worth posting in the Gulf Coast area on the forum for more infomation.
andrew

**Ruth** · 26-08-2004, 03:36

You are only allowed a minimum of a 7 day rental at Fort Myers so I would recommend trying somewhere like Rotunda or Cape Haze where no such restriction applies

There is also less damage from the hurricane there I believe. Like Andrew I would recommend a villa rather than a hotel

**Cruella DeVilla** · 26-08-2004, 06:22

Fort Myers Beach took it pretty bad. We flew in to Fort Myers last week, it has only recently re opened at the beach. Our normal hotel in Fort Myers is still closed. We are in Naples for 3 days at the mo, Sarasotta is also nice, but not sure about the damage there. It is lovely here in Naples and untouched but can be expensive.

**esprit** · 26-08-2004, 06:42

Longboat or Sisste Key off the coast of Sarasota. Plenty to do ( Ringling Musuem takes a day in itself, Mote Aquarium, Pelican santuary), great shopping and eating at Sr Armands Circle. great beaches. Not a villa type place so it will be a hotel job though, I think nearby Anna Marie Island may have some short term rentals.

**Fairground** · 26-08-2004, 23:35

Thanks all for the tips with special thanks to cruella devilla a useful voice on the ground so to speak. One of my original choices was Sarasota, but the reason that I chose Fort Myers is that i could squeeze in a day trip to Key West Via the fast ferry (Fort Myers to Key west direct about 3.5hrs). I would still like to do this if at all possible
As for accomadation There is only 2 of us traveling so I'm not sure that a villa would be cost effective. Having said that i am already thinking about next year[msnsmile2] when there will be 8 of us.
This year is my first visit to Florida a sort of fact finding mission.
A question to cruella devilla how expensive is Naples compared to Fort Myers (tight Yorkshire man[msnwink]) Naples would be faily close to Fort Myers, still thinking about key west trip. Can any one recomend any reasonable Hotels preferably near/on the beach.

Thanks for all help and a great site

Chris & Teresa

**Lyn** · 27-08-2004, 00:21

Hi, I have sent you a DM as I wasn't sure if we are allowed to give out hotel names or if this is advertising[msnscared]

**heathercobbett** · 27-08-2004, 11:15

Chris, we have done a big search for a short stay on the Gulf this september and have come up with Scorpio Bayside on St Petes Beach. Looks real nice with all bay views and tropical gardens. They are offering late deals.
Perhaps if other forum members have stayed there they can add their comments
We would normally rent a villa, bot as has already been stated they are not available for a few days

Earlier this year we stayed in Naples and enjoyed it but dont want that drive for less than a week

Hope that helps

**julieanne** · 27-08-2004, 13:34

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Fairground
Thanks all for the tips with special thanks to cruella devilla a useful voice on the ground so to speak. One of my original choices was Sarasota, but the reason that I chose Fort Myers is that i could squeeze in a day trip to Key West Via the fast ferry (Fort Myers to Key west direct about 3.5hrs). [/quote]

Sarasota is my favourite on the Gulf Coast - but perhaps thats because after many visits I know it fairly well. I would say perhaps it's a bit quieter than Fort Myers and Naples. Siesta Key & St. Armands are both well worth a visit.
I'm sure wherever you go along the Gulf Coast you will love it.

4 weeks till I leave for Orlando and 5 weeks till I'll be there in sunny Sarasota!! [msncool]

J