Best Beachfront Hotels & Resorts in Fort Myers
It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels in love with Fort Myers Beach. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers Beach is known for its white sandy beach, breathtaking sunsets, and laid back vibe.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo escape, Fort Myers is a great place for a beach vacation.
And it offers a variety of beachfront hotels and resorts to suit every type of traveler. Today we’re breaking down which beachfront hotel might be the best fit for you. Here are the best beachfront hotels in Fort Myers!
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
The Margaritaville Beach Resort is one of the newest spots to stay in Fort Myers Beach. It opened in December 2023, just 15 months after Hurricane Ian. And it is massive.
Margaritaville’s beachfront location has everything you could ever need while on vacation – restaurants, bars, and a perfect location.
Margaritaville is located right in the middle of all the action (some might argue that it is the action) right by Times Square in Fort Myers Beach. It has a tropical beachfront pool that’s lagoon-style. The pool often has live music and there are also cabanas available to rent.
If you want to experience the pool without staying there, you can get a day pass.
The entire resort follows a Jimmy Buffett theme. The hotel rooms are coastal-themed and the bars and restaurants give nod to Jimmy Buffett as well. On site, you have the JWB Grill, the License to Chill Bar and Grill, and 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill. But you’re within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in Fort Myers Beach as well.
This resort is huge! While the resort is beachfront, it’s spread out because of its large size and the main building is actually across the street. But it’s just a short walk to the beach, though (and there’s even a pedestrian walkway).
Photo: Hotels.com
Helpful Things to know:
Address: 251 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Resort fee: $39.03 per night includes access to the fitness center, in-room coffee, in-room bottled water, and pool access.
Pet friendly: Yes, cats and dogs are allowed for $100 per stay
Click Here to Book Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
The Pink Shell Beach Resort is iconically pink with large suites and private balconies.
This resort is in an ideal setting. Not only is it beachfront but there is also a marina on site. You can rent pontoon boats or take charters such as fishing trips, sunset cruises, and more.
If you like spending time at the pool, you’ll love this option because there are three pools here. One of the pools is adults-only. This is great because no matter the party you’re traveling with, you’ll find a good fit. There is a pool that will make families happy (the Octopool) while there’s also one that’s adults-only for a bit of a more relaxing experience. The Octopool also has a lot of daily activities.
They have a more secluded area of the beach than some of the other resorts and you have access to beach lounge chairs and umbrellas while you’re there as well. Their resort fee is a bit heftier than most resorts in my opinion, but most resorts don’t include loungers and umbrellas.
Breakfast is included with your reservation and this isn’t your typical grab and go breakfast, it’s actually a great breakfast buffet. There is an on site bar and grill, beach bar, and Italian restaurant as well.
Photo: Hotels.com
Helpful Things to Know:
Address: 275 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Resort fee: $59/day and includes wifi, valet parking, kayak & paddle board rental, bike rentals (up to 4 hours) and unlimited local and long-distance phone calls.
Pet Friendly: No
Click Here to Book Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Lani Kai Island Resort
The Lani Kai Island Resort is a family-owned beachfront resort. It’s been open since the 70s and is an iconic staple in Fort Myers Beach.
It has a great location that’s walking distance to Times Square and it’s beachfront right on Estero Blvd.
One of the most unique things about the Lani Kai is that all of their guest rooms have private balconies with beach views. The rooms are also recently renovated thanks to major impacts by Hurricane Ian in 2022 (the resort recently reopened after being closed for over two years after the hurricane).
The Lani Kai is known for being in the center of the action (this could be a con if you prefer a quiet getaway). I describe it as a lively place with an on site beach bar. They often have live music/entertainment. The beach in front of the Lani Kai is always a popular spot so if you like being in the center of it all, the Lani Kai is a great spot.
Cons: Their pool isn’t as nice (in my opinion) as the others on this list and the pool also isn’t directly oceanfront like many of the others.
Photo: Hotels.com
Helpful Things to Know:
Address: 1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Resort fee: $20/night and includes heated pool access, complimentary bottles of water, guest laundry room access, beach and pool towels, WiFi, discount on beach furniture rentals, boarding pass printing, virtual check-out, and streaming access
Pet Friendly: No
Click Here to Book Lani Kai Island Resort
DiamondHead Beach Resort
DiamondHead Beach Resort has a central location which makes it nice for enjoying the beautiful beaches and much of what Fort Myers Beach has to offer.
Diamond Head Beach Resort is a more upscale, family-friendly beachfront property located directly on the Gulf of Mexico along Estero Boulevard. It offers a more polished and relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the livelier resorts on the beach.
It has a really good location basically right next door to Times Square and local dining, but still far enough away to feel peaceful. Its also known for their friendly staff.
The hotel rooms are more like suites with a separate living area, kitchenette (including a microwave and fridge), dining space, and a balcony. Some rooms have Gulf views while others have views of Estero Blvd. The space makes them great for longer stays and/or for families.
There is a beachfront outdoor pool and hot tub, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
There are a couple of on-site dining options. Cabañas Beach Bar & Grille is a casual beachfront spot with live music and sunset views. Coste Island Cuisine is more upscale and serves seafood and contemporary coastal dishes.
Photo: Hotels.com
Helpful Things to Know:
Address: 2000 Estero Boulevard; Fort Myers Beach, FL
Resort fee: $35/day includes concierge and bellman services, self parking (one car per reservation), fitness center, coffee in the lobby and in your room, pool and beach towels, and WiFi.
Pet Friendly: No
Click Here to Book DiamondHead Beach Resort
Lovers Key Resort
Technically, Lovers Key Resort is on Estero Bay, not the beach but it’s a great balance between quiet relaxation and easy access to both the beach and Lovers Key State Park.
Lovers Key Resort is at the quiet, southern end of Fort Myers Beach right by Lovers Key State Park. The area is surrounded by water and is great for activities in nature – kayaking, biking, and exploring the trails while also having easy beach access.
All of the rooms are one bedroom suites. The rooms have a king bed, queen sleeper sofa, fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, sitting area, and a private balcony with views of either the bay or the park. The suites make this a good option for families and/or longer stays.
You won’t be as close to all of the restaurants Fort Myers Beach has to offer but there is a really good site restaurant, Flippers on the Bay. Flippers is open-air for an authentic Florida feel and serves American and seafood dishes. It is also right on the water with incredible views.
You also get free entry to Lovers Key State Park when you stay here.
Photo: Hotels.com
Helpful Things to Know:
Address: 8771 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Resort fee: $15/day includes pool access, beach towels, fitness center, internet, and parking.
Pet Friendly: No
Click Here to Lovers Key Resort
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Fort Myers Beach hotels and resorts provide a wide range of options. We have stayed at each of these resorts at some point before hopping on the Key West Express, which leaves from a marina just a short drive away.
From ocean views to more private options and large suites with spacious accommodations, there is a good fit for you. Hopefully we helped you choose the right resort to have the absolute best time on your Florida vacation.
