Sometimes you just want a relaxing holiday near the beach and in the tropics. And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you visit Fort Myers in Florida.
This destination is famous for its beaches and its outdoor activities like fishing, water sports, and golfing. And it also has some awesome shopping as well!
This combination is what makes it so popular among celebrities and the rest of the traveling world at the same time.
When you’re looking for the best places to stay in Fort Myers, it might seem simple. You just want to be near the beach, right?
But Fort Myers has several beach destinations and it also has other parts of the city that offer an intoxicating mix of beach access, shopping, great food, and history. So, check out this great Fort Myers neighborhood guide and make sure that you have the holiday of your dreams.
Fort Myers is a great place to include in a Florida trip. Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Fort Myers.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops | Best Luxury Hotel in Fort Myers
Located in one of the best areas to stay in Fort Myers, this 4-star hotel offers a combination of convenience and luxury. It includes a spa and wellness center, sun deck, outdoor pool, gold course, laundry facilities, and a free shuttle service.
The rooms have all of the essentials and a few extras like a telephone and fridge and there’s an in-house restaurant where you can enjoy delicious, innovative meals.
Botanical Garden Home | Best Airbnb in Fort Myers
This house offers absolutely stunning surroundings and enough space for up to 2 guests. That makes it the perfect choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Fort Myers for your first time or on a return trip.
It’s surrounded by lush forestry and offers an elegant indoor space with a full bath, kitchen, and living room, and a master bedroom. It’s a little off the beaten track and the perfect place to stay if you want to relax in privacy.
Casa Playa Resort | Best Hotel in Fort Myers
This hotel in Fort Myers offers easy access to the beach at a good price. It’s close to local restaurants and shops and offers 35 rooms that are fitted with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers with kids or with friends, it’s a great choice.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers is famous for its beaches. They have everything you could want from a beach, from warm sunny waters to lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. And the Fort Myers Beach is one of the best of the bunch.
Downtown
The Downtown area is the best neighborhood to stay in Fort Myers if you don’t want to spend all your time at the beach. It’s located along the Caloosahatchee river, which is why it’s full of historical and ecological attractions.
Isla de Sanibel
If you like the beach but would prefer to be away from the noise and busyness of the main areas, then this island is for you.
Fort Myers is a relatively small city, but that doesn’t mean that it’s all the same. In fact, there are a range of cool neighborhoods to choose from when you decide to travel there.
Just be aware that the public transport isn’t the best, so you should stay within walking distance of the attractions you most want to see or hire a car.
If you want to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, then Fort Myers Beach is hands down the best neighborhood in Fort Myers to stay in. It’s close to other beaches as well to Captiva and Sanibel islands and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and accommodation options.
The second area to consider is Fort Myer’s Downtown. This is one of Fort Myer’s best neighborhoods for clubbing and restaurants, and it also has some amazing shopping options as well. It’s also a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Fort Myers on a budget.
Just off the coast of the city, there are some great places to stay in Sanibel Island. It offers the best of all worlds: great beaches, restaurants, shopping, and amazing natural areas where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Fort Myers
You might need a little help to find the coolest places to stay in Fort Myers. So, while you’re booking your trip, make sure you check the following areas.
1. Fort Myers Beach – Where to Stay in Fort Myers First Time
Fort Myers is famous for its beaches. They have everything you could want from a beach, from warm sunny waters to lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. And the Fort Myers Beach is one of the best of the bunch.
It’s located on a 7-mile-long barrier island just off the mainland. And the beach is wide, nicely sloping, and has sugary sand that feels great underfoot.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers for one night, then this is the best choice. But it’s also a good area to stay in if you’re visiting for longer.
There is seemingly no end to the outdoor activities you can enjoy in this part of the city. And there are also lots of Fort Myers accommodation options available close by no matter what much money you’re looking to spend.
Best Western Plus Beach Resort | Best Hotel in Fort Myers Beach
This hotel in Fort Myers offers convenient access to the beach as well as comfortable surroundings. It has its own private beach and outdoor pool, a playground for the kids, a golf course and air-conditioned rooms with all the usual amenities.
It’s also close to prime fishing and watersports areas.
Sea Ray Apartment | Best Airbnb in Fort Myers Beach
Located right on the beach, in the middle of the best neighborhood to stay in Fort Myers, this Florida Airbnb is a real gem. There’s a shared swimming pool in the complex, which is within walking distance of the beach and lots of dining options.
And the apartment also offers a full kitchen and complete privacy for 2 guests.
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina | Best Luxury Hotel in Fort Myers Beach
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers for families or on your own, this luxury hotel is a great choice. It offers everything you could want for a relaxed, pampering stay.
There’s an outdoor pool, a gym with a waterfall pool, a lovely terrace near the bar and a kids’ club to keep everyone happy. And the rooms are elegant, fully equipped, and come in a range of sizes.
Things to See and Do in Fort Myers Beach:
- Go swimming of course!
- Try some outdoor activities like fishing or watersports.
