10Best hotels in Fort Myers and surrounding beaches and islands

Located in the heart of Fort Myers Beach and on the Gulf of Mexico, Diamondhead offers a variety of water sports and fantastic sunset views. Relax under the thatch roof at Cabana's Beach Bar & Grille, adorned with flat-screen TV's behind the bar or enjoy beach seating, under colorful umbrellas. More upscale dining is also available indoors. Diamondhead loves kids and has numerous activities to keep them occupied including an activity room, art projects and exciting Hermit Crab Races. Families can play volleyball and corn hole on the beach. If staring at the waves from the balcony of your well-maintained room is not enough relaxation, the hotel has a full-service spa to make sure even that last little bit of stress gets left behind.

This hotel is ideally situated for visitors who want to be close to the airport (two miles) but still have convenient access to other great Fort Myers offerings. Located just off of I-75 the Inn is right across the street from one of the hottest areas for shopping, dining and nightlife; Gulf Coast Town Center. It's also an ideal location if your trip to the area takes you to Florida Gulf Coast University, or Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins Spring Training games. Although not at the beach, it overlooks a large lake and has a refreshing pool. Guests can enjoy a fire pit, a restaurant and lounge where there is often live music, and a free shuttle that services select golf courses among other things. Expect the typical business amenities and a fitness center to burn those vacation calories.

Found on 23 acres of beachfront property, this resort offers wondrous views of the Gulf of Mexico, along with well-appointed rooms. These one and two-bedroom condos come fully equipped, including WiFi if you just have to stay connected. A full kitchen allows you to make your favorite romantic or family dinners. Even better, let the expert chefs here prepare something special at one of two, waterfront dining spots. Enjoy the wine room at the beautiful Thistle Lodge or BBQ poolside. Spa services can be booked privately in your room as well as seaside. Get active at the five tennis courts, a heated swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and although the resort is slightly off the beaten path, it is still a quick bike ride to shopping and nature preserves.

This stately resort is situated just off Sanibel Island, on 80 acres with a view of San Carlos Bay. Sporting both indoor and outdoor swimming pools as well as children's programs, babysitting, 13 tennis courts, and full spa activities, you shouldn't have a hard time finding something to do here. Walk to the spa through the mangroves, on a shady boardwalk, spotting all kinds of native plants and wildlife along the way. Enjoy yoga on the beach in the morning and at night, cocktails on "Charley's" terrace, or a sunset dinner cruise leaving from the resort's dock. The 320 rooms come with all of the amenities one would expect, there are even suites and condos on the property if you desire more space.

An historic Captiva Island property and longtime favorite of multiple generations, Tween Waters Inn and Resort stretches from beach to bay. While the main hotel rooms are comfortable, visitors who want a special room book one of the historic cottages; the Lindbergh being among the most popular. These nostalgic one bedroom accommodations feature screened in lanais, surrounded by sea grapes and native vegetation as well as full kitchens and other amenities. There's no need to ever leave this resort: it has beaches, restaurants, bars, entertainment, tennis courts, a spa, and a pool big enough to accommodate not only the guests but the locals who often arrive by boat to drink and dine. The beach is a short stroll across the islands main road, but traffic almost always moves slowly, as driver's strain to see the blue water and bright white sand.

A winding drive through Pine Island is part of the fun of getting to Tarpon Lodge. Staying here gives you a glimpse into the so-called "old Florida," days gone by, where time slows down and superb service takes over. The white lodge is surrounded by lush green grass, swaying palms, blue skies and lapping water of the Pine Island Sound. The vibe is that of a bed and breakfast with eight unique bedrooms, original wood floors, a fireplace, a cozy bar, and a top-rated restaurant. For guests who want larger accommodations and more privacy, the property offers a two-bedroom boathouse and a private cottage. Take a boat from the marina to neighboring barrier islands for the day. This is a place to unplug and enjoy the one you're with.

Downtown Fort Myer's newest hotel, this 12-story boutique property is the toast of the town. Adjacent to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center, the back of the hotel faces the downtown action, while in the front are Centennial Park and the Caloosahatchee River, for relaxing views. Find the best sunset views at Beacon Social Drinkery, the hotel's rooftop lounge. An indoor/outdoor fitness center and spacious pool are on the fourth floor; the deck is famous for monthly full moon parties. Dining is a big deal here with The Workshop, an innovative culinary laboratory, and the sophistictated Silver King Ocean Brasserie. You'll also find a coffee shop where beans are roasted fresh daily, and a southern diner. It's the perfect location for enjoying all that downtown has to offer.

This full-service resort on Fort Myers Beach truly has a little something for everyone with wide beaches, a bayfront marina, bike and boat rentals, restaurants, kids programs and a rejuvenating spa. Among other things, the Pink Shell is famous for it's giant Octopool, a refreshing water experience for both kids and adults. There are a plethora of water sports offered here but once you've had enough, you can retreat to the Aquagene Spa for some TLC and delicious smelling body products. Regardless of whether you stay in a studio, villa or condo, you'll have a view of the beach. The Pink Shell is perfectly situated on the north end of touristy Fort Myers Beach, a short trolley ride from the Town Square where people-watching is unparalleled and entertainment is plentiful. And just far enough away to offer a peaceful night's sleep.

This award-winning resort is much more than a beach destination near Fort Myers, its secluded location and wealth of amenities. The beautifully manicured grounds come alive at night with tiki torches and twinkling lights. It's also well-appointed for business travelers, as well as families with its on-site water park and associated activities. Rejuvenate at the luxurious, full-service Stillwater Spa, hop aboard the water taxi for the hotel's pristine, private island beach or enjoy exhilarating slides at the hotel's water park. Stylish suites and guest rooms overlook gardens and the breathtaking Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Whether for romance, business or family vacation, you'll find everything you need here, with the type of hospitality you might expect from such a stellar resort.

This luxurious, beautifully manicured beach-to-bay resort is situated on the northernmost two and a half miles of exclusive Captiva Island. Once you check-in, ditch your car keys and take a trolley from point to point. Or rent a golf cart or bicycle to get around if you desire. There are multiple lodging options including hotel rooms facing the bay and the marina, villas facing the Gulf of Mexico for spectacular sunsets, villas surrounding the tennis court with a private swimming pool and cottages around the nine-hole golf course, skimmed by the pristine gulf waters. Activities for kids are plentiful and the dining is delectable. Book sunset cruises and private excursions to explore nearby islands and all that the area has to offer.