- Head out and spend some money in the local shops.
- Just relax on the beach or by the pool with a drink in hand.
- Head to the Downtown area to experience Fort Myer’s history.
- Visit the archaeological site at Mound House.
- Head up to Bowditch Point Park for hiking and amazing views.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown – Where to Stay in St. Fort Myers on a Budget
The Downtown area is the best neighborhood to stay in Fort Myers if you don’t want to spend all your time at the beach. It’s located along the Caloosahatchee River, which is why it’s full of historical and ecological attractions.
Unfortunately, the Downtown area is a fair distance from the beach, so you will probably need to have to a car if you want to make frequent trips to the ocean.
The clubs, bars and restaurants are awesome in this part of the city, which makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Fort Myers for nightlife. And you mustn’t forget about the shopping either, because the city is full of outdoor shopping centers and vintage stores that will keep you busy for days.
Studio Orlando in Fort Myers | Best Airbnb in Downtown
If you want to be in the Downtown area, this apartment is a great choice. Not only is it in the best area in Fort Myers to stay in for each access to all the city shops and restaurants, it’s also close to the Historic District.
The studio apartment is stylish, has a view of the gardens, and offers a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom that you can use.
The Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast | Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown
Located in one of Fort Myer’s best neighborhoods for historic charm, this 4-star B&B is just lovely. It offers a garden where you can relax and 5 rooms that are specially equipped for comfort.
Free Wi-Fi is included, and the B&B is close to restaurants and within walking distance of the historic district.
Hotel Indigo Fort Myers Downtown River District | Best Hotel in Downtown
This Fort Myers accommodation is 3-star and makes a great base while you’re in the city. It has a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, valet parking, a hair salon, and a booking desk so you can book tours.
There’s also a restaurant and bar so you don’t have to leave the property to have a great meal and free Wi-Fi is offered in the comfortable rooms.
Things to See and Do in Downtown:
- Head out to experience the best nightlife in the city.
- Spend a day on the beach, working on your tan and trying watersports.
- Go shopping and check out the vintage stores and outdoor shopping centers.
- Take a tour through the Edison and Ford Winter Estate.
- Check out the Burroughs Home and Gardens.
- Experience the local art scene, starting at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center.
- Take a boat trip up the Caloosahatchee River.
- Learn to sail at the Edison Sailing Center.
- Take a walk through the River District, the coolest area in Fort Myers and experience amazing food and a perfect mix of the present and the past.
3. Isla de Sanibel – Best Neighborhood in Fort Myers for Families
If you like the beach but would prefer to be away from the noise and busyness of the main areas, then this island is for you. It’s one of the best places to stay in Fort Myers for all types of travelers, from honeymooners to families, as it offers a great mix of attractions and activities.
And it’s just off the coast of the city, so you can easily head in there to explore whenever you choose.
Sanibel Island offers everything. It has museums, theaters, awesome bars and clubs as well as live music venues. But most of the island has been left to nature, which means you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities as well.
The fishing, hiking, and bird watching are absolutely first-rate on Sanibel. And as for the food? Well, as long as you choose the fresh seafood, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Island Beach Club #P1A | Best Airbnb in Isla de Sanibel
When you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers for families, this is a great choice. It offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with enough space for up to six guests.
It’s in the quiet west end of the island, so you’ll be able to sleep at night, but still close enough to the beach and other facilities for convenience.
Colony Inn Sanibel | Best Hotel in Isla de Sanibel
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers on a budget and still be close to the beach, this is a good choice. It offers bright, comfortable accommodation along with a sun deck, bicycle rental, and BBQ area.
The hotel also has a library, private beach, heated pool, and laundry facilities and each room comes with Wi-Fi and cozy furnishings.
Waterside Inn on the Beach | Best Luxury Hotel in Isla de Sanibel
This hotel is one of the best places in Fort Myers to stay for beach access and comfort. It boasts a BBQ area, an outdoor pool, and a café where you can get breakfast or a drink.
The rooms are spacious and welcoming and contain everything you’ll need during your stay.
Things to See and Do in Isla de Sanibel:
- Try as many of the local restaurants as you can and eat seafood!
- Head out for a day of culture and explore the local art galleries.
- Spend your days on the beach relaxing or trying watersports.
- Head out with friends to the local bars or check out the live music scene.
- Learn more about the local region at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village or the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
- Head out for a night of culture at the BIG ARTS Strauss Theater and see a play, musical, or comedy.
- This is the best area in Fort Myers to stay in for luxury accommodation options, so make sure you indulge yourself a little!
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Fort Myers
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Fort Myers and where to stay.
What To Pack For Fort Myers
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Fort Myers
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They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Fort Myers
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Fort Myers for nightlife or for a quieter, more relaxed stay, you need to choose the right neighborhood. And with our Fort Myers neighborhood guide, that will be much simpler to do.
Then you can get on with just enjoying your time in the sun and the sand! And don’t forget to do some shopping while you’re there too.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